Nakajima B5N1 “Kate” Pearl Harbor Shimazaki-Zuikaku 1941 HA2011 1:72

Nakajima B5N1 “Kate” Lt Cdr Shimazaki IJN Zuikaku Pearl Harbor Dec 7 1941 Hobby Master HA2011 scale 1:72 Item: HA2011 Scale 1:72 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. The Nakajima B5N1 first flew in January 1937 and soon saw combat during the Sino-Japanese War that revealed several flaws. 1939 saw the introduction of the B5N2 with a larger engine and several modifications compared to the B5N1. Rather than add heavy armor to protect the crew it was hoped that the new aircraft would be faster and better able to take on the USA aircraft so by 1943 some B5N1s were relegated to flight training at Usa Air Base on Kyushu.