Douglas SBD Dauntless

The Douglas SBD Dauntless was a carrier-based dive-bomber in service with the US Navy during World War II. It was developed from the Northrop BT-1, after Northrop Corporation had been acquired by Douglas. Although it would become obsolete by 1943, the Dauntless was a very reliable and stable aircraft, with excellent handling. The pilots liked it, affectionately calling it the "Barge". Besides, at the time of introduction on February 6, 1940, the aircraft speed, range, and payload were adequate and satisfactory.

To produce the SBD Dauntless, Northrop BT-1 was converted into the XBT-2, which was the first prototype of this famous dive-bomber. It first flew on April 22, 1938, powered by the original engine, a 825-HP Pratt & Whitney R-1536-94 engine. This powerplant would soon be replaced by more powerful ones as the XBT-2 would become the XSBD-1 prototype. When it was introduced into service as the SBD-1, it was fitted with a Wright R-1820-32 radial piston engine, which delivered 1,000 HP. The US Army's variant was known as the A-24 Banshee.

The Douglas SBD Dauntless first saw combat action at the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942. At this military engagement, it helped a lot to turn the tide of the war in the Pacific Theater, sinking four Imperial Japanese Navy's aircraft carriers; Soryu, Kaga, Akagi, and Hiryu. They had been scrambled in a hurry to assist the TBD Devastators, most of which had just been wiped out of the sky by the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zeros. The Devastators were too slow and not maneuverable enough to carry out the dangerous mission of striking the Japanese warships. From the Solomons and New Guinea to the Marshall Islands and the Carolines, it would continue to fly sorties also in a ground-attack role to provide fire support to the US Marines.

Technical Data/Specifications for the SBD-5 version

Type: a two-seat, single-engine, low-wing dive-bomber of all-metal construction.

Length: 10.06 m (33 ft)

Wing Span: 12.65 m (41 ft, 6 in)

Wing Area: 30.19 m2 (325 sq. ft)

Height: 3.94 m (12 ft, 11 in)

Powerplant: one 1,200-HP, Wright R-1820-60 Cyclone, radial engine.

Maximum Speed: 406 km/h (252 mph)

Rate of Climb: 518 m/min. (1,700 ft/minute)

Combat Range: 1,778 km (1,115 miles)

Armament: two fixed, forward-firing 12.7-mm (.50-cal.) M2 Browning machine guns; two trainable 7,62-mm machine guns set up in rear cockpit. One 454-bomb or two 227-kg bombs.

Below, the Douglas SBD in flight. Notice the perforated flaps on the trailing edge of wings. They had 318 oval 3-inch holes. The flaps were lowered to break the acceleration during diving and they were extended for taking off.

A group of SBD-3 Dauntless from USS Enterprise in 1943

 Below, the SBD-4 version in flight around 1943.

 The second production aircraft of the SBD-1 variant, identification mark 2-MB-I.

Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate

The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate was a fast single-seat fighter, which was used by the Imperial Japanese Army at the end of World War II. It was by many accounts Japan's best fighter of that armed conflict. It was a dangerous opponent against even the latest Allied types. When pitted against the Curtis P-40 in China and the US Navy's F6F Hellcat over mainland Japan, it proved deadly. This lethal fighter was known as "Frank" by the Allied pilots.

The prototype of the Ki-84 took to the air for the first time in April 1943, at Ojima airfield. After a few test flights, the new aircraft was met with immediate approval by Japanese Army Air Force's pilots. However, it would have to wait slightly more than a year for it to be introduced into service, in June 1944, as more trials were necessary to make of it a killing machine. The first batch that rolled out of factory, as the K-84-I, were deployed on the Philippines in late June and July.

In early dogfights in the skies over the Philippines in October 1944, Hayate proved to be a superior combat aircraft but it would be outnumbered from the start. More of it was needed but it had arrived too late to turn the tide of the war, at a time when Japan was running out of skillful and experienced pilots, and when the Allied Air Forces had already gained complete air superiority in the Pacific. In the last months of the war, the Ki-84 ended up flying desperate defense missions against B-29 bombers that attacked the Japanese homeland.

