Nakajima B5N2 “Kate”
by Gary Barling
 
Purpose: Three seat carrier borne and land-based torpedo and level bomber.
 
Background: Designed to meet a 1934 requirement, the first two prototypes flew in January 1937. The initial B5N1 version was being replaced by 1941 with the B5N2, with a more powerful engine. B5N production totaled 1147 machines.
 
Specifications: (Note 1)
 
  1.  
    Maximum speed: 235 mph (378 km/h).
  2.  
    Climbing speed: 3,000m (9,845 ft) in 7 minutes, 40 seconds.
  3.  
    Service Ceiling: 8,260m (27,100 ft)
  4.  
    Range: 980 km (609 mi)
  5.  
    Armament: Two forward firing 7.7mm machine guns, and one or two 7.7mm trainable Type 89 machine gun in rear cockpit. External variable bomb load, or one torpedo, to a maximum of 800 kg (1,764 lbs).
  6.  
    Powerplant: One 1,115 hp Nakajima Sakae 21 radial engine.
  7.  
    Dimensions:
1.      Wingspan – 15.52 m (50 ft., 11 in)
2.      Wing Area – 37.69 m2 (405.7 sq ft)
3.      Length – 10.3 m (33 ft., 9.5 in)
4.      Height – 3.7 m (12 ft., 1.75 in)
5.      Max Takeoff Weight – 4,100 kg (9,039 lbs)
8.      Landing Gear: Main: Wing-mounted, hydraulically retracted. Tail Wheel: Fixed. Arrester Hook: Flush with fuselage, just forward of tail wheel.
 
References:
 
1.      Chant, C., Aircraft of World War Two, Bristol, Dempsey-Parr, 1999.
2.      Gunston, W., Military Aviation Library, World War Two: Japanese and Italian Aircraft, New York, Chartwell Books, 1985.
3.      Taylor, Michael (ed), Jane’s Encyclopedia of Aviation, London, Jane’s Publishing Company, 1980.
4.      Fitzsimons, Bernard et al, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of 20th Century Weapons and Warfare, Toronto, Purnell Reference Books, 1977.
 
Note: 1.            Some references vary in detail. Data provided is in accordance with the most prevalent information. Observations and suggestions are welcome.