Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA2005
Nakajima B5N1 Kanko/Kate Diecast Model
IJNAS, CI-301, IJN Carrier Zuiho, February 1942 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Nakajima B5N1 Kanko/Kate | | 5.75" | | 8.5" |
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.
In 1938 B5N1 aircraft were based on the Zuiho as well as other Japanese carriers. The new Kates were also land based and both were deployed in China during the Sino-Japanese War 1937 -1945. Here the aircraft were used to do bombing in support of ground troops and early in the war due to the lack of opposing aircraft the Kates were quite often painted in colorful schemes. Along with newer B5N2s 103 of the older B5N1s took part in the attack at Pearl Harbor.
Designed to meet a 1935 Imperial Japanese Navy requirement for a carrier-based attack bomber to replace the Yokosuka B4Y, the B5N was first flown in January, 1937. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale BN5 Kate is constructed almost entirely from diecast metal, with a large, solid metal wing that dominates the model. The multi-piece configurable canopy has two opened covers and a removable rear-facing machine gun. The front and side instrument panels are pad-printed and crisp panel lines can be seen across the surface of the model. Other fine details include simulated fabric-stretched control surfaces on the wing and elevators and cooling fins that can be seen inside the radial engine. Variants in this series include the B5N1 and the improved B5N2, configured as either a torpedo bomber, with a removable torpedo, or a dive bomber with several bomb load configurations.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