The Nakajima Ki-84 climbed faster and was more maneuverable than the P-51 Mustang and the P-47 Thunderbolt. However, production of the aircraft was plagued by lack of valuable materials and enough skilled hands, as many Japanese mechanics and technicians had volunteered to fight at the front. The latest models had the rear portion of fuselage and wing tips made of wood in order to save metals. Nevertheless, performance remained high. What is also impressive is the fact that Japan was able to produce 3,382 aircraft.

Technical Characteristics

The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate was single-seat, single-engine monoplane. The fuselage of the first production batches were made entirely of metal. The last ones, however, had their rear portion made of wood. The aircraft was fitted with low cantilever wing, with a dihedral angle and with hydraulically-operated Fowler-type flaps. The landing gear was retractable, as most monoplane fighter, with the wheels folding up inwardly into the root of wing under the fuselage. The Ki-84-Ia version was powered either by a Nakajima Ha-45-11 or a Nakajima Ha-45-21, 18-cylinder radial piston engine, which deliver 1,800-HP and 1,990-HP respectively.

Specifications

Type: single-seat fighter

Length: 9.92 m (32 ft, 6.6 in)

Wing Span: 11.24 m (36 ft, 10 in)

Wing Area: 21 m2 (226 sq. ft)

Height: 3.39 m (11 ft, 1 in)

Powerplant: one 1,990-HP, Nakajima Ha-45-21 radial engine.

Maximum Speed: 631 km/h (392 mph)

Range: 2,168 km (1,350 miles)

Ceiling: 10,500 m (34,500 ft)

Armament: two wing-mounted 20-mm Ho-5 cannons; two 12.7-mm Ho-103 synchronized nose-mounted machine guns. Underwing racks for two 250-kg bombs.

Below, the Hayate in flight in the skies over the Philippines in late October 1944.

The Nakajima Ki-84-Ia variant just out of the factory waiting to be delivered to its unit.

The Ki-84 taking off a runway on mainland Japan in a homeland defense mission in March 1945.

Below, the pre-production version in late 1943.

 

Nakajima Ki-27

The Nakajima Ki-27, Type 97, was a WW2 fighter aircraft in service with the Imperial Japanese Army between 1938 and 1945. It was a very maneuverable, easy-to-fly, and reliable fighter. However, it was not as fast as other Japanese combat aircraft, such as the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien, which would be introduced a couple of years later. The Ki-27 was popularly known by the pilots as the 97 Sen. By December 1941, it was already available in greater numbers than any other in Japanese service.

The prototype Ki-2701 first flew on October 15, 1936, at Ojima airfield. On December 28, 1937, after twelve months of testing the prototypes, the Army finally gave authorization for mass production under the official designation of Army Type 97, Model A, which was the Nakajima Ki-27a, entering service in March 1938. Thus, the Army discarded the Kawasaki Ki-28 prototype, which was also competing for acceptance.

The Ki-27b would be the second version of the aircraft, which would introduce some refinements, including a further improved cockpit canopy. Nobody could have guessed that 3,399 Type 97 aircraft would be produced before production came to a halt in 1942. This Japanese fighter aircraft first saw combat action in China, during the Sino-Japanese War.

For the first two years, the Nakajima Ki-27 was the master of the skies over China until it was confronted by the faster Soviet Polikarpov I-16. This Japanese fighter would also take part in the Japanese invasion of Burma in early 1942, not only securing air supremacy but also providing fire support to Japanese ground troops with ground-attack missions. Thus, this monoplane, with fixed landing gear, made many Japanese Army's aces as it had considerable success fighting against the Allies' in the initial stages of the war. However, by 1943, it had been relegated to be used as a trainer for pilot students.

Technical Characteristics

The Nakajima Ki-27 was a single-seat, single-engine monoplane, with short and compact fuselage. It had low, cantilever wing, with dihedral front profile. The wing leading edge was straight, while its trailing edge tapered toward the tip. The landing gear was fixed, with wheels set up on the inner portion of wing. The aircraft was powered by one Nakajima Ha-1b, 9-cylinder, radial piston engine, producing  710 HP.

Specifications (Ki-27a)

Type: Army fighter aircraft

Length: 7.53 m (24 feet, 8 inches)

Wing Span: 11.31 m (37 feet, 1.3 inches)

Wing Area: 18.55 m2 (199.68 square feet)

Height: 3.25 m (10 feet, 8 inches)

Powerplant: one 710-HP, Nakajima Ha-1b, 9-cylinder engine.

