Nakajima C6N Saiun

Common card · No. 424332

The Nakajima C6N Saiun (彩雲, "Iridescent Cloud") is a carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft designed and produced by the Japanese aviation manufacturer Nakajima Aircraft Company. Flown by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS) during World War II, the Allied reporting name was Myrt. A relatively advanced design for its time, it was the fastest carrier-based aircraft to be under service by Japan during the conflict. The C6N started development early on in the Pacific War, recognising that using torpedo bombers for the reconnaissance mission was sub-optimal. The 17-Shi specification issued in early 1942 was relatively demanding; the designers realised that a relatively low-drag aircraft, comprising a narrow fuselage and laminar flow wing, would be necessary, along with a powerplant arrangement capable of producing roughly 2,000 hp (1,500 kW). Performing its maiden flight on 15 May 1943, the Nakajima Homare engine selected to power that aircraft proved to be troublesome, underperforming...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Unknown authorUnknown author, CC0