N1K2-Ja with four 250kg bombs might help balance semi-historical setups

[Karnak]

According to the National Museum the N1K2-Ja could carry four 250kg bombs.  If this is accurate, it seems to me that it would be a very good change for the N1K2-J as one of the largest balance issues between the US forces and Japanese forces in semi-historical setups is the lack of a Japanese fighter bomber that carries a competitive warload.  This would address that.  As such, I suggest changing the N1K2-J to an N1K2-Ja.

KAWANISHI N1K2-JA SHIDEN KAI (GEORGE)
TECHNICAL NOTES (N1K2-Ja):
Armament: Four Type 99-2 20mm cannon and four 551-lb. bombs
Engine: 1,990 hp Nakajima NK9H Homare
Maximum speed: 369 mph

[Krusty]

My only problem with that is that museums get things wrong more often than they get them right.

Otherwise I agree the Japanese planeset needs a better ground attacker.

In general it's relatively rare (just design wise) to have a major fighter with 2 heavy-duty hardpoints under each wing. Often multiple smaller ords, but just 1 big ord.


So... who's the resident George expert? Anybody got any references they can check?

[AKDogg]

Well, I no expert but my book I have says a N1K2-Ja had 4 20mm in pairs inside wing with more ammunition, 2 550lb (250kg) bombs underwings or 6 rockets under fuselage.  Later prototypes had heavier armament.

[Mister Fork]

My reference material from my N volume of Weapons of Warfare: (C) 1976. Times publishing.
N1K2-Ja/Multi-role figher-bomber version. Four (4) 250 kg bombs. 4 x 20mm wing cannons. Total Produced: 415

It's also the reference used in Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawanishi_N1K-J) to confirm production numbers, though in greater detail. 415 is no rare aircraft. Perhaps a variant like the Bf-109?

[AKDogg]

Total Produced: 415[/i]

Both my books I have on it says 426 total built.  362 from Naruo, 44 from himeji and 20 more from various other company's (Approx 10 from navy arsenals, and 10 from 4 other company's)

[321BAR]

Otherwise I agree the Japanese planeset needs a better ground attacker.

I can't think of ANY japanese planes that would be considered this over fighter...N1K could be one but it is still very light and it's no Bf110

[waystin2]

Two thumbs up HTC.    Should be an easy change to implement.

[Krusty]

**IF** it really is the case, waystin.

[waystin2]

I saw this post from Karnak in Aircraft forum, and I suggested that it should be moved to the wishlist.  I said
I would support it, as you say **If** the information bears out.  It will be interesting to see if some more info surfaces on this topic.

<Salute>