By the early months of 1944 in the Pacific, the US Navy's burgeoning
force of carrier-based F6F-3/5 Hellcats had pretty much wiped the skies
clear of Japanese fighters during a series of one-sided aerial
engagements. However, starting in October they faced the superb
Kawanishi N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai, a formidable fighter with improved
armament, a powerful engine, and excellent maneuvrability that in
contrast to earlier Japanese fighters had the ability to withstand a
greater degree of battle damage.
Japanese pilots using this aircraft would claim more than 170 aerial
victories over Kyushu and whilst escorting Kamikazes attacking Allied
ships off Okinawa. US Navy Hellcat pilots in turn were 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.