Kawanishi N1K1 "REX" Early

The Kawanishi N1K1 "Rex" (Kyofu) floatplane fighter was primarily used for defensive,, point-defense interceptions in Southeast Asia, with early units operating from Balikpapan in Borneo (early 1944), the Moluccas (Ambon and Aru Islands), and Penang Island in Malaya. Later, they were deployed for defense of the Japanese home islands at Lake Biwa. 
 
Key deployment details for the "Rex" include:
Initial Deployment: The first unit, the 343rd Kokutai, was formed in early 1944 and stationed at Balikpapan, Borneo, where they attempted to intercept Allied bombers.
Operational Theater: They were deployed in Southeast Asia to protect isolated garrisons as Allied forces moved closer to Japan.
Late-War Use: In 1945, they operated from Lake Biwa, Honshu, for the air defense of central Japan.
Roles: While designed for offensive operations supporting amphibious landings, the Rex was mostly used to defend island outposts. 
 
The "Rex" was often outclassed by Allied fighters like the F6F Hellcat, leading to limited overall impact and a shift in focus to the land-based Shiden ("George") variant.