Nakajima B5N (Kate) Carrier-Borne Torpedo Bomber (1941)
The Nakajima B5N Kate was the world's best carrier-based torpedo dive-bomber in 1941.
The B5N (dubbed "Kate" by the Allies), was crewed by two - a pilot and a rear gunner. The system was fitted with a Nakajima-produced Sakae 1,000hp powerplant (though earlier models were seen with the Nakajima Hikari radial), the aircraft could reach a top speed of 235 miles per hour. Surprisingly, the system was only fitted with a single 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun in a trainable mount at rear. Beyond that, the armament consisted of a single 1,764lb torpedo or bombload equivalent.
Nevertheless, the system was quick to earn the respect of the Allies. B5N Kate’s were part of the attack party that surprised the US Navy positions at Pearl Harbor, effectively forcing the United States into the war. At least 144 B5N Kate’s took part in that assault and a further number would later be responsible for the sinking of many other Allied vessels in the Pacific - most notably the USS Hornet, USS Lexington and the USS Yorktown.
Once the Allied aircrews began to match up against the B5Ns however, the systems weak defensive and offensive armaments quickly led to its undoing. Beyond the major engagements throughout the Philippine Islands in 1944, the system would be phased down and relegated to anti-ship, reconnaissance and maritime patrol duty through the end of the war.
At least 1,149 B5Ns were reported to have been produced in a B5N1 and B5N2 form. Despite the latter losses in the war, the B5N series, at least in the early years of the war, proved to be one of the best aircraft designed for torpedo bombing duty of the war. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Nakajima B5N (Kate)
Carrier-Borne Torpedo Bomber
Country of Origin: Imperial Japan
Manufacturer: Nakajima - Japan
Initial Year of Service: 1941
Production: 1,149
Focus Model: Nakajima B5N2 (Kate)
Crew: 2
Length: 33.79ft (10.3m)
Width: 50.92ft (15.52m)
Height: 12.14ft (3.70m)
Weight (Empty): 5,024lbs (2,279kg)
Weight (MTOW): 9,039lbs (4,100kg)
Powerplant: 1 x Nakajima NK1B Sakae 11 radial piston engine generating 1,000hp.
Maximum Speed: 235mph (378kmh; 204kts)
Maximum Range: 1,237miles (1,990km)
Service Ceiling: 27,100ft (8,260m; 5.1miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 1,230 feet per minute (375m/min)
Hardpoints: 1
Armament Suite:
STANDARD:
1 x .30 caliber trainable machine gun in rear cockpit position.
OPTIONAL:
1 x 1,764lb torpedo or bomb equivalent
Variants:
B5N - Base Model Series Designation
B5N1 - Initial Production Model Designation
B5N2 - Improved B5N1 with Sakae 11 engine and small engine cowling.
Operators: Imperial Japan
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