From blueprints readied in 1943, a full-scale mockup was reviewed by IJN authorities during February of 1944. Another review took place in June of that year as the groundwork for an actual prototype was being laid and some changes were instituted as a result (revised rudder, cockpit armoring). A second mockup was underway when the project was cancelled in mid-August 1944 as Kawanishi became overly committed to the successful N1K2 line - regarded by many observers as one of the best Japanese fighters of the war.
Kawanishi engineers maintained their optimism about the J6K1 - believing it would have become a high-performance interceptor with strong handling characteristics, sound maneuverability, powerful armament, and a healthy rate-of-climb to contend with the Boeing B-29 Superfortress heavy bombs of the Americans.
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