The Mitsubishi G4M (allied conename “Betty”) was the replacement for the 1930s G3M (“Nell”), as the primary land based bomber of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Mitsubishi Navy Type 1 attack bomber nicknamed “Hamaki” as it was far more “fattier” than the nimble G3M, was also far more powerful and it boasted good performance across the board. It was considered the world’s best land-based naval bomber, in a category that pretty much only existed in Japan. However this model, due to the obstination of the IJNAF command to sacrifice everything for range, had a lightweight structure and wings acting as fuel tanks.
It was later criticized for its lack of protection. Introduced on 2 April 1941, it was soon derided by allied pilots as the “The Flying Lighter”, prone to ignition after just a hit. Only with the late G4M2 these issues were partly solved. With 2,435 delivered until 1945, it was also the most common Japanese twin engine torpedo bomber of WW2, with a range rivalling 4-engine bombers and took part in all important campaigns.
⚠ Note: Since this Puppy was arguably the most important Japanese bomber of WW2, it will be split into two parts as there is a lot to talk about. Part II to come with the next Japanese update.
