The Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai (Violet Lightning Modified) is generally rated as being one of the finest land-based fighter planes fielded by the Japanese during the Pacific War. It was actually superior to most of the carrier-based US Navy fighters that opposed it, and could hold its own against even the later models of the P-51 Mustang. Unfortunately for the Japanese, the aircraft was available too late and in insufficient numbers to affect the outcome of the war.