Maximum Speed: 470 km/h (292 mph)

Range: 1,710 km (1,063 miles)

Armament: two 7.7mm Type 89 machine guns.

Below, the Nakajima Ki-27b version flying as a trainer.

A squadron of Ki-27s flying over Burma in 1942.

Below, the Ki-27b variant, as part of 1st Squadron, 84th Independent Fighter Company, flying over South China in 1940.

 

Mitsubishi J2M Raiden

The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was designed in answer to an Imperial Japanese Navy requirement for a high-speed, high rate of climb, land-based interceptor-fighter. Thus, after more than a year of hard work, the first prototype, J2M1, made its maiden flight on May 20, 1942. A total of 8 prototypes were built for test flights. The first production J2M2, Model 11, aircraft were rolled out of the factory in October 1942, entering service in 1943. By 1945, a total of 476 Raidens had been built.

The Mitsubishi J2M was not as maneuverable as other Japanese fighters, such as the Mitsubishi A6M Zeke, or the Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa. However, it was a fast-climbing monoplane, armed with four 20-mm cannons. Thus, it scored well against American bombers, which, by 1944, were already flying in the skies over Japan. The first successful combat sortie took place on October 31, 1944, when two J2M3, Model 21, interceptors shot down a US Army Air Forces' B-25 Mitchell bomber over the Philippines, during the Allied invasion of these islands.

Technical Characteristics

The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was single-seat, single-engine monoplane of all-metal construction. It featured a low wing, with symmetrical airfoil and slotted flaps. The J2M3 version was powered by a Mitsubishi Kasei 23, radial piston engine, which delivered 1,800 HP. It was fitted with water/methanol injection. The engine cowling was slim, with the oil cooler air intake located under the nose. The retractable landing gear folded up inwardly into the wings.

Specifications

Type: naval, interceptor-fighter

Length: 9.70 m (32 feet, 6 23 inches)

Wing Span: 10.80 m (35 feet, 5 inches)

Wing Area: 20.05 m2 (215.82 square feet)

Height: 3.95 m (12 feet, 11 inches)

Powerplant: Mitsubishi Kasei 23, radial engine.

Maximum Speed: 588 km/h (365 mph)

Rate of Climb: climbed to 6,000 m (32,800 feet) in 19 minutes.

Range: 1,055 km (655.54 miles)

Armament: four wing-mounted 20-mm Type 99 cannons.

Below, the Mitsubishi J2M3, Model 21, version in early 1944.

The J2M1 prototype in 1942.

The Raiden after war in late 1945.

Kawasaki Ki-100

The Kawasaki Ki-100 Otsu was a low-wing fighter aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Army at the end of World War II. It was developed from the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien in a hurry at the end of 1944 as an urgent need to supply the Army with an effective fighter-interceptor to cope with the new American threat; the Boeing B-29 bomber, which was leveling and burning Japanese cities.

The prototype made its maiden flight on February 1, 1945. It was a success as the Kawasaki's engineers discovered that they had now a first class fighter. Thus, 275 Ki-61-II aircraft would be developed into the Kawasaki Ki-100, by installing a more powerful engine, a Mitsubishi Ha-112-11, 14-cylinder, radial piston engine, which produced 1,500 HP. Also, the rear fuselage of the Ki-61 had been cut down to produce the new fighter as the forward portion of airframe and fuselage had been enlarged in order to be able to fit in a bigger engine. By August 1945, when the war ended, a total of 374 Ki-100 fighters had been built.

Specifications

Type: single-seat, fighter/interceptor

Length: 8.80 m (28 feet, 10 inches)

Wing Span: 12 m (39 feet, 4 inches)

Wing Area: 20 m2 (215.2 square feet)

Height: 3.75 m (12 feet, 4 inches)

Powerplant: 1,500-HP, Mitsubishi Ha-112-11, 14-cylinder engine.

Maximum Speed: 610 km/h (379 mph)

Range: 2,000 km (1,243 miles)

Armament: two 20-mm cannons, mounted in wing; two 12.7-mm Type 1 machine guns mounted in fuselage; plus two 250-kg bombs.

Below, the Kawasaki Ki-100 Otsu. Photo taken after the war and one of the few available.

