- Air Power Series
- Realistic highly detailed collectible model
- Diecast & plastic parts.
- Display stand included.
- Measures 5.75” L x 8.5” Wingspan
- Display model, recommended for hobbyists and collectors 14 years and above.
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 prototype of the B5N1 Type 97 completed its maiden flight in January 1937 and ordered into production almost immediately. The new aircraft was state of the art for 1937 and became known as the Kate to Allied forces. 143 Kates took part in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The B5N1 was Japan’s most effective torpedo bomber but even when it became obsolete because of the newer U.S. aircraft Japan was forced to continue using it because they had no alternatives.
This Hobby Master 1/72 scale model is a replica of B5N1 “Kate” tail number 9-348 form the Imperial Japanese Navy 14 Kōkūtai (Air Group), based in Sanzao Dao, South China, 1938.
As with most Hobby Master models this B5N1 Kate, features engraved panel lines, antennas, surface details, an opening canopy, a well-appointed cockpit (with instrumentation details), full weapons complement, optional-position landing gear, authentic squadron markings, and a display stand.
Specifications :
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B5N1 and B5N2:
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Dimensions
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Length:
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33ft 10in (10.30 m)
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Wingspan:
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50ft 11in (15.52m)
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Height:
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12ft 2in (3.70m)
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Weight:
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B5N1:
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Empty weight:
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4,643 lb (2,106 kg)
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Loaded:
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8,157 lb (3,700 kg)
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B5N2:
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Empty weight:
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5,024 lb (2,279 kg)
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Loaded:
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8,378 lb (3,800 kg)
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Engine:
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B5N1:
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Nakajima Hikari 3, 770 hp, 9-cylinder, air-cooled radial
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B5N2:
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Nakajima NK 1B Sakae 11, 1,000 hp, 14-cylinder, air-cooled radial
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Performance:
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B5N1:
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Maximum Speed:
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229 mph @ 6,560 ft (2,000 m)
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Service Ceiling:
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24,280 ft (7,400 m)
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Normal Range:
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679 miles (1,092 km)
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Maximum Range:
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1,404 miles (2,259 km)
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B5N2:
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Maximum Speed:
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235 mph @ 11,810 ft (3,600 m)
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Service Ceiling:
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27,100 ft (8,260 m)
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Normal Range:
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608 miles (978 km)
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Maximum Range:
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1,237 miles (1,990 km)
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Armament
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B5N1 and B5N2:
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1 x flexible rear-firing 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun
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Bombs – 1,764 lb (800 kg)
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Or 1 x 1,764 lb (800 kg) torpedo
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