| C3N | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft |
| National origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Nakajima Aircraft Company |
| Primary user | Imperial Japanese Navy |
| Number built | 2 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 1937 |
| First flight | 1936 |
TheNakajima C3N-1 (also designatedType 97 Carrier Reconnaissance Aircraft) was a prototypeJapanesecarrier-basedreconnaissance aircraft of the 1930s. It was a single-enginemonoplane with a fixed undercarriage. Although only two examples were built, they were both used operationally, carrying out land-based reconnaissance missions during theSecond Sino-Japanese War.
In 1935, theNakajima Aircraft Company submitted a design to meet anImperial Japanese Navy Air Service requirement for a carrier based-reconnaissance aircraft. The design, designated Type S by Nakajima, had a great deal in common with theNakajima B5N torpedo-bomber that was being developed in parallel. The Type S was a low-winged, single-engined monoplane of all metal construction with upward folding wings for ease of stowage aboard carriers. Unlike the B5N, its undercarriage was of fixedtailwheel type withspatted main wheels. Power was by the sameNakajima Hikari radial engine used by early B5Ns. A crew of three were accommodated under a long canopy, with a single 7.7 mm machine gun operated by a gunner and a second fixed forward-firing gun aimed by the pilot.[1]
The first of two prototypes was completed in October 1936.[1] After testing and completing carrier qualification, the type was officially adopted as theType 97 Carrier Reconnaissance Aircraft, with theshort designation ofC3N-1. No production followed, however, as the B5N was considered adequate in the reconnaissance role.[1]
The two C3N-1s were sent to China for tactical evaluation in 1937, during the early months of theSecond Sino-Japanese War, being used operationally for land based reconnaissance missions in theHankou andShanghai regions.[1]
Data from Japanese Aircraft 1910-41[2]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Related development
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