Mitsubishi G4M3

The Mitsubishi G4M3, known to the Allies as the “Betty”, was the final production version of Japan’s long‑range naval bomber introduced in 1942. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, it stemmed from the earlier G4M1 and G4M2 models and incorporated a more powerful Mitsubishi Kasei 25 radial engine, a reinforced airframe, and additional self‑sealing fuel tanks to address the notorious vulnerability of its predecessors. First seeing combat during the Guadalcanal campaign, the G4M3 served throughout the Pacific War in roles ranging from torpedo bombing and level attack to maritime patrol and transport. Its impressive range of over 3,600 kilometres allowed it to strike targets such as Pearl Harbor, Darwin and various Allied shipping lanes. The aircraft featured a sleek low‑wing monoplane design, retractable landing gear, and a defensive armament suite that included nose, dorsal and tail machine‑gun positions. Although its wooden wing spars and limited armor made it a tempting target for Allied fighters, the G4M3’s speed and endurance made it a valuable asset for the Imperial Japanese Navy. The type’s operational history highlighted both the ingenuity and the strategic shortcomings of Japan’s air doctrine, leaving a lasting imprint on World II aviation studies.

Mitsubishi

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