general melchett Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 (edited) Hi all, thought it was about time I posted something so here's another paper project for your perusal, an unrealized Japanese interceptor/fighter project design. This is Ushi Model's take on the Mitsubishi J4M Senden 'Flashing Lightning' or Navy Experimental 17-Shi Otsu B Type Interceptor Fighter. The aircraft was to be built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Imperial Japanese Navy, and although it d not proceed beyond the design stage, the performance, on paper at least, should have been impressive. Powered by a single Mitsubishi MK9D 18-cyl. two-row fan assisted air-cooled radial piston engine the J4M's top speed would have been around 470mph. The aircraft was given the allied reporting name of 'Luke'. A high-quality resin kit, (so it should be at £50) of an unusual subject combining 3D printed parts and clear resin canopy with traditional resin casting. It'll be interesting to compare it with MikroMir's styrene release which, of course, is slightly cheaper plus they'll be releasing the Sakae turbojet powered version. Ushi Models have released a few very interesting types including the Tachikawa Ki-94-1 'push-me-pull-you' and Beriev's bizarre B10M seaplane with future releases to include the Kogiken Ki-202 (evolved Me-163) and Nakajima Ki-201 (similar to the Me-262). Finished using MRP lacquers, Abteinlung502 and Wilder oils and AK washes. I decided to give it a late-war tatty appearance as worn by many Japanese aircraft in the closing stages of the conflict, using AK's Worn Effects and Chipping fluid. As you can imagine, with its undercarriage arrangement, the thing is a natural tail-sitter and required a LOT of Liquid Gravity stuffed into every space available (what there was of it). It still only just manages to stand up, luckily the gear is made from hard black resin and more than up to the job. This one was built for Airfix Model World and appeared in the May issue. Cheers and thanks for looking, hope it appeals to a few of you. Melchie san Edited June 28, 2022 by general melchett 39 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in a shed Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 What an interesting design. I'm assuming the front set of grills is the intake and the rear grills the exhaust? Great little model beautifully presented. Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky Keg Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 Unique and weathered to perfection. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgb40 Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 Beautifully done Melchie samu George. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toryu Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 What a great build! I didn't know this kit exists. Though not my scale but it looks every inch like 1/48. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ngantek Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 Thanks for the article, I was referring back to it just today in preparation for having a first stab at chipping. Lovely build of an interesting aircraft! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wulfman Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 A great build and lovely weathered finish ! Wulfman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BerndM Posted June 9, 2022 Share Posted June 9, 2022 Stunning build of this stunning design. Guess this took some weight to bring it on its wheels. Japanese aircraft designers had some really innovative ideas. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted June 13, 2022 Author Share Posted June 13, 2022 Thanks chaps, your kind words are always appreciated. Quote I'm assuming the front set of grills is the intake and the rear grills the exhaust? Apparently so Pete, due to the aerodynamic design, the big MK9D radial engine air was to be fed using a turbo fan assisted cooling system with enclosed exhausts ejecting through the rear slots. The slippery design was needed to push it to over 470 mph. Quote Guess this took some weight to bring it on its wheels. Japanese aircraft designers had some really innovative ideas. Thanks Bernd, yes, even now it doesn't always want to stay on its legs. The undercarriage could be angled back slightly to help but that wasn't how it was designed so it's just a case of placing weight wherever possible ahead of the CG and hope. The Japanese certainly had some interesting designs in the works including a jet powered version of the Senden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgb40 Posted June 13, 2022 Share Posted June 13, 2022 Sorry Melchie gave you the wrong title (brain fart) should be Sama not samu. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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