Mitsubishi G4M
| Mitsubishi G4M Type 22 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Description | ||
| Role | Land-based bomber | |
| Crew | ||
| First Flight | October 23, 1939 | |
| Entered Service | 1941 | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 19.6 m | ft |
| Wingspan | 24.9 m | ft |
| Height | 6 m | ft |
| Wing area | m² | |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | kg | |
| Loaded | kg | |
| Maximum takeoff | kg | |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engine | Mitsubishi Kasei 25 x 2 | |
| Power | 1850 hp (1,380 kW) | |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 437 km/h | |
| Combat range | 4723 km | |
| Ferry range | km | mi |
| Service ceiling | m | ft |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | 2 x 20 mm cannon, 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns | |
| Bomb load | 800kg of bombs or torpedoes | |
The Mitsubishi G4M (一式陸上攻撃機:Type 1 land-based attack aircraft; Allied reporting name Betty) was a twin-engined, land-based bomber aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Navy in World War II.
It had exceptional range and high-speed at the time of its introduction. However, it was most known for it notoriously underprotected fuel tanks that earned the name "one-shot lighter" from Allied pilots. This was due to the fact that on many occasions, it was used for low altitude torpedo attacks that greatly diminished its advantages. Its relatively large size made it a large target to shoot and the simple approach vector meant an easy interception. When used for middle to high altitude bombing against a stationary target like a supply depot or an airfield, it was another matter entirely. Using its long range and high speed, it would appear from any direction and be gone before fighters could intercept them. Near the end of the war it was used as a kamikaze platform, and was the carrier aircraft for the Ohka kamikaze aircraft.
Probably the best-known incident involving a G4M during the war was the interception of the aircraft carrying IJN Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto by American P-38 Lightnings on April 17, 1943.
Versions
- G4M1 Prototypes: Japanese Navy land Based Bomber Type 1. Two prototypes built.
- G4M1 Japanese Navy Land Attack Bomber type 1, Model 11. first bomber model of series.
- G4M1 Model 12: Mitsubishi MK4E Kasei 1,530 hp (1,140 kW) engines. Several fuselage modifications.
- G4M2 Model 22: G4M1 with different engines, modified weapon load, laminar flux wings.
- G4M2 Model 22A: very similar to previous model. Armed with two type 99 20 mm cannons replacing the 7.7 mm machine guns in the lateral positions.
- G4M2 Model 22B: Armed with four type 99 20 mm cannons.
(Total production of G4M2 and Models 22A-B: 350)
- G4M2a Model 24a: modified Model 22, MK4T Kasei 25 1,800 hp (1,340 kW) engine, with bulged bomb bay doors for larger bomb capacity.
- G4M2a Model 24a/b: armament similar to model 22A/B respectively.
- G4M2a Model 24c: modified 24b, with one type 2 13 mm machine gun mounted in front nose cabin.
(Total production of G4M2a, Models 24A, 24B and 24C: 790)
- G4M2b Model 25: one G4M2a modified to MK4T-B Kasei 25b 1,825 hp (1,360 kW) engines. Only experimental.
- G4M2c Model 26: two G4M2a modified to MK4T-B Ru Kasei 25b 1,825 hp (1,360 kW) engines with Turbo compressors.
- G4M2d Model 27: one G4M2 modified to MK4V Kasei 27 1,795 hp (1,340 kW) engines.
- G4M2e Model 24J: Special version for the transport of the suicide bomb plane Kugisho/Yokosuka MXY-7 "Ohka" (Baka) Model 11, conversions of G4M2a Models 24B and 24C.
- G4M3 Model 34: redesigned G4M2. Added self-sealing fuel tanks. Improved armor protection. Redesigned wings and tail plane. Armed with two Type 92 7.7 mm machine guns in nose cabin and in both side positions, and one type 99 model 1 20 mm cannon in dorsal turret and tail. Changed maximum capacity of 1,000 kg of bombs or one 800 Kg Torpedo.
- G4M3a Model 34A: transport and antisubmarine version with modified armament. Only experimental.
- G4M3 Model 36: Prototype. Two G4M2 Model 34 modified to Mitsubishi MK4-T Kasei 25b Ru 1,825 hp (1,360 kW) engines.
- G6M1 Japanese Navy Long Range Heavy Fighter Type 1: initial model of the series, armed with type 99 20 mm cannons between each side of fuselage and in tail, one 7.7 mm machine gun in nose cabin and one 30 mm cannon in front ventral position. 30 built.
- G6M1-K Trainer, Japanese Navy type 1: converted G6M1s.
- G6M1-L2 Transport Type 1, Japanese Navy: modified as transports.
(Total production of G6M1-K and derived types: 1,200)
Total production of all versions: 2,446 Examples.
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