Aircraft History
Designed and built by Kyushu Hikoki K. K as the first prototype built between June 1944 until completed in early August 1945. Assigned to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN).

Wartime History
On August 3, 1945 the prototype made a short, successful test flight piloted by designer Captain Masaoki Tsuruno.

On August 6, 1945 a second flight was made by Captain Tsuruno. On August 9, 1945 a third flight was made by Captain Tsuruno. All three flights were short in duration with the landing gear never retracted for a total flight time of only 45 minutes. During these flight tests, several issues were experienced including pulling to the right during full power at take off and strong vibrations from the propeller and drive shaft.

At the end of the Pacific War, this aircraft was surrendered in Japan. This aircraft was inspected by U. S. Navy (USN) intelligence. Unknown if this aircraft was transported to the United States or remained in Japan. Ultimate fate unknown, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared.

References
National Air and Space Museum (NASM) - Kyushu J7W1 Shinden (Magnificent Lightning)

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Last Updated
January 31, 2018