Hellcat vs Shiden/Shiden-Kai: Pacific Theater 1944-45

The US Navy's F6F-3/5 Hellcats faced the Kawanishi N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai in the Pacific in 1944, with the Shiden-Kai being a formidable fighter with improved armament, engine, and manoeuvrability. Japanese pilots using the Shiden-Kai claimed over 170 aerial victories over Kyushu and Okinawa, while US Navy Hellcat pilots were credited with many of the scores of Shiden-Kais that were downed attempting to defend Japan. This book compares the two aircraft using specially commissioned artwork, first-hand accounts, and a thorough technical analysis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The US Navy's carrier-based F6F-3/5 Hellcats had a significant impact on the Pacific skies during the early months of 1944, wiping out Japanese fighters in a series of one-sided aerial engagements. However, in October, they encountered a formidable adversary in the form of the Kawanishi N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai, a fighter with improved armament, a powerful engine, and excellent maneuverability. Unlike earlier Japanese fighters, the Shiden-Kai had the ability to withstand a greater degree of battle damage. Japanese pilots using this aircraft claimed more than 170 aerial victories over Kyushu and while escorting Kamikazes attacking Allied ships off Okinawa. US Navy Hellcat pilots were also credited with many of the scores of Shiden-Kais that were downed attempting to defend Japan. This fully illustrated book compares these two fascinating aircraft, using specially commissioned artwork, first-hand accounts, and a thorough technical analysis.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 245 x 185 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472829740