1/35 Nakajima B5N2 Type 97 Carrier Attack Bomber "Kate" w/ Full interior - Border Model

This 1/35 scale Nakajima B5N2 Type 97 Carrier Attack Bomber, also known as "Kate", is a newly developed model by Border Models. The kit boasts a fully detailed interior showcasing a meticulously reproduced cockpit, ammunition storage, and more. The surface details of the fuselage are also intricately designed to accurately reflect the original aircraft. The main wings of the model are foldable, adding to its realism. Additionally, the kit includes a bomb and an aerial torpedo with a wooden tail stabilizer to enhance display options. Photo-etched parts are provided for a precise finish. It's recommended to complement the model with canopy and wheel masks from ASK's product line, available under 'ASK products/ASK Masks'. Remember to visit the 'paints and tools' category for essential supplies, as glue and paints are not included. This model is an excellent choice for advanced modelers seeking a challenge and wishing to enrich their collection with a highly detailed WWII-era aircraft.

The Nakajima B5N2 Type 97 Kate: A Formidable Torpedo Bomber of World War II

The Nakajima B5N2 Type 97, affectionately nicknamed "Kate" by the Allies, was a carrier-borne torpedo bomber that played a pivotal role in the early victories of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) during World War II.expand_more Renowned for its speed, agility, and long range, the Kate became synonymous with Japanese aerial warfare in the Pacific theater.expand_more

Design and Development:

Developed by the Nakajima Aircraft Company in the late 1930s, the B5N was designed to meet the IJN's requirements for a new generation of torpedo bombers.expand_more It was a single-engine monoplane with a retractable landing gear and a crew of three: pilot, observer, and gunner.expand_more The Kate was powered by a single Nakajima NK1A Sakae radial engine, providing impressive performance for its time.expand_more It boasted a top speed of over 220 mph (350 km/h) and a range of approximately 1,400 miles (2,300 km).

Operational History:

The B5N first saw combat during the Second Sino-Japanese War, where it gained valuable experience.expand_more However, its defining moment came during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.expand_more Kates comprised the majority of the first wave of Japanese aircraft and were instrumental in inflicting heavy damage on the American Pacific Fleet.expand_more

Throughout the early stages of the war, the Kate continued to be a potent weapon. Its long range allowed it to strike targets far from Japanese bases, and its agility made it a difficult target for anti-aircraft defenses. However, the B5N's limitations soon became apparent. As the war progressed, the Kate's light armor and limited defensive armament made it increasingly vulnerable to Allied fighters.expand_more Additionally, the development of more advanced radar technology negated the element of surprise that had initially given the B5N an advantage.

Legacy:

Despite its shortcomings, the Nakajima B5N remains a significant aircraft in aviation history. Its success at Pearl Harbor and other early battles significantly impacted the course of World War II. The B5N's role in the Pacific theater serves as a reminder of the importance of technological advancements and the ever-evolving nature of aerial warfare.

Additional Points of Interest:

• The B5N was also used as a high-level bomber on occasion.expand_more
• Over 1,150 B5Ns were produced throughout the war.expand_more
• Several captured Kates were flown by Allied forces for evaluation purposes.

The Nakajima B5N Type 97 Kate stands as a testament to Japanese engineering prowess and the critical role of carrier-borne aircraft in the early years of World War II.