Tenzan

B6N-2 Tenzan

Country of Origin: Japan
Manufacturer: Nakajima
Crew: 3; 1 pilot, 1 navigator/bombardier, 1 radio operator/gunner
Length: 10.87 m (35 ft 7¾ in)
Wingspan: 14.89 m (48 ft 10⅜ in)
Height: 3.80 m (12 ft 5⅝ in)
Weight: 3,010 kg (6,636 lb) empty, 5,200 kg (11,460 lb) combat loaded
Powerplant: 1x Turbosupercharged Mitsubishi Kasei 25 14 cylinder air cooled radial piston engine with 1,850 horsepower.
Maximum Speed: 481 km/h (299 mph)
Service Ceiling: 9,040 m (29,660 ft)
Range: 3,046 km (1,892 mi)
Armament: 1x 800 kg (1,760 lb) Type 93 Long Lance Torpedo, 2x 7.62mm machineguns flexibly mounted (one manned, one remotely operated).
Kit Maker and Scale: Hasegawa, 1:48

Intended to be a replacement for the B5N Type 97, better known as the Kate, the B6N Tenzan (Divine Mountain)'s most remarkable attribute was how unremarkable it was. Although the Tenzan was faster and longer ranged than its predecessor, it was still built along the "traditional" ideals of Japanese aircraft in that it was unarmoured, lacked self sealing fuel tanks and other defensive measures, although its 1,800+ horsepower engine could have given it sufficient combat performance had they been added.

Further adding to its lackluster "aura" was the simple fact that it did not appear at any significant battles nor accomplished any remarkable feats. This was, most likely due to simple timing. Although ordered into production in early 1942, the Tenzan was, like many aircraft, delayed in entering service by a number of issues, not least of which were those concerning its powerplant. The Tenzan did not enter service until November 1943, by which time many of the war's most significant battles had already been fought. Regardless, the Tenzan was a competent machine. Like the preceding B5N, the Tenzan could strike from much higher altitudes and higher speeds than other torpedo bombers, it was quick and nimble for its class, and could function both as a torpedo bomber and level bomber, carrying either conventional bombs or the infamous "deck piercing bomb", a modified battleship artillery shell. In short, the Tenzan's lack of historical significance was due to circumstance and nothing relating to the aircraft itself.

If any one thing can be pointed out about the aircraft as a significant feature, its perhaps the lower machinegun mount. Like a number of aircraft built in the 1930s, this machinegun was mounted in a "dustbin" mount, basically a small, enclosed compartment that slid down from the fuselage, with the machinegun pointing out through an opening. Unlike the dustbin mounts of the 1930s that were manned directly however, the Tenzan's was operated remotely, with the gunner remaining in his position within the cockpit. A series of periscopes provided a sighting system.

Typical of Japanese torpedo bombers, the Tenzan lacked forward firing armament, a pair of rear firing machineguns were provided for self defense. The above mentioned dustbin gun being one, plus a second machinegun mounted at the aft end of the cockpit. At first this was a 7.62mm machinegun, but as the war dragged on, a 13mm machinegun would be mounted instead.

Offensive armament consisted of anything in the Japanese Navy inventory, and most often consisted of the infamous Long Lance torpedo. Less often, though no less lethally, it could carry the 14 inch armour piercing bomb fabricated from battleship artillery shells.


More Pics:

9 o'clock:
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Aft Cockpit and Tail Gun:
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Head On:
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7 o'clock:
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Torpedo and Port Landing Gear Strut:
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Underside:
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Planform:
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Dustbin and Upper Tail Gun:
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