Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2004 Nakajima B5N2 “Kate” Japanese 12th Naval Flying Group, China 1940 - 1941

Fully assembled.

Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.

Pre-painted with pad applied markings.

Comes with crew figures.

Comes with torpedo.

Display stand included.

Option to display model with wheels up or down.

Minimum use of plastic.

Very collectable.

extra power the increase in performance was almost negligible but the engine was much more reliable so it was accepted. The new engine meant a new cowling and this gave the pilot a much better view. Right from the outset of WWII the B5N2 was outdated but Japan found itself forced to rely on this plane until 1944 when the new “Jill” became available.

Seeking to expand its territory and gain access to value natural resources Japan invaded China on July 7 1937. One of the aircraft the Japanese were using was the B5N1 Kate but it gradually became necessary to improve this plane so the B5N2 was developed. With a captured air base at Ichang the Japanese were only 240 miles from Chungking. One of the bombing raids on Chungking was on September 15, 1940 when the 12th Flying Group delivered a massive attack with their “Kates”.

Specifications for the Nakajima B5N2 “Kate”

Crew 3 (pilot, observer, radio operator)

Dimensions Length: 33ft 10in (10.30 m) Wingspan: 50ft 11in (15.52m) Height: 12ft 2in (3.70m) Wing area: 406ft² (37.7m²)

Weights Empty weight: 5,024lb (2,279kg) Loaded weight: 8,380lb (3,800kg) Maximum take off weight: 9,040lb (4,100kg)

Powerplant 1 X Nakajima Sakae 11 radial engine - 1,000hp (750kw)

Performance Maximum speed: 229mph (367 km/h) Range: 1,202mi (1,935km) Service ceiling: 27,100ft (8,260m) Rate of climb: 1,283ft/min (6.5m/s) Wing loading: 21lb/ft² (101kg/m²) Power/mass: 0.12hp/lb (0.20kw/kg)

Armament Guns: 1 X dual flexible 7.7mm in the rear cockpit. External stores: 1 X 1764 lb (800-kg) torpedo or 3 X 551-lb (250-kg) bombs

THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES, NOT THE FINAL PRODUCT