Nakajima G5N Shinzan Japanese Heavy Bomber

Nakajima G5N Shinzan Japanese Heavy Bomber

The Nakajima G5N Shinzan (“Deep Mountain”), code named “Liz” by the Allies was a four-engined heavy bomber designed for the Imperial Japanese Navy. Prior to undertaking the design, Nakajima acquired the Douglas DC-4 prototype, as they lacked experience with this type of aircraft.

Powered by four 1,870 hp Nakajima NK7A Mamori engines, the first of four G5N1 prototypes first flew on 11 April 1941. Performance was disappointing, as the design was overweight and the engines proved unreliable.

In an effort to improve reliability, the engines were replaced with 1,530 hp Mitsubishi MK4B 12 “Kasei” engines. Two aircraft were built in this configuration and although more reliable, the G5N2 was even more underpowered.

Of the six prototypes built four were used as transports (designated G5N2-L) operated by the 1021st Kōkutai.