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Mitsubishi G3M2 model 21 (九六式陸上攻撃機二一型)
The Mitsubishi G3M2 model 21 is the second version of the G3M long-range medium bomber. This aircraft was built in 1937 and 343 aircraft of this version were produced.
History
In 1937, Japanese production plants began producing Kinsei 42 engines with a take-off power of 802 kW (1,075 hp). Mitsubishi decided to install these engines on the G3M1 bomber, creating its new version of this bomber. The new bomber therefore got new engines along with an increase in the diameter of the propellers to 3.20 m, a larger fuel supply, the outer trailing plate of the main wing was also changed, and the comfort of the crew was additionally improved. However, the defensive armament was not improved, which later turned out to be a problem. These improvements have increased the speed and slightly extended the range. After rapid testing, the aircraft was put into service as the Type 96 Type 21 or G3M2 Model 21 attack aircraft. These aircraft were produced from 1937 to 1939 and 343 aircraft were produced in this version. In July 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out, where at the beginning the main Japanese bomber was the G3M2 model 21 bomber. These planes attacked Chinese industrial areas far from the front, and during these raids, G3M2 Model 21 bombers flew without their own fighter escort, leading to heavy casualties. In order to counteract these losses, a new version of the G3M bomber was developed, which was to be designated Mitsubishi G3M2 model 22. In 1941, when the war in the Pacific broke out, the G3M2 model 21 bombers along with the G3M2 model 22 bombers continued to serve in line units and began combat operations against the Allies. On December 10, 1941, these planes, together with G4M1 bombers, sank battleships from the British Force Z group, which proved that the Japanese are able to defeat the modern enemy. Previously, the Allied intelligence did not recognize the Japanese as a modern opponent at all, they even considered the G3M bombers to be a licensed copy of the Ju-86 bomber. The G3M2 model 21 aircraft served until the end of the war, the desire to convert them into G3M2-K training aircraft or reconnaissance aircraft, or upgraded to the G3M2 model 22 version. Some of the G3M2 aircraft were converted to L3Y2 Model 12 transport aircraft.
Construction description
The Mitsubishi G3M2 model 21 aircraft is similar to the Mitsubishi G3M1 aircraft, but there are a few differences between them, which I will describe here.
- Replaced Mitsubishi MK8 Kinsei 3 engine with 910 hp with Mitsubishi MK8D Kinsei 42 engine with 1075 hp
- Changed the diameter of the propeller from 3.51 m to 3.2 m
- Increased fuel supply from 3805 l to 3874 l
- Changed the outer trailing edge plate of the main wing from corrugated to flat sheet
Technical sketches
General characteristics
- Crew: 5 or 6
- Length: 16,45 m
- Wingspan: 25,00 m
- Height: 3,68 m
- Wing area: 75 m2
- Empty weight: 4813 kg
- Gross weight: 7778 kg
- Powerplant: 2 x air-cooled fourteen-cylinder Mitsubishi Kinsei 42 radial engines with a take-off power of 791 kW (1075 hp)
- Propellers: three-bladed metal adjustable in the range of 23.5° - 29° with a diameter of 3,200 mm
Performance
- Maximum speed: 376 km/h
- Cruise Speed: 278 km/h
- Range: 3800 km
- Maximum Range: 4380 km
- Service ceiling: 9200 m
- Time to Climb to: 12,9 min to 5000 m
Armament
- Guns:
- 3 x Type 92 7.7mm movable machine guns in retractable turrets (two on the back, one on the belly)
- Bombs:
- 1 x 800 kg bomb
- 1 x 500 kg bomb
- 2 x 250 kg bombs
- 12 x 60 kg bombs
- 1 x 800 kg torpedo
Special thanks
Summary
The Mitsubishi G3M2 model 21 is an interesting aircraft for Japan in War Thunder. This aircraft was the main bomber for the Japanese before the outbreak of the Pacific War, and it is not in the game. It is an aircraft with a huge range and a large bomb load, which is ideal for the beginning of the Japanese bomber line. I encourage you to discuss in the comments and to share your own knowledge on this subject.
Finally, I apologize for the linguistic and logical errors because unfortunately English is not my main language and I had to use google translator.
Internet sources
九六式陸上攻撃機 - Wikipedia
Mitsubishi G3M - Wikipedia
Mitsubishi G3M “Nell” (1935)
Mitsubishi G3M Nell - Destination’s Journey
Mitsubishi G3M Rikko Long-range Torpedo Bomber
Imperial Japanese Aviation Resource Center - A Warbirds Resource Group Site
Mitsubishi G3M Type 96 (Nell) Info
Mitsubishi G3M NELL - bomber
Mitsubishi G3M
Micubiši G3M2 21 [Nell] : Micubiši
Уголок неба ¦ Mitsubishi G3M
https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2019/03/06/mitsubishi-g4m-long-range-land-based-naval-bomber/
Mitsubishi G3M2 ‘Nell’
九六式陸上攻撃機/三菱 | 大日本帝国軍 主要兵器
九六式陆上攻击机_百度百科
Book sources
- Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War page 350-357
- Japanese Aircraft of Wolrld War II : 1937-1945 ,Thomas Newdick, Edition 2 2017, page 10-13
- Mitsubishi Nakajima G3M1/2/3 96 Rikko IJNAF
Schiffer Mitsubishi Nakajima G3M1-2-3 96 Rikko IJNAF PDF | PDF - La Aviación Japonesa en la Segunda Guerra mundial (Japanese aviation in World War II) page 273-276
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