NAKAJIMA A2N

by Gary Barling

 

 

Nakajima A2N Model 2, Donation Markings to the JNAF, ca. 1930-31

(Fighters Between the Wars, 1919-39, K. Munson, Blandford Press)

 

Purpose: Single seat, carrier-borne fighter.

 

Background: The A2N first flew in 1930, and entered production for the Imperial Japanese Navy later that year. Designated the Type 90 Carrier Based Fighter, it replaced the Nakajima A1N, a licensed-built Gloster Gambet. While the A2N1 was the standard model, The A2N2 was a slightly strengthened version, with dihedral on the upper wing.

 

Specifications: (for A2N1 Model 2)

 

1. Armament: Two 7.7mm machine guns in upper front fuselage. Provision for carrying two 66 lb (30 kg) bombs beneath the lower wing.
2. Powerplant: One 450 hp Nakajima-built Bristol Jupiter VI 9-cylinder radial engine.
3. Dimensions and Performance:  

1. Span: 30 ft 9 in (9.37 m)
2. Length: 20 ft 3.75 in (6.18 m)
3. Height: 9 ft 11 in (3.025 m)
4. Takeoff Weight: 3,307 lb (1,500 kg)
5. Maximum Speed: 182 mph (293 km/hr) at 9, 843 ft (3,000 m)
6. Operational Ceiling: 29,528 ft (9,000 m)
7. Normal Range: 270 mi (435 km)

 

Production:

Altogether one hundred A2N’s were built, in various models.

 

References:

 

1. Kenneth Munson, Fighters Between the Wars, 1919 – 39, London, Blandford Press, 1970.