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Background
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The initial flight of the G4M2 prototypes took place in December 1942. This version differed from its predecessor in several ways. It was equipped with Mitsubishi MK4P “Kasei” Model 21 engines, which featured VDM electric four-blade propellers capable of full feathering function. The main wings were redesigned with LB type laminar flow airfoil, and the tail horizontal stabilizer wing area was widened. These modifications resulted in an improved service ceiling of 8,950 m and a maximum speed of 437 km/h. Additionally, the main wing fuel tanks were enlarged to 6,490 L, increasing the range to 6,000 km.
The G4M2 also featured an electrically powered dorsal turret, which replaced the dorsal position of the G4M1 and was armed with a 20 mm Type 99 cannon. The total armament included two 20 mm Type 99 cannons and four 7.7 mm Type 92 machine guns. External differences included increased nose glazing, flush side gun positions instead of blisters, and rounded tips of wings and tail surfaces.
These significant improvements allowed the G4M2 to carry more powerful bombs. It could accommodate one 1,055 kg Navy Type 91 aerial torpedo, one 800 kg bomb, two 500 kg bombs, or one 800 kg Type 3 No. 31 bomb, along with twelve 60 kg bombs. The G4M2 officially entered service in mid-1943.
The G4M2a Mod. 24 was an altered version of the Model 22, equipped with Mitsubishi MK4T Kasei 25 engines generating 1,340 kW (1,800 hp). It could be distinguished externally from the Model 22 by the presence of a carburetor air intake located on the top of the engine cowling. Following the Sino-Japanese War, the Army received a limited number of G4M2a Mod. 24 aircraft (and potentially G4M2e Mod.22 Tei) and retained them, along with captured models, as a precautionary measure in case the United States withdrew its support. It is highly probable that all of the G4M2 aircraft were eventually scrapped during the 1950s.
Technical Data
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Crew - 6
Length - 20 m
Height - 6 m
Wingspan - 25 m
Empty Weight - 8,350 kg
Gross Weigh - 12,500 kg
Powerplant - 2 x Mitsubishi MK4T Kasei 25 Radial Engines (1,340 kW)
Max Speed - 470 km/h (at 5,150 m)
Service Ceiling - 9,220 m
Range - 4,335 km
Armament
1 x 20mm Type 99 Cannon (Dorsal Turret)
1 x 20mm Type 99 Cannon (Tail Turret)
2 x 7.7mm Type 92 Machine Guns (Waist Turrets)
Nose Turret Removed
1 x 800 kg bomb
1 x Type 91 Kai-7 Torpedo
2 x 500 kg bombs
12 x 60 kg bombs
Images
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Sources
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