I was comparing a top view of a 1/48th scale model of the N1K1-J and the AH N1K2-J, and after reading SOB's post on how they used the same wing I went looking myself.
Also, while doing a few comparisons of the N1K1-J and the A6M5, I found them to practically identical planes, save the engine cowling, ailerons, slightly thicker wing chord in the Zero, and of course the combat flaps on the N1K1-J vs the much smaller split flap surface of the Zero. The N1K1 also has a slight gull shape to the wings. From above, the two planes are practically identical, save three feet more in span of the N1K2, takeing up by the flarings that of where the wing joins the fuselage (and a slightly wider body, while still retaining the shape)
Taking that into consideration, I took screen shots of the N1K2 and Zero in AH, given that their wings should be practically the same in shape and size:
Now looking at these two, the general shape is different, it appears that the wings on the N1K2 in AH become narrower then they should be towards the wing tips, and the wing tips are just plain off. The flaps, seen deployed, only come halfway up the width of the aileron, but should continue to match the aileron hinge, seen here, from underneath:
Note the shape of the wing as well, and here:
On another note, I found this about the flap system:
A unique design feature was wing flaps which operated automatically to increase "lift" when necessary during extreme maneuvers. The device, operated with electricity and oil pressure using a U-shaped tube containing mercury, was an important factor in the aircraft's maneuverability in combat. http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/air_power/ap18a.htm and
Maneuverability, boosted by automatic combat flaps activated by mercury manometer that measured angle of attack, almost unbelievable accurate system. http://www.aviation-history.com/garber/vg-bldg/kawanishi_N1K2-2_f.html So apparently there was no second flap system for landing, split flaps or otherwise, but I believe there was some form of override. In other words the manual flaps of the AH N1K2-J are apparently bogus. The ones that deploy manually in AH are the combat flaps but again this is just the lack of a visual cue. However, the flaps due induce drag when deployed. I did the following test:
1K, 50% fuel, contstant manifold pressure at 25:
Fully deployed: 112MPH
3 Notchs down : 136MPH
Clean : 200MPH
given 1-2 min to stabalize after reaching the said speeds.
It definately looks as if something is wrong with this, whether the combat flaps already have drag modeled, and the manual flaps was a left over part of the George model that was never removed, or the combat flaps do not have the drag, which only occurs when the flaps are lowered manually. This assumes, however, that the added manuverability of the N1K2's combat flaps are already modeled.
- Jig
[This message has been edited by Jigster (edited 12-06-2000).]
