WW2 IJN Aviation

Yokosuka B4Y “Jean” (1935) Imperial Japanese Navy, 205 built The Mitsubishi B2M which needed replacement (1932), derived from the Blackburn Ripon The Yokosuka B4Y, also called Navy Type 96 Carrier Attack Bomber was the specialized torpedo bomber of the IJN, and last biplane of that type before the arrival of the B5N “Kate”. Introduced in … Read more

Mitsubishi A5M “Claude” (1937) Imperial Japanese Navy, 1085 built The main IJN fighter in 1940 The Mitsubish A5M (allied designation “claude”) was until the arrival of the legendary “zeke”, the main Japanese Imperial Navy Fighter. Designed alongside the Army Fighter Nakajima Nakajima Ki-27 “Nate”, this was the first generation monoplane of this type, supremely agile, … Read more

Aichi D1A “Susie” (1934) Imperial Japanese Navy, 590 built The last IJN biplane dive bomber The Aichi D1A/D2A “Susie” was a reliable, modern dive bomber biplane in service with the IJN from 1935 to 1940 (1942 with Mandchukuo). It was the direct predecessor of the D3A “Val” monoplane of WW2 fame, and still served in … Read more

Imperial Japanese Navy, 148 built The 1930s IJN naval fighter The Nakajima A4N was a carrier-based fighter, last biplane by Nakajima. The first prototype was completed in 1934, but engine issues delayed the entry service until 1936. It was internally called Nakajima YM (factory designation), or Navy Type 95 Carrier Fighter. In all, 221 were … Read more

Mitsubishi B1M (1924) Imperial Japanese Navy, 443 built The main IJN torpedo bomber of the interwar The Mitsubishi B1M was a Japanese torpedo bomber of the 1920s. It lasted in service more than planned, and contributed to shape Imperial Japanese navy early carrier-borne strikes tactics. It was originally designated the 2MT, and was designed by … Read more