Kawanishi N1K1-J Shiden

The Kawanishi N1K1-J Shiden was a land-based naval fighter in service with the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Developed from the N1K Kyofu floatplane, the prototype, Model X-1, first flew on December 27, 1942. After many test flights and fitted with a new engine, a 1,990-HP, Homare 21 (NK9H), it was finally introduced into service in December 1943. Other versions produced by Kawanishi were the N1K2-J, N1K3-J, N1K4, and N1K5-J Shiden Kai.

Despite the initial technical troubles with its weak landing gear, the Kawanishi N1K1-J was an excellent aircraft in combat, as it was very maneuverable and reliable in flight. It proved to be almost equal match for the Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter. This was why it was considered to be the best Japan's wartime fighter. Nevertheless, by the time it was introduced, it was too late, as the USA had already gained the upper hand in the war in the Pacific as Japan had lost almost all its experienced pilots.

Technical Characteristics

The Kawanish N1K1-J was single-seat, single-engine monoplane, which was built with an all-metal airframe and fuselage. The N1K1-J version, Model 11, was equipped with a cantilever, low mid-wing (set up slight below the fuselage mid-line); the N1K2-J, Model 21, on the other hand, had low wing, with a 15 degrees dihedral angle. Landing gear was retractable.

Specifications

Type: single-seat fighter

Length: 8.89 m (29 feet, 2 inches)

Wing Span: 12 m (39 feet, 4 inches)

Wing Area: 23.50 m2 (252.95 square feet)

Height: 4 m (12 feet, 11 inches)

Powerplant: one 1,990-HP, NK9H, Homare 21, radial engine.

Maximum Speed: 584 km/h (363 mph)

Range: 1,432 km (890 miles)

Armament: four 20-mm Type-99 cannons mounted in wing; two 7.7-mm Type 97 machine guns mounted in nose; two 60-kg bomb.

Below, the Kawanishi N1K1-J in late 1943.

The N1K2-J Shiden Kai version in 1945, after the war. Notice the wing is mounted low in this model.

Uran-9 Robot Tank

The Uran-9 robot tank is an unmanned armored combat vehicle which is presently in the arsenal of the Russian Ground Forces. Designed and produced by Kalashnikov Building Plant, it entered service in 2019, although it had already been tested in combat in the Syrian Civil War. It is used as a fire support, anti-tank, and remote reconnaissance vehicle. Right now, it is about to be deployed in Ukraine. It is an excellent weapon to operate in urban combat situation. It can be controlled from 2.5 miles away.

Armament

The Uran-9 is fitted with four 9M120 Ataka anti-tank missiles, which are guided by the beam guidance SACLOS system. They had a maximum range of 6 km and their warhead consists of HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank). It is also equipped with a 30-mm 2A72 autocannon, which is an adaptation of the combat helicopter’s Shipunov 2A42 automatic gun; it is gas-operated and fires high-explosive incendiary, high-explosive fragmentation, as well as armor-piercing ballistic capped ammunition. As a secondary armament, the Uran-9 robot tank has six/twelve thermobaric rocket launchers and a Kalashnikov 7.62-mm machine gun.

Specifications

Type: robotic tank

Weight: 10.5 tons

Length: 4 m; 5.18 m (17 ft), including gun

Width: 2.4 m (8 feet)

Armor: unkown

Powerplant: one 420 HP engine

Maximum Speed: 100 km/h

Range: 1,150 km

Below, the Uran-9 robot tank near the Russian-Ukrainian border in early 2023.

The Uran-9 autocannon muzzle. Notice the grooves in the barrel lining.

 

Curtiss SB2C Helldiver

The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was a carrier-based dive-bomber and scout aircraft in service with the US Navy during World War II. The prototype XSB2C-1 took to the air for the first time on December 18, 1940. The first version, the SB2C-1, was introduced into service with the US Navy Squadron VS-9 in December 1942, with an early deployment on the USS Essex (CV-9). Curtiss produced 6,100 aircraft. It was also used by the US Air Force under the designation A-25A Shrike.

To increase mass production of Helldivers, two Canadian factories began building them as well; Fairchild Aircraft Ltd. and Canadian Car & Foundry Co. Ltd., with the former building 300, and the latter 894 aircraft. These were made under the designation of SBW-1, SBW-2, SBW-3, and SBF-1, SBF-2, and SBF-3. Twenty six Canadian-built Helldivers were supplied to the UK. Thus, the production of this scout-bomber totaled 7,199 aircraft.

The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver first saw combat action on November 11, 1943, when 23 SB2C-1s of Squadron VF-17 took off the flight deck of USS Bunker Hill to attack IJN ships moored at Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. They managed to sink two ships and to seriously damage three other vessels. Thus, along with the Douglas SBD Dauntless and the Grumman TBF Avenger, this scout-bomber would play an important role in the Pacific Theater of Operations in providing fire support to US Marines during landing in the island-hopping campaign as well as attacking Japanese aircraft carriers and other capital ships.

Technical Characteristics

The Curtis SB2C was a two-seat, single-engine monoplane. It had cantilever low wing, with a dihedral twist of 6 degrees. Ailerons were located on outer portion of wing trailing edge, with their undersurfaces being fabric-covered. The wing had perforated split flaps on inner portion of wing. The fuselage was all-metal semi-monocoque. It had retractable landing gear, with wheels folding up inwardly into wing root.

The SB2C-4 version of the aircraft was powered by one Wright R-2600-20 Cyclone 14, twin-row, radial piston engine, which delivered 1,900 HP. This variant had provision to carry eight 127-mm (5-inch) rockets, or 454-kg of bombs. It was also fitted with a radar, which was carried in a pod under the wing.

Specifications (SB2C-4)

Type: two-seat dive-bomber/scout

Length: 11.18 m (36 feet, 8 inches)

Wing Span: 15.16 m (49 feet, 9 inches)

Wing Area: 39.20 m2 (422 sq. feet)

Height: 4 m (13 feet, 2 inches)

Maximum Speed: 475 km/h (295 mph)

Rate of Climb: 549 m per minute

Range: 1,875 km (1,165 miles)

Ceiling: 8,870 m (29,100 feet).

Armament: two fixed, forward-firing 20-mm cannons, one in each wing; two 7.62-mm (.30-cal.) machine guns in rear portion of fuselage.

Below, the prototype XSB2C-1, with wings folded.

The SB2C-3 variant in flight over the Pacific in 1944.

Below, the SB2C-2.

Drawing of the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver 

 

Yokosuka D4Y Suisei

The Yokosuka D4Y Suisei was a fast, carrier-based dive-bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. When it was first spotted in the Pacific, the Allies gave it the code name: 'Judy'. The prototype had first flown in December 1941, entering service the following year. Aichi's manufacturing plants produced a total of 2,033 Suisei aircraft in four versions; D4Y1, D4Y2, D4Y3, and D4Y4.

By 1944, the Yokosuka D4Y had already been deployed to 9 Japanese aircraft carriers; Soryu, Taiho, Unyu, Zuikaku, Hiyo, Shokako, Chitose, Unryu, Shinyo, and Chiyoda. That year, this Japanese dive-bomber took part in the battles that took place during the Allied Mariana Islands campaign, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Iwo Jima, and the naval Battle of Leyte Gulf. Although it suffered many losses in the hands of American fighter aircraft, it sank the USS Princeton, and seriously damaged the USS Franklin, and Kalinin Bay carriers and escort carrier respectively.

Below, front-view photo of the D4Y1. This version of the Suisei was powered by one 1,400-HP Aichi Atsuta 32 piston engine.

Technical Characteristics

The Yokosuka D4Y was a two-seat, single-engine monoplane. It featured cantilever low-wing and an all-metal fuselage. It had a deck arrester hook set under the rear portion of fuselage for carrier landing. Aside from the ailerons, it was fitted with very long flaps on the wing trailing edge, which served as dive brakes for attacks the involved prolonged dives.

The bomb-load was carried in a bomb bay located beneath the forward fuselage, under the two-seat cockpit. The wide track landing gear retracted inwardly, with the wheels being completely housed in the wings, while the tail wheel folded up backwards covered by a hinged door. The D4Y3 version of the Suisei was powered by one Mitsubishi MK8P Kinsei 62 radial engine, which produced 1,560 HP.

Specifications (D4Y3)

Type: dive-bomber

Length: 10.22 m (33 feet, 6.4 inches)

Wing Span: 11.50 m (37 feet, 8.7 inches)

Wing Area: 23.60 m2 (254.04 sq. feet)

Height: 3.74 m (12 feet, 3 inches)

Powerplant: one 1,560-HP, Mitsubishi MK8P-62 engine.

Maxium Speed: 575 km/h (357 mph)

Range: 1,520 km (944 miles)

Armament: two fixed forward firing 7.7mm Type 97 machine gun; one 13.1mm Type 2 machine gun set up in rear cockpit. Bomb-load: 560 kg.

Below, photo of the D4Y prototype taken in 1941.

A Yokosuka D4Y3 in late 1944. It was captured by Allied forces in the Philippines after an emergency landing.

Fairey Swordfish

The Fairey Swordfish was a carrier-based torpedo-bomber in service with the British Royal Navy during World War II. It was a very efficient and maneuverable biplane, which sank 22 German U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic. Thus, it was one of the most widely used combat biplane of that armed conflict. It was also the only military biplane to be fitted with folding wings (for carrier storage). Between 1934 and 1944, Fairy built 2,391 Swordfish torpedo-bombers in the Mk I, Mk II, Mk III and Mk IV versions.

The Fairey Swordfish prototype, the T.S.R. II K4190, made its maiden flight on April 17, 1934. The test pilot was Lt. Chris Staniland. It was powered by a 690-HP, Pegasus IIIM3 piston engine. After several test flights, it would crash the following year, but a new prototype, the same design, would built. In May 1936, the first production Swordfish Mk I torpedo-bomber rolled out of the Fairey factory at Hayes, Middlesex county, SE England. It entered service with the Royal Navy aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious on July 10, 1936, as part of the 825 Squadron.

Because of its obsolescent appearance, this British biplane was called the 'Stringbag' by the Royal Navy pilots. However, on November 11, 1940, 21 Fairey Swordfish Mk IIs, which had taken off from the flight deck of HMS Illustrious, attacked the Italian fleet moored at Taranto, sinking two battleships, one cruiser, and one destroyer. This daredevil action of seemingly out of date biplanes practically put the Italian fleet out action for several months. The year before, it had already made the crucial hit on the German battleship Bismarck on 27 May, 1941. Despite of these exploits, it would be replaced by the Fairey Barracuda in 1943 in the torpedo-bomber role as it would be relegated to reconnaissance missions.

Technical Characteristics

The Fairey Swordfish was a two/three seat, single-engine biplane. Its airframe was of all-metal construction (steel tubes), covered by plywood and hardened canvas. The forward fuselage and cockpit portion was covered by sheet metal panels, with fabric wrapping up the remainder of fuselage. An arresting hook for catching the carrier's arresting cables was mounted to the lower fuselage longerons.

The two wing planes were held together by metal struts and steel wires. Ailerons were fitted to both the upper and lower plane trailing edges. The wings had no flaps. The outer wing panels were hinged on the rear spars of root wings. This allowed the outer panels to fold backwards. The wheeled landing gear was fixed. However, Fairey built many Swordfish fitted with floats. These were carried onboard of surface vessels, such as battleships.

Specifications (Mk II)

Type: torpedo-bomber

Length: 10.87 m (36 feet)

Wing Span: 13.87 m ( 45 feet)

Wing Area: 56.39 m2 (607 sq. feet)

Height: 3.76 m (12 feet)

Powerplant: one 750-HP, Bristol Pegasus, 9-cylinder, radial piston engine.

Maximum Speed: 222 km/h (138 mph)

Range: 1,658 km (1,028 miles)

Crew: 2/ or 3

Armament: one 730-kg (1,600 pounds) Mk XII Torpedo, or 600 kg of bombs. Two 7.7mm Lewish machine guns for defense.

Below, the prototype TSR.II K4190 parked at factory yard.

The Fairey Swordfish Mk II armed with a lethal torpedo.

Below, six Swordfish, including the one from which the photo is taken, from a carrier squadron in flight.

In this photo, you can see the way its wings were folded backwards.

Yokosuka B4Y

The Yokosuka B4Y was a carrier-based biplane, which was used by the Imperial Japanese Navy as a torpedo-bomber during the first years of World War II. Designed by Sanae Kawasaki, the prototype first flew in 1935, entering service in 1936. It was manufactured by the Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal, with 205 biplane aircraft. Its official designation was Type 96.

The Yokosuka B4Y saw combat action during the Japanese invasion of China from Manchuria in 1937. During this time, it flew combat sorties as a bomber, taking off from land airfields. It would also take part in the Battle of Midway in June, 1942. From then on, this Japanese biplane would be used only as a trainer until 1944. It was replaced by the Nakajima B5N monoplane.

Technical Characteristics

The Yokosuka B4Y was a three-seat, single-engine biplane. The airframe was all-metal and covered by fabric. The wing upper plane had a longer span than the lower plane, and they were both joined together by metal struts. The landing gear was fixed, as most biplanes. Its powerplant consisted of one Nakajima Hikari 2, 9-cylinder, air-cooled radial engine, which produced 840 HP.

Specifications (B4Y1 version)

Type: torpedo-bomber

Length: 10.15 m (33 feet, 4 inches)

Wingspan: 15 m (49 feet, 3 inches)

Height: 4.36 m (14 feet, 4 inches)

Maximum Speed: 278 km/h (173 mph)

Range: 1,573 km (977 miles)

Armament: one 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun, which was mounted on rear portion of cockpit for rearward firing. One 800-kg torpedo, or equivalent weight in bombs.

Crew: 3

The Yokosuka B4Y flying over the Pacific in 1939, with the aircraft carrier Akagi down below.

 

Nakajima B5N

The Nakajima B5N 'Kate' was a carrier-based torpedo-bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Designed in late 1935, it made its maiden flight in 1937, being introduced into service in 1938 in the B5N1 version. It flew its first combat sorties that year, attacking Chinese Army troops and military installations in the Hankow region of China as it took off from land-based runways. Later, it would operate mainly from Zuikaku, Kaga, Shokaku, Hiryu, Akagi, and other Japanese carriers.

In 1939, the Nakajima B5N1 would be upgraded into the B5N2, Navy Type 97 (or Model 2). This variant was driven by a more powerful engine; a Nakajima Sakae, 14-cylinder, two-row, radial piston engine, generating 1,000 HP. On December 11, 1941, when the United States declared war on Japan, Kate was the most advanced carrier-borne torpedo-bomber in the world, taking part in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Total production of this torpedo-bomber reached 1,149 aircraft made by 1945.

The Nakajima B5N Kate was used extensively and intensively throughout the war in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Not only did it take part in the sinking of several American warships at Pearl Harbor but also in the sinking of the British Royal Navy's capital ships, such as the 35,000-ton HMS Prince of Wales and the 32,000-ton HMS Repulse in the South China Sea as well as the US Navy's USS Yorktown (CV-5) at the Battle of Midway. The B5N was so efficient and reliable that even when the new Nakajima B6N Tenzan entered service, it would still be used, in the B5N2 variant, until the end of the war.

Technical Characteristics

The Nakajima B5N was a three-seat, single engine monoplane. It featured cantilever low wings. The fuselage was of all-metal construction. It was fitted with retractable landing gear, which folded up inwardly.

Specifications (B5N2)

Type: carrier-borne torpedo-bomber

Wingspan: 15.52 m (50 feet, 11 inches)

Length: 10.30 m (33 feet, 9 inches)

Wing Area: 37.70 m2 (405.8 sq. ft.)

Height: 3.7 m (12 feet, 2 inches)

Powerplant: 1,000-HP, Nakajima NK1B Sakae radial piston engine.

Maximum Speed: 378 km/h (235 mph)

Combat Range: 1,990 km (1,237 miles)

crew: 3

Armament: one 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun in rear part of cockpit; one 800-kg torpedo, or 900 kg of bombs.

Below, photo of Nakajima B5N in 1939, flying in the skies over China

Kate in December 1941 as it took off the flight deck of Shokaku aircraft carrier. You can see the 800-kg torpedo underneath it.

Below, the B5N2 version of Kate

The B5N2 in flight, climbing up into the skies over the Pacific.

Nakajima B6N2

The Nakajima B6N2, Tenzan/Jill, was a carrier-borne torpedo-bomber in service with the Imperial Japanese Navy. It saw extensive combat action in the Pacific Theater of Operation, during World War II. It had made its maiden flight in 1941, entering service in 1943. 'Tenzan' was the name given by the Japanese and it means 'heavenly mountain', while the Allies referred to it as 'Jill'.

The Nakajima B6N2 was first seen in action when six of these aircraft made close range torpedo attacks on the US Navy's carrier force, during the Allied Marshall Islands Campaign in early December 1943. Two of the Japanese torpedo-bombers were shot down by the carrier's AA guns. The Tenzan made another attack on Allied ships off Truk (Caroline Islands) in January 1944. During the American invasion of the Philippines, it was seen again in the skies over the Gulf of Leyte in late October 1944.

The Nakajima B6N2 could also carry out missions as a light dive bomber. It was both a carrier-based and land-based aircraft. There were two main versions; one had a three-blade propeller, the other a four-blade propeller. The layout of the Tenzan was very similar to the B5N Kate, which it replaced. However, it was equipped with a more powerful engine and a more clean-up design, which increased its performance, making it more efficient.

Technical Characteristics

The Nakajima B6N2 was a low-wing cantilever monoplane. It had a crew of three men and it was powered by one Mitsubishi Kasei, Model 25, 14-cylinder, air-cooled, piston radial engine, producing 1,500-HP. The fuselage was all-metal and landing gear was retractable.

Specifications

Type: naval torpedo-bomber

Manufacturer: Nakajima Aircraft Company

Length: 10.86 m (35 feet, 8 inches)

Wingspan: 14.89 m (48 feet, 10 inches)

Wing Area: 37.2 m2 (400 sq. feet)

Height: 3.8 m (12 feet, 6 inches)

Powerplant: one Mistubishi Kasei, Model 25, radial engine.

Maximum Speed: 482 km/h (300 mph)

Range: 1,746 km ( 10,85 miles)

Armament: two 7.7mm Type-92 machine guns; on in rear part of cockpit, the other on ventral side, shooting forward. One 800-kg torpedo.

Below, three Nakajima B6N2 aircraft in flight in the Pacific in early 1945.

Nakajima B6N Tenzan in action in July 1945, at the end of the war (video)

Nakajima Ki-44

The Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki was an Imperial Japanese Army fighter used during World War II. Also known as 'Tojo' by the Allied forces in the Pacific, it first flew as a prototype in August 1940, entering service in 1942. It was massively built in two versions, Model 1 and Model 2, with a total of 1,225 aircraft having been produced by 1945.

The Nakajima Ki-44 was reported to have seen combat action in Papua New Guinea, especially in the area near Rabaul, fighting against British and American combat aircraft. It also took part in dogfights in the skies over the Philippines in October 1944. Although it shot down a number of British naval fighters, such as the slow Fairey Fulmar and Firefly, the Tojo was not a match for the American Grumman F4U Corsair and the F6F Hellcat, with which it got engaged in combat in the skies over the Pacific.

Technical Charasteristics

The Nakajima Ki-44 was a single-seat, single-engine, low-wing monoplane. It was maneuverable and stable, being the smallest Japanese fighter ever designed by the Nakajima Company. The fuselage was of all-metal construction, with the control surfaces being covered by fabric.

The aircraft was fitted with dihedral, cantilever wings and it had retractable landing gear, with the wheels folding up medially (inwardly). The Model 1 of the Shoki featured a comfortable cockpit, with a canopy that slid backward to let the pilot in and out. Model 2 had a longer cockpit cover.

Specifications (Model 2)

Type: fighter aircraft

Length: 8.84 m (29 feet)

Wingspan: 9.45 m (31 feet)

Wing Area: 15 sq. m (160 sq. feet)

Height: 3.25 m (10 feet, 8 inches)

Weight: 2,106 kg (4,643 pounds)

Powerplant: one 1,450-HP, Nakajima Type 2, 14-cylinder, air-cooled, radial engine.

Maximum Speed: 612 km/h (380 mph)

Range: 775 miles

Armament: 4 machine guns; two 12.7mm and two 7.7mm-caliber.

Below, the ventral side profile view of the Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki.

Photo of the Ki-44-II fighter after the war, with its armament removed.
 

Below, the Shoki at a Japanese military base in 1944 before taking off.

Unique footage of the Ki-44 Tojo in WW2 (video)

 Below, three abandoned Nakajima Ki-44-IIs in 1946, rusting away somewhere in Japan.