Nakajima J8N-1 "Kitsuka"
| The project was launched in September 1944 when Nakajima was entrusted
with the development of a single-seat two-engined jet plane based on the German Me 262. The jet was to be used in the fast bomber and ground attack role. In addition, the aircraft was to have folding wings to enable it to be hidden in caves and tunnels. The take off was to be assisted with two auxiliary external rockets (RATO) each with 450 kg (993 lb) of thrust. The engines used were Ne-20 turbojets which were hastily built, based on the data and characteristics of the German BMW 003 turbojet. Two prototypes were built in total between June and August 1945. The first prototype was completed by the beginning of August 1945 and on Tuesday 7 August, made it's maiden flight (one day after the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima). Four days later, the same aircraft had a serious accident with it's RATO packs. At the time the assembly lines were occupied , 18 other Kitsuka ("Kikka") aircraft were found in various stages of production. |
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