Monday, 28 April 2014

Model Commentary #2e - Kawanishi N1K1-J "Shiden" / N1K2-J "Shiden-kai" & Mitsubishi J2M "Raiden" IFF stripes

We conclude the first "Model Commentary" series with the IFF stripes of the last single-engine IJNAF fighters.

Kawanishi seems to have opted for very narrow IFF stripes for their fighters.
First Kawanishi N1K1-J "Shiden"


Kawanishi N1K2-J "Shiden-kai"


And finally Mitsubishi J2M "Raiden"


We should not forget that the purpose of the IFF stripes was to make the aircraft easily identifiable as friendly when approaching head-one when the national roundels were not that visible. Therefore thick and large IFF stripes were not necessary as long they covered sufficiently the wing leading edges and stood out.
All artwork by Devlin Chouinard, photos from NARA.

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