Unlike the biplane which was to be replaced, both competitors submitted monoplanes, with Nakajima offering a version of its Type 91 parasol-wing fighter, already in production for the Japanese Army.

The aircraft was powered by a Mitsubishi A4 two-row 14-cylinder radial engine driving a two-bladed propeller.

[1][2] The first prototype 1MF10, with the Navy designation Experimental 7-shi Carrier Fighter[a] made its maiden flight in March 1933.

[1][2] Although the design was advanced, it was rejected by the Japanese Navy, having poor handling[1] and not meeting the performance requirements of the specification.

[2] It did form the basis of more advanced designs, however, with Horikoshi using elements of it such as the box-spar in the later successful Mitsubishi A5M fighter of similar layout.