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)