Nakajima provided Japan with its first large radials by building licensed Bristols beginning in the late 1920s. In 1936, Nakajima also began building Gnome-Rhone engines under license. This engine powered early models of the Mitsubishi Reisen (Zero) fighter, the most famous Japanese World War II aircraft. However, Nakajima’s own World War II designs were apparently not considered very good.

The Sakai 31 powered the A6M6, later model of the Mitsubishi Zero fighter. This was a Mitsubishi designed and water-methanol boosted engine assigned to Nakajima for production. But this version of the Mitsubishi engine suffered from teething problems, and workmanship on both the airframe and engine deteriorated in latter stages of the war.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date Circa World War II Country of Origin Japan Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Nakajima Hikoki K. K.
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 14 cylinders, 2 rows, radial, air cooled Power rating: 843 kW (1,130 hp) at 2,750 rpm Displacement: 27.8 L (1,700 cu in) Bore and Stroke: 130 mm (5.1 in.) x 150 mm (5.9 in.) Weight: 590 kg (1,301 lb) Dimensions Overall: 3 ft. 9 1/4 in., 1300.7lb. (115cm, 590kg)
Other: 3 ft. 9 1/4 in. × 5 ft. 4 3/16 in. × 4 ft. 4 in. × 5 ft. 4 in. × 3 ft. 8 in. (115 × 163 × 132.1 × 162.6 × 111.8cm)
 Materials Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic Metals
Rubber
Paint
 Inventory Number A19710920000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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