Mitsubishi G4M2

The Mitsubishi G4M2, known to its crews as the “Betty,” was a twin‑engine, long‑range bomber developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in the late 1930s for the Imperial Japanese Navy. An evolution of the original G4M1, the G4M2 entered service in 1942, incorporating a reinforced airframe, self‑sealing fuel tanks, and an upgraded Mitsubishi Kasei 23 radial engine that delivered 1,850 hp per side. These improvements allowed a maximum speed of 440 km/h, a ceiling of 10,000 m, and an operational range exceeding 5,700 km, enabling deep‑penetration strikes across the Pacific. The aircraft could carry up to 1,000 kg of bombs or a torpedo, and its defensive armament was enhanced with additional 20 mm cannons in wing and dorsal positions, increasing survivability against Allied fighters. The G4M2 saw extensive action in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and the South China Sea, where it performed anti‑ship missions, night bombing, and maritime patrols