Nakajima Kate B5N

Specifications Nakajima Kate B5N blueprint

The Nakajima Kate B5N is a Japanese Navy torpedo bomber from the early days of World War II. It was the primary bomber used by the Japanese during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Designed in response to Japan's increasing need for fast and lightly armored naval aircraft, the Kate was an advanced piece of equipment for its time. With a maximum speed of 325 mph, it could outrun most of the enemy fighters during the War. It was also quite maneuverable in comparison to the fighters of its time. The Nakajima Kate had a unique silhouette due to its long, slender fuselage with a taper aft of the cockpit and an ultra-thin wingspan. The Kate had a crew of three: a pilot, gunner, and navigator. It was equipped with an internal bomb bay that could hold up to 1,200 pounds of bombs. The Kate was also equipped with two Type 99 Mark One Naval cannons in its nose and up to two flexible, rear-firing 7.7mm machine guns. The Nakajima Kate was famous for its maneuverability, particularly during the attack on Pearl Harbor, where they could outmaneuver Allied aircraft. This, combined with its high top speed, gave it an impressive rate of climb and made it a formidable weapon for the Japanese. The Kate was also well known for its ability to fly long distances, given its range of 2,555 miles. The Nakajima Kate was a durable aircraft, serving through the entirety of World War II. Despite being almost constantly exposed to enemy fire, the Kate was built to take a beating. In the end, it was responsible for helping the Japanese Navy gain crucial victories throughout the War. To this day, the Nakajima Kate remains an iconic aircraft of World War II, and its legacy can be seen in modern aircraft designs.