NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
When Japan first attacked in World War II, its primary torpedo dive bomber was the Nakajima B5N, called “Kate” by the Allies. The aircraft served the Japanese Navy throughout the war.
The B5N aircraft was designed in 1934 and first took to the sky in 1936. It was built with the same philosophy as other Japanese war planes of its time. It was equipped with unprotected
fuel tanks and was lightly armored in order to obtain as much speed, range, and altitude as possible from its engine.
During primary testing, the Japanese Navy was impressed with the aircraft, although initial flight testing revealed a number of relatively minor items that needed correction.
These only slightly delayed the development of the aircraft.
The Nakajima B5N performed well in the early stages of the war, sinking a number of Allied warships. However, when it came up against Allied fighter aircraft, it proved no match against them.
Newer B5N models had more powerful engines and some drag reducing features, but they continued to suffer severe loses by enemy fighter aircraft.
Although primarily used as a torpedo bomber, the B5N did see some action against land based positions before the war ended.
When removed from front line duties to be replaced by more modern aircraft, the B5N continued in service. Some were used for coastal patrol and against enemy submarines.
In the last days of the war, remaining B5N aircraft were flown as kamikaze aircraft.
A total of about 1,150 Nakajima B5N aircraft of all types were produced. None remained after the war. The replica “Kate” aircraft seen flying today are composites made from other aircraft.
Specifications
Primary Function:
Crew:
Engine:
Power:
Weight Empty:
Full Weight:
Ordnance:
Machine Guns:
Length:
Wingspan:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Ceiling:
Range:
First Flight:
Year Deployed:
torpedo dive bomber
three
Sakae 11 radial
1,000 h.p.
5,025 lbs.
9,040 lbs.
1,760 lbs.
1 to 3 - 7.7 mm
33' 10"
50' 11"
176 mph
235 mph
1,300 fpm
27,000 feet
1,240 miles
2/11/36
1937
Radio Control Airplane
Lubos Chvatal with rc Nakajima B5N2 Kate.
Radio Control Airplanes:
Pictured immediately above is Lubos Chvatal of RC Web CA with his rc Nakajima B5N2 Kate combat model. It has a wingspan of
51" and a length of 35". It is made from EPP and powered by a MVVS engine. Weight is about 37 oz.
The first and second pictures below are of the great looking giant scale rc Nakajima B5N2 Kate from master builder Carl Bachhuber. Carl tells
us that the engine used in the Kate is a DA-100 that has plenty of power to move the 1/4 scale 12 1/2 foot wingspan airplane.
It is built from his own plans and features a torpedo drop and smoke system, plus self built retracts. It is a very good flying aircraft.
The last picture below is of the giant scale rc Nakajima B5N built by Sergio Vergara. Its wingspan is 102" and length is 68". Construction is
from balsa and plywood. Sergio powers his model airplane with a 3W-60 engine. Weight is about 28 lbs.
Combined Fleet. com has three views drawings of the B5N1 and B5N2 which may be useful to anyone building a rc Nakajima B5N radio control airplane.
Email us if you know of a rc Nakajima B5N that should be on this page.
Nakajima B5N Kate
