Micubiši G4M [Betty]

Mitsubishi G4M - přehled verzí
Mitsubishi G4M - an overview of the different versions

Shortened japanese name: Rikko originated from Ichishiki rikujo kogeki ki, Isshikirikko

Unofficial japanese name: Hamaki (a Cigar)

Allied code name: Betty

Maritime attack aircraft for land base type 1

G4M1 11
deliveries began in may 1941, the engines MK4A Kasei 11 performance 1 530 horsepower, made 405 aircraft

G4M1 13
march 1942 to January 1944, výškovější engines MK4-E-Kasei 15 was made 1 294 aircraft of this version

G4M2 22
July 1943, the engines MK4P Kasei 21 about the performance of the 1 825 horses, the laminar profile of the wing, the installation of larger fuel tanks (up to 6 490 l ), dorsal turret with 20 mm cannon, a bigger bomb bay, better glass bow, were built in total 1 154 aircraft G4M2

G4M2a 22a Ko
differences in the defensive armor, the other placing machine guns.

G4M2b 22b Otsu
differences in the defensive armor, some sources indicate installation of the dorsal gun turret from this version

G4M2a 24A
motors MK4-T Kasei 25 about the performance of the 1 875 horsepower with a more economic operation, transplanting the shooting windows (not against each other), in these side windows are cannons Type 99 Model 2 caliber 20 mm

G4M2a 24B
deliveries in 1944, in the side windows are the machine guns of 13.2 mm

G4M2c 24C
in the front střelišti one 13.0 mm machine gun and four guns caliber 20 mm with a belt feeder hubs, high-rise engines Kasei 25

G4M2b 25
the experimental engine installation Kasei 25b Ru with turbocharging turbocharged Ru-102, nedoložena production, apparently 2 prototypes

G4M2c 26
the experimental engine installation Kasei 25b

G4M2c 27
experimental setup the engine Kasei 27

G4M2e 24J Tei
is a modified G4M2a 22a into the form of a carrier suicide Ohky 11, for the start of this version were used by the auxiliary rocket engines, type 4, made of about 65-70 aircraft, installation of additional armor plates.

G4M3a 34
the larger the tank the fuel in the wings, the engines of the MK4-T Kasei 25, the adjustment of the rear range, the positive dihedral of the GTC, manufactured 60-65 aircraft version to g4m3.

G4M3b 34A
for the maritime patrolling with protilodním radar

G4M3c 36
only the prototype with turbokompresorovými engines Kasei 25b Ru.

G6M1 11
the accompanying heavy fighter, which came out of the G4M1 11, but made like the first,
had to accompany the bombers, the Mitsubishi G3M

Mitsubishi G6M1-L2
all unsuccessful accompanying jet cruisers were eventually adapted as a transport aircraft

The total was made: 2 446 aircraft G4M and G6M made by the company Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha

2 prototypes of the 12-Shi - Nagoya September 1939 to February 1940
30 serial G6M1 - Nagoya in 1940
1 200 serial G4M1 - Nagoya from January 1941 to January 1944
1 154 G4M2 - Nagoya (640) and Okayama (514) November 1942 - August 1945
60-65 to g4m3 small series in Nagoya and Okayama December 1943 - August 1945.
URL : https://www.valka.cz/Micubisi-G4M-Betty-t29177#103285 Version : 0
Birth of a legend:

It is the year 1937 and the japanese naval air force lists specifications of the 12-Shi, there are formulated the technical requirements both on-board the fighter, which gave rise to the famous fighters A6M Zero , and yet here were the requirements for the attack bomber, base bomber G4M Betty. Both aircraft were a great success of the company Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. .

As was then the custom, the navy announced requirements for the new aircraft in the year, when the equipment got bomber Mitsubishi G3M Type 96 Nell. So ensure that once it starts bomber G3M be out of date, will be available for bomber new. Requirements for a new bomber, an emphasis on the great range, which was necessary given the large distances in the Pacific and on the chinese battlefield. With a load of 800 kilograms of bombs, or a torpedo of the same weight, had a range of eur 2 000 nautical miles (3 703 km). Required was also quite effective defensive weapons, including a cannon caliber of 20 millimeters and the flight speed should be more a defense of a new bomber. Work on the development of the bomber were awarded without competition, above-named the factory Mitsubishi and based on the achievements of the bombers G3M in China.

In the first study, was the designer Joji Hattorim considered a mere enhancement G3M for help new more efficient engines Mitsubishi MK4A Kasei 11 with the capacity of 1 530 horses, but with regard to the fact that the fuselage had to place a large amount of fuel and also cougars, which were in G3M hung on external pylons, and here were the cougars the source of a large aerodynamic resistance, this variant soon discarded. The construction of the hull was entrusted to the 1. naval air arsenal in Yokosuce and Mitsubishi was in charge of all the other parts of a bomber aircraft. Already in December 1937 it was started with the blast of some parts of the model in the wind tunnel.

The design team was strengthened by internships in the US are returned Kira Honjoem, the constructor of the G3M and now also šéfkonstruktérem Mitsubishi. Honjo suggested double-girder wing and the space between the beams filled from a large part of the fuel tank. The new bomber had an electrically driven slotted flaps, and also landing gear retraction was electric, because the japanese hydraulic drives have never been completely reliable. The torso was bulky and aerodynamically clean, the shape resembled a cigar and so he had the unofficial title of Hamaki, which is japanese for a cigar. Range and speed has been subordinated to all, in particular the passive protection of the vital parts. Respectable was the amount of carried fuel 4 900 litres, unfortunately, even the tanks were not protected. The shape of the bomb bay was adapted to the torpedo Type 91, but it was possible to hang up and bombs weighing up to 1 000 kilograms (4 x 250 kg). At a decent level and missile armament, which formed the cannon Type 99 Model 1 in the rear střelišti and four machine guns Type 92 caliber 7.7 mm.

The prototype was [23.10.1939 at the air base in Kagamihaře, was completed about one month earlier. Development is a little delayed, the factory Mitsubishi was overloaded, developed at the same time, fighter A6M Reisen, which had a higher preference during the construction. Naval air force found that the new bomber not only proved to meet the requirements of the 12-Shi, but even it is smoothly overcome in range, when it reached up to 3 000 nautical miles, so at the maximum speed, where the requirement was 398 km/h and the prototype flew at speeds of up to 444 miles per hour.

Description of the version:

• First, the production didn't get the bomber version and this for two reasons, first, in the navy there was a concern that the start of production of a new bomber will cause a partial interruption of the supply of bomber aircraft on the chinese battlefield, there is already bombers G3M suffered losses and the japanese naval air force searched in vain for a way to secure their fighter defense. Small and maneuverable fighters Mitsubishi A5M not enough range, forward airfield for fighters not address the problem globally and the purchase of fighter aircraft in foreign (Seversky A8V1 and the Heinkel A7He1) did not bring nothing but further disappointment and it was now also a second reason why there has been a reconstruction of the promising and the executive bomber on escort fighter křižníkového type.

This trip was primarily supported by a group of naval officers from the test base in Yokosuce. Designation has changed to G6M1 changed hlavňová armament and so, that was newly formed by four dvacetimilimetrovými cannons, only the front guns have a machine gun of rifle caliber. Completely omitted was the bomb bay, and because of the weight savings of a reduced supply of fuel in the wings, now it was a stock of fuel 3 640 liters. United, by contrast, the supply of ammunition and that, and quite a large missile gondola under the fuselage, were the causes of the decline of the speed of the accompanying fighter planes up to such a degree that wasn't enough to their protégés after the release of the bombs. So the japanese naval air force found that even in this way can your bombers to protect. The total was made thirty such aircraft and the first was completed in August 1940.

Such kind of escort wasn't just a specialty of naval aviation, a similar development took place also in the army air force, which provide for the bomber Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu on the escort fighter Nakajima Ki-58, fortunately, the military development was not brought up to operational deployment. Similar to the way the development went, for example, in the U.S. and was also achieved similar results, it was a dead end road.

After you download the G6M1 from the combat units were demilitarizovány and served as practice and were later converted to transport G6M1-L, then, able to transport up to twenty paratroopers. Was introduced to armament in the form of the upper range with one machine gun. This range of the original G6M1 not.

• In December, finally, command of the maritime air force decided to launch the production of bombers, G4M1 Rikko. In April 1941 he was officially accepted into armaments and this month was also running the pre-series production in the factory number 31 in Nagoya. Serial production will be launched fully in may and the beginning of the war the monthly production consisted of decent 25 aircraft. In the initial phase of the fighting aeroplanes Mitsubishi G4M1 Model 11 achieved great success and in combat units gradually replacing obsolescent G3M2, exactly how the command of the navy in 1937 had planned.

Such a situation, however, was only at the beginning of the war, once the Allies a little recovered and started to defend ourselves more effectively, then began to grow losses G4M1 11. Soon acquired the unflattering and the apt nickname "the Flying cigarette lighter" to blame were both unprotected fuel tanks with a large amount of fuel and also the inability to pull the bomber, loaded with a suicide load, to a higher flight level, where he would be at least partially protected from anti-aircraft fire from the ground.

It is therefore not surprising that in February 1942 he was commissioned 2. naval aviation arsenal in Kisarazu adjustment 241. serial machines. The adjustment consisted in the development výškovějších engines Mitsubishi MK4E Kasei 15. This engine provide 1 530 horses at the start, but was mainly better high-rise properties, so the new model Betty (such was the allied code name) was about 400 meters higher dostupu and at the height of 8,000 meters ascended about three minutes earlier than it did the original version, slight was also an increase in the maximum speed. The new model had the designation Mitsubishi G4M1 Model 13. From the 406. production aircraft have had these engines all other machines and was also mounted the fire extinguisher system with CO2 to the tanks of fuel. Further improvement of the passive protection of the fuel tanks was from the 663. production aircraft, the trupovou the tank and under the fuel tanks in the wings was installed trojvrstvá crude rubber, which had a limited slip effect. It brought about an increase in weight and thereby also the decline in performance, for example, max. the speed dropped to 454 km/h from the original 463 km/hr. but later managed to eliminate the individual exhausts, that imposing any slight move, but at the range it was, however, already about 300 miles less. The total was made 1 702 aircraft G4M1, including the first two prototypes. Their production ended in until November, 1944, been produced in parallel with more modern versions of Bettynek.

G4M2 Model 22 was the next development version, which was requested by the navy, it were more massive armament, to Betty could more effectively resist the growing stíhacímu the air force of the Allies. It solved the factory installation of the dorsal gun turret, in which was the second cannon caliber of 20 mm cartridges for the cannon were drum with 45 rounds of ammunition, respectively grenades. The tower should have a relatively large weight of 900 kilograms and along with the required higher supply of fuel has brought a large increase in weight. This mass transgression should eliminate the more powerful engines Mitsubishi MK4P Kasei 21, these engines had the possibility of injection of chemicals and thus further increase performance, the starting performance was 1 of 800 hp. Propeller new version were čtyřlisté VDM, these were license-manufactured by Sumitomo. The fuel tank now accommodate up to 6 490 gallons of fuel, but the range is again decreased to 1 350 us. miles. Additional changes were made to the side střelišť, the original "bumps" have been replaced by the windows, change has undergone also the tail guns and the rear gun so gained greater space for manipulation. The bow was more prosklena and there were curtains for the two machine guns, wings and the GTC got a new end arches. Compared to the older type has been simplified manufacture of the fuselage, by now fashioned as one piece.

The first prototype flew on 12.December 1942, but the serial production was launched only in July 1943, the first machine bore the serial number 2001. The delay was caused by the navy, which had tried the new bombers Nakajima G5N Shinzan, but these bombers were a major disappointment, and it so happened that the navy ordered a new G4M2 22 with a delay. Production started quickly also the in the new factory in Mizushimě. It was made of 275 aircraft and then was in production halls replaced by another version of G4M2a Model 22A (Ko), from older different more powerful armament in the side windows. The windows were newly mutually combat, and that the shooters had more space and every side shooter now dominated dvacetimilimetrový cannon. These aircraft were produced, 50 pieces.
Some carried anti-ship radar Type 3-6 with a theoretical range of 140 km, the presence of radar equipment showed the antenna type Yagi. Version of Mitsubishi G4M2b 22B (Otsu) were again padesátikusová (serial No.2325-2374) had a more modern cannon Type 99-2 with a belt feeder rounds.

• Development of new engines the Mitsubishi MK4T Kasei 25 about the performance of the 1 825 horses characterized the version of G4M2 Model 24, that was otherwise identical with the version of the G4M2 22, made was only 14 aircraft of this version (serial No.2501-2514) and was replaced with another Model: 24A (Ko) (serial No. 2515-2529), here the armament fit of the Model 22A, but again with the engines of the Kasei 25. A larger series was another subversion of the G4M2Ab 24B (Otsu) (serial No.2530-2700) that, in turn, correspond to the Model 22B. From the series Well.2701 was constructed of subversion Model 24C (Hei) that already had its previous predecessor. Change was again in the armament in the bow was added to one mobile machine gun Type 2 caliber 13 mm and in the bow were a total of three machine guns, because there remained the earlier Type 92 caliber 7.7 mm. It brought even a slight adjustment in the glazing of the bow.

• Other models, like the carrier of a suicide aircraft Ohka, about which I will mention in conclusion, is produced only as prototypes. In a single copy was G4M2B Model 25, that was powered by engines Mitsubishi MK4V Kasei 27 B of the output 1 795 horsepower, but at a height of 6 580 meters provide even 1 480 horsepower and Betty reached max.the speed of 466 km/h. This machine was modified from the second prototype of the G4M2 Model 22.

• Houses engine Mitsubishi MK4T-B Kasei 25B, supercharged by a mechanical compressor, there were two prototypes of the G4M2C Model 26.

• A third prototype of the G4M2 22 after installation turbocompressors engine Mitsubishi MK4T-B Ru Kasei 25B Ru changed the type of G4M2D Model 27. This machine was damaged by hot exhaust gases, which damaged the wing. Other attempts were stopped. A total of was built 1 152 aircraft G4M2 all model series.

Mitsubishi to g4m3 Model 34 was another version of Betty, in this version, emphasis was placed on it to Betty she had a good resistance in the fight and so was retrofitted with armour the crew compartment and the fuel tank were self-locking packaging. Work began in November 1942, the designer Mimojito Takahashi. Most changed the design of the wing, which was now one beam and it was literally crammed into integral fuel tanks of fuel. The prototype flew on 1. in January 1944, and showed a decent performance, but the navy insisted on the reinforcement structure of the wing and after that amplification was in the end of march granted permission to serial production. There was also to shorten the rear range and the shift of the center of gravity was eliminated vzepětím tail. A total of were produced 60 aircraft of this version (from the serial No.3004). The engines were the Mitsubishi MK4T Kasei 25. Two prototypes were tested with the engines Mitsubishi MK4T-B Ru Kasei 25B Ru, but the end of the war were not tests completed. Several aircraft were completed as G4M3a 34A Ko, this design allowed the aircraft to use as a transport, or ship-to-ship, with regard to a reduced gun armament then was a crew of five. The production of the last aircraft often suffered from a little quality, but it was understandable, because the factories were often bombed. Production lasted until the end of the war.

• At the conclusion I left a version of G4M2E 24E (Tei), this version was designed as a carrier of suicidal missile letounků Yokosuka MXY-7 Model 11 Ohka. In the bomb bay were special handles, to which the Ohka on the ground hung up, and after approach to the destination was of them dropped, the bomb bay didn't have a door. To facilitate the take-off to the overloaded machines were assembled at the Betty jumper, the rocket engines of the Type-4. The interesting thing is that this version of she didn't exactly like the actual version , but was created in a factory by rebuilding the already produced aircraft. Thus adjusted was 70 aircraft.

• The development of bomber aircraft G4M1 11 managed to completely conceal and even in spite of their deployment in China, after the outbreak of the war in the Pacific were these bombers for the Allies an unpleasant surprise. Operationally they were deployed perhaps on all the battlefields, their major failing was the lack of protection of fuel tanks and later it was the situation, when Betty had to be deployed and it wasn't for her no refund and so had to perform the tasks that were already beyond her power..
URL : https://www.valka.cz/Micubisi-G4M-Betty-t29177#150601 Version : 0
sources:
Rene J. Francillion PhD, Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War, Naval Institute Press, rok 1987, ISBN-13: 978-0870213137
William Green and Gordon Swanborough, The Complete Book of Fighters, Salamander Books Ltd; New Ed edition, 2001, ISBN-10: 1840652691
David Donald, The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, Barnes & Nobles Books, 1997, ISBN-10: 0760705925
Tadeusz Januszewski and Kryzysztof Zalewski, Japońskie samoloty marynarski 1912-1945 part 2, Lampart, 2000, ISBN 83-86776-00-05
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Jaroslav Schmidt, Fighter and bomber aircraft of Japan, 2.part, the Publishing house Fraus, Plzeň, 2000, ISBN 80-7238-077-X
Tagaya Osamu, Mitsubishi Type 1 Rikko Betty Units of World War 2, Osprey Combat Aircraft 22, London, UK, Osprey Publishing, 2001, ISBN-10: 184176082X.
L+L no. 19/1988, of the Aircraft 1939 - 1945
http://www.combinedfleet.com/ijna/g4m.htm
www.xs4all.nl
www.airpages.ru
archives of the author.
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