THUNDERHQ
YOUR NEXT MOVE

Air RB / Aircraft Database / Profile

N1K1

Japan · Rank II · Fighter

Acquisition Type
Tech Tree
Air RB battle rating
2.3Observed October 8, 2026
Official War Thunder Wiki ↗

Weapons & equipment checked October 14, 2026.

N1K1
War Thunder Wiki · Gaijin

Aircraft overview

N1K1 has to get its guns onto the target. Attack someone already turning or chasing a teammate; do not spend the opening tail-chasing an aircraft you cannot catch. After the pass, check who can join the fight before turning back.

How to fly it

  1. Set up the first engagement

    Use the climb to reach a position beside or above the first engagement. Find a target already occupied with a teammate before committing.

  2. Make the attack count

    Take the shot that is available, then look outside the duel. Tightening the turn for another gun solution is worth doing only while the surrounding airspace stays clear.

  3. Know when to break off

    Leave when more enemies arrive, the target draws you away from support, or another turn costs the speed you need to escape. A teammate nearby is more useful than a duel you cannot finish.

Common mistakes

  • Forcing the original plan. Tunnel vision after gaining the first turning advantage.
  • Ignoring the next attacker. Look outside the target chase between attacks. The enemy arriving from behind is often the one who decides whether you get home.

Strengths & limitations

Strengths

Make the first burst count

With 2 × 20 mm Type 99 Mark 1 Model 3 cannon, line up the shot before you close. Fire a short burst as the target crosses the sight, then look outside the gunsight before deciding to follow.

Choose the engagement

An enemy already committed to a teammate gives you time to set up. Enter from a crossing angle and avoid announcing the attack with a long straight chase.

Limitations

A missed shot can cost the next fight

If the first attack becomes a slow chase, another enemy gets time to line up. Check above and behind before spending more speed on the original target.

You must close for a gun shot

Do not spend the whole opening tail-chasing an opponent you cannot reach. Gain a crossing angle or attack someone who is already turning toward the fight.

Recommended Air RB loadouts

Leave the strike load behind

Take the air-combat fit when you are hunting aircraft. Bombs and rockets add weight; carry them for a planned ground attack rather than on every sortie.

Radar & defenses

Keep a visual threat scan

Look behind and above between attacks. Do not wait for a warning sound before checking whether someone has begun an interception.

Ground attack & CAS

Choose the target before diving

For 2 × 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bomb, choose the target before the run and allow room to pull out clear of the blast. Turn away after release; watching the hit leaves you flying a predictable line over the target.

Handling & fuel

Keep speed for the next decision

Ease off the pull when the shot is gone. Recover speed and separation before deciding to turn back; holding maximum input through every reversal leaves fewer options.

Plan the return

Check fuel, ammunition and damage before starting another chase. Turn toward a reachable friendly airfield while the aircraft can still make the return safely.

Battle Rating History

Observed Air RB ratings
ObservationBattle rating
October 8, 2026 · Archive2.3

Unchanged on . Profile rating observed October 8, 2026: 2.3.