Nakajima C6N Saiun (Painted Cloud)

History of the Nakajima C6N Saiun (painted clouds)

During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Navy developed the Nakajima C6N "Colorful Clouds," a new fighter aircraft. This project began in 1942, with the first prototype taking flight in May 1943. The plane entered service in August 1944, with 463 units produced before Japan's surrender in August 1945. Originally designed for high-speed performance, the aircraft faced challenges due to its engine's smaller size than anticipated.

The Nakajima C6N had a traditional design, featuring a nose-mounted engine, multiple crew seats, and a single tail fin. Its retractable landing gear had a unique "tail" configuration for ground operation. A notable characteristic was its extensive canopy, covering all three crew members in the cockpit, occupying nearly half of the plane's length. The aircraft was powered by the NK9B "Homare 11" engine, which provided 1,991 horsepower, focusing on achieving straight-line speed as its primary defense, with only a 7.92mm Type 1 machine gun mounted for self-defense.

Despite efforts to improve its engine performance through 23 additional prototypes, the Nakajima C6N struggled to meet expectations, causing significant delays in its deployment and highlighting the challenges of adapting aircraft designs to engine limitations during wartime.

Specification

BASICS

Years in Service: 1944

Origins: Empire of Japan

Status: Retirement

Crew: 3

Production: 463

Manufacturer: Nakajima Aircraft Company - Imperial Japan

Carrier: Imperial Japan

Roles

Navigation/Navy

Water mobility capability for a variety of land-based or ship-based maritime missions, supported by Allied Naval Surface Forces.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 36.1 ft (11.00m)

Width/span: 41.0 feet (12.50m)

Height: 13.0 feet (3.95m)

Cured weight: 6,614 lbs (3,000 kg)

MTOW: 11,684 lbs (5,300 kg)

Wgt Difference: +5,071 lbs (+2,300 kg)

Performance

Installed: 1 x Nakajima NK9B Homare 11 1,991 hp 18-cylinder radial piston air-cooled engine driving a four-bladed front mounted propeller unit.

Maximum speed: 379 km/h (610 km/h | 329 kn)

Maximum: 34,449 feet (10,500 m | 7 km)

Area 5,293 km (5,300 km | 9,816 nautical miles)

Weapons

1 x 7.92mm Type 1 series machine gun mounted on a flexible mount in the rear cockpit.