Hobby Master Archive

Specifications Nakajima B5N2 Type 97, model 3 Allied Reporting Name - Kate Crew - 3 X (pilot, commander, rear-gunner/radio operator)

Dimensions Length - 33 ft 9.5 in (10.30 m) Wingspan - 50 ft 11 in (15.52 m) Height - 12 ft 1.6 in (3.70 m)

Weights Empty weight - 5,024 lb (2,279 kg) Loaded weight - 8,380 lb (3,800 kg) Max takeoff weight - 9,040 lb (4,100 kg)

Performance Engine - 1 X Nakajima Sakae 11 radial engine, 750 kW (1,000 hp) Maximum speed - 235 mph (378 km/h, 204 kn) Range - 1,237 mi (1,992 km, 1,075 NM) Service ceiling - 27,100 ft (8,260 m) Rate of climb - 1,283 ft/min (6.5 m/s)

Armament Guns 1 X 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun ‘Ru’ (Lewis) rear dorsal, hand-loaded drum magazines - 97 rounds.

Bombs 1 X 1,760 lb (800 kg) type 91 torpedo or 1 X 1,760lb (800kg) bomb or 3 X 550 lb (250 kg) bombs or 6 X 293 lb (132 kg) bombs

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2008 B5N2 Type 97 Attack Bomber “Kate” Aircraft Carrier Zuiho, April 1943

Die-cast metal.

Fully assembled.

Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.

Pre-painted with pad applied markings.

Comes with crew figures.

Comes with bombs.

Display stand included.

Option to display model with wheels up or down.

Minimum use of plastic.

Very collectable.

The Nakajima B5N1 first flew in January 1937. It was quite unique for a carrier-aircraft with its low mono wing that folded for storage and wide-track inward folding retractable landing gear. The new Kates were far superior to its competition, the TBD Devastator and the Fairey Swordfish however it did have its shortcomings. It was very poorly armed for self defense and required A5M escort protection. Also the crew and fuel tanks had no protection. The B5N1 was replaced by the improved B5N2.

Originally the name for the Zuihō was the Takasaki. The Takasaki was being built as a submarine tender but the IJN decided to complete the ship as an aircraft carrier. In December 1940 the Zuihō (Lucky Phoenix) was commissioned. The ship helped to cover the invasion of the East Indies, took part in the Battle of Santa Cruz, was at Guadalcanal ferrying aircraft to Truk in late 1942 and early 1943. It took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944 and the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. During one of the four major encounters of the Battle of Leyte Gulf; the Battle of Cape Engano the Zuihō was one of the IJN ships acting as decoys. On October 25, 1944 the Zuihō and others were sunk.