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.
Nakajima G5N2Nakajima G5NNakajima G5N2Nakajima G5N2Nakajima G5N2-L Shinzan ’03’Nakajima G5N2-LNakajima G5N2-LNakajima G5N2-LNakajima G5N1 Tail TurretNakajima G5N1 dorsal turretCockpit of Nakajima G5N No.1Nakajima G5N at Atsugi Air Base Japan 1945Nakajima G5N Shinzan of the 1021 Kōkutai at Atsugi air baseNakajima G5N2-L Shinzan Kai of the 1021 Kokutai coded 21-05Nakajima G5N2-LWreckage of a Nakajima G5N2-LNakajima G5N1 (right) and Nakajima G8N1 Renzan (left)
Developed from the Kawasaki Ki-45, the Ki-96 was a single-seat, twin engined heavy fighter designed for the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service. Originally envisaged as a two-seat fighter, the Army requested a change to single-seat. The first of three prototypes therefore had a larger canopy than the final two, as it was already being built when the change was made.
First flying in September 1943, the Ki-96 demonstrated performance above that predicted. Despite this it was not ordered into production as the Army had again changed its requirements back to a two-seat version. Development of the Ki-96 was halted and a new design incorporating the wings and tail unit of the Ki-96, the Ki-102 was commenced.
The Bloch MB.170 was a prototype bomber and reconnaissance aircraft designed for the French Air Force. The first of two prototypes first flew on 15 February 1938 and was designed to fill the role of either a two-seat attack bomber or a three-seat reconnaissance aircraft. The second prototype, was a three seat bomber, with the ventral cupola removed, a revised canopy and larger tail fins.
After evaluation and many modifications, the second prototype was chosen for production as the MB.174 light bomber. The Air Force placed an order for 50 aircraft, with the first one entering service in March 1940. The MB.174 replaced the Potez 637 that had proved too vulnerable in the reconnaissance role during the Phoney war.
Replacing the MB.174 on the production line was the MB.175. This bomber version incorporated a longer and wider fuselage, to enable larger bombs to be carried. Bombs of 100 to 200kg cold now be carried, whereas the MB.174 was limited to bombs of only 50kg.
Only 25 MB.175 aircraft were delivered before the Armistice. At this time, most MB.174 and MB.175s had been relocated to North Africa. During the Vichy period, MB.174s frequently flew over Gibraltar to monitor the British fleet.
After the Armistice, the Germans found several MB.174s and 175s and used for pilot training. Production of the MB.175 version recommenced under the German occupation, with the aircraft exported to Germany for use by the Luftwaffe as trainers.
To avert a potential supply shortfall of French engines, a version was designed to use Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radials. This MB.176 proved to have poorer performance than the 175, but went into production anyway. In reality the supply of American engines proved difficult and only five were delivered before the armistice.
To enable the use of Hispano-Suiza 12Y31 engines, the MB.177 incorporated redesigned engine mounts. The engines proved to be underpowered. The sole example was captured by German forces and taken to Rechlin for evaluation.
After the war, SNCASO resumed production of the MB.175 for the Aéronavale as a torpedo bomber designated MB.175T (later SO.175T).
