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Nakajima LB-2 ( 九試陸上攻撃機)
The Nakajima LB-2 is a Japanese prototype bomber created in 1936 as a competitor to the G3M. Only one prototype was built, which, after being rejected by the frame, became an ordinary passenger plane called Akatsuki-go. He served until 1941.
History
In 1934, the Japanese Navy created a competition for a new land-based naval bomber. Three companies entered the competition: Hiro (G2H), Mitsubishi (G3M) and Nakajima (which was not invited to the competition). The Nakajima plant wanted to enter the military aircraft market with its new Ki-19 and LB-2 aircraft. In 1934, the Nakajima plant received an incomplete license for the DC-2 aircraft, so it was decided to use the solutions from this aircraft in a new project. Engineer Kenichi Matsumura was responsible for the project. Work on the machine was slow and it was not ready until March 1936, 9 months after the G3M, which caused the Navy to be very reluctant to test the LB-2 (Long-range Bomber 2) aircraft. During the tests, the aircraft showed good performance of the aircraft, but had poor power in relation to weight. The Japanese Navy decided to reject the LB-2 aircraft, so Nakajima decided to convert the LB-2 into a transport and passenger aircraft. In the place of the bomb bay, additional fuel tanks were installed, a transport hatch was created in the nose of the machine in place of the bombardier, and 7 passenger seats were installed, and the crew was reduced from 4 to 2 people. The modified aircraft was named Akatsuki-go and in the spring of 1937 it was sold to Manchukuo National Airways. However, the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War hindered the plane’s flights, and the outbreak of fighting on the Japanese-Soviet border in 1939 caused the grounding of the Akatsuki plane, which did not fly again until it was scrapped in 1941.
Photos of the Nakajima LB-2
Construction description
The LB-2 aircraft was a medium-wing bomber in a classic configuration with retractable landing gear in flight. The fuselage had a lockable bomb bay with a payload of 800 kg, and the defensive armament consisted of two Type 92 7.7 mm machine guns, one on the back of the fuselage and the other at the bottom of the fuselage, both retractable during flight. The aircraft was powered by two Nakajima Hikari 2 engines with a power of 840 hp.
General characteristics
- Crew: 4
- Length: 19.33 m
- Wingspan: 26.69 m
- Height: 5.45 m
- Wing area: 97.96 m2
- Empty weight: 5,750 kg
- Gross weight: 9,630 kg
- Powerplant: 2 × Nakajima Hikari 2 , 600 kW (800 hp) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 328 km/h (204 mph, 177 kn)
- Cruise speed: 242 km/h (150 mph, 130 kn)
- Range: 6,000 km (3,750 mi, 3,260 nmi)
Armament
- Guns
- 2 x Type 92 7.7mm machine guns (on the back and belly)
- Bombs
- 800 kg of bombs
Special thanks
@Rowiek
Summary
The Nakajima LB-2 is an interesting aircraft for Japan in War Thunder. It is a bomber with a suitable bomb load to destroy low-level bases. This aircraft is ideal for a Premium vehicle. 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
LB-2 (航空機) - Wikipedia
Nakajima LB-2 - Wikipedia
Nakajima LB-1 and LB-2 | Secret Projects Forum
Nakadžima LB-2 : Nakadžima (valka.cz)
Уголок неба ¦ Nakajima LB-2 (airwar.ru)
Опытный дальний бомбардировщик Nakajima LB-2. Япония - Альтернативная История (alternathistory.ru)
Book sources
- Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, Mikesh, Robert C; Abe, Shorzoe page 235