Aviation of World War II

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B5N "Kate" "97"

Shipborne Fighter

Nakajima

B5N Kate "97"

Shipborne Torpedo and Dive Bomber B5N, KATE with D3A, Val were the main aircrafts of the Japanese Shipborne aviation. These airplanes became the major Japanese weapon in the first part of Pacific campaign since December, 1941. At that time it was the best shipborne torpedo Bomber bomber in the world.

The total amount of produce B-5N has made 1147 machines, this airplane remained in parts of the first line up to the middle of 1944, and then has been renominated to fulfilment of tasks of second importance - such, as marine reconnaissance.

B5N2 'Kate' Specification
Crew 1
Dimensions
Wing span, m 15.52
Length, m 10.30
Height, m 3.70
Powerplant
PE NK1B "Sakaye" ("Nakajima"), hp 1000
Weight, kg:
Empty weight 2279
Maximum takeoff weight 4100
Performance
Maximum speed, km/h 378
Time to 3000m, min 8
Service ceilling, m 8260
Service range, km 2300
Armament
7,7-mm machine guns in a rear cabin, pcs 1
External bomb load, or one torpedo, kg 800

                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Photo Description
Drawing B5N1 Model 11 Kate

Drawing B5N1 Model 11 Kate

Drawing B5N2 Model 12

Drawing B5N2 Model 12

B5N1 Model 11 in flight

B5N1 Model 11 in flight

Bibliography

  • "Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War " /Rene J Francillion./
  • "Japan Warplanes of World War II" /Oleg Doroshkevich/
Nakajima B5N