Mitsubishi G1M

The Mitsubishi G1M was a long-range twin-engined Attack Bomber built by Mitsubishi for the Imperial Japanese Navy in the 1930s.

G1M
Role Long-range reconnaissance aircraft and attack bomber
National origin Japan
Manufacturer Mitsubishi
First flight April 1934
Status Prototype only
Number built 1

Design and development

The sole prototype G1M, initially designated Mitsubishi Navy Experimental 8-Shi Special Reconnaissance Aircraft and re-designated Mitsubishi Navy Experimental 8-Shi Land based Medium Attack Aircraft before first flight, was a predecessor of the Mitsubishi G3M, an important step for the Navy air force towards more capable land-based bombers such as the Mitsubishi G4M "Betty".

There is sometimes confusion between this aircraft and the Mitsubishi 3MT5 (also designated 'Mitsubishi G1M' and 'Navy Experimental 7-shi Carrier Attack Bomber'). The 3MT5 was a biplane and the 8-shi experimental Attack Bomber was a monoplane, two entirely different aircraft.

Specifications

Data from Japanese Aircraft, 1910–1941[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 5
  • Length: 15.83 m (51 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 25 m (82 ft 0 in)
  • Height: 4.53 m (14 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 75 m2 (810 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 4,775 kg (10,527 lb)
  • Gross weight: 7,003 kg (15,439 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Hiro Type 91 water-cooled W12 engine, 480 kW (650 hp) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 266 km/h (165 mph, 143 kn)
  • Range: 4,408 km (2,739 mi, 2,380 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 4,600 m (15,100 ft)
  • Time to altitude: 16 min 54 sec to 3,000 m (9,800 ft)

Armament

  • Guns: 2× flexibly mounted 7.7 mm machine guns (one mounted in the nose and one in dorsal position)

References
Notes
  1. Mikesh and Abe 1990, p. 172.
Bibliography
  • Mikesh, Robert C. and Shorzoe Abe. Japanese Aircraft, 1910–1941. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1990. ISBN 0-85177-840-2.
  • Peattie, Mark R. Sunburst: The Rise of Japanese Naval Air Power, 1909-1941. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2007. ISBN 978-1-59114-664-3.
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