[Coming Soon] N1K2-J Shiden-Kai: Lightning over the Philippines

The Big and Medium Trophies of the Aviation Campaign contains a fast Japanese fighter with four autocannons!

Historical Note

The N1K2-J Shiden Kai (Jp. “purple lightning, improved”) was a major upgrade of the first model in the well-known series of Japanese land-based naval fighters. The wing was lowered to improve flight and landing characteristics, and the fuselage design was significantly lightened. Overall, the aircraft received a good increase in speed characteristics and greater reliability.

After being adopted by the Imperial Navy, the aircraft was immediately deployed as an interceptor against American Hellcats and bomber aircraft. By the time of Japan's surrender, more than 1,400 Shiden fighters had been produced.

N1K2-J (Rank VIII)

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: good climb rate and excellent maneuverability, 4x20 mm autocannons, suspended weapons.
Weaknesses: mediocre maximum speed.
Opportunities: master of high-altitude maneuvering combat, good versatility.
Threats: high-speed fighters.

In battle

The first glance at this fighter doesn't really show that its direct predecessor was a clunky seaplane with massive floats. In the game, the N1K2-J Shiden Kai is one of the best Japanese land-based fighters of World War II.

The N1K2-J has fairly mediocre speed for its VIII rank, but is able to quickly gain altitude. It features excellent maneuverability across the entire altitude range. When faced with the temptation to flee from an attacking enemy or engage in a maneuverable dogfight, an experienced Shiden Kai pilot will always choose the latter. The N1K2-J maintains its mediocre speed well in turns, and this makes it a difficult opponent in dogfights.

The N1K2-J's main armament will be x4 20 mm cannons in wing slots. Compared to other late-war cannons, the Type 99 Model 2 autocannons are slightly inferior in fire rate, but have a very large ammo capacity. This is more than enough for 2-3 duels. In addition, the N1K2-J can carry suspended weapons, such as massive unguided missiles and 250-kg bombs. This allows the aircraft to be used as a light strike aircraft with a good chance of finding targets both on the ground and at low altitudes.

The N1K2-J is a pretty well-balanced fighter that gives its pilot a lot of tactical options. Quickly gaining altitude and diving on enemies below, turning fights at medium altitudes, assaulting and fighting close to the ground – the Shiden Kai has everything it needs to shine in any role!

Premium ♠N1K2-J♠︎ (Rank VIII)

The Premium variant is an extra plane for your roster! The premium aircraft maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With the premium aircraft, you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

To unlock the standard aircraft, you need to collect 1,000 blueprints.

Here’s how you can get them:

In Medium Trophy: Chance to receive 700 aircraft blueprints in the jackpot, or 10 to 100 per attempt. Each attempt also grants a small chance to unlock the aircraft instantly.
In Big Trophy: Chance to receive 700 aircraft blueprints, or 80 to 200 blueprints per attempt.
Via the in-game store: Getting the Blueprints Folder for Silver Lions grants a chance to receive some blueprints for the standard variant even after the season ends.
In special offers.

As for the premium aircraft:

Every Big Trophy attempt has a minor chance to unlock the plane instantly.
By reaching the top-10 in the Aircraft Leaderboard.
You can also find this plane in some special offers.

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The N1K2-J (Rank VIII) aircraft will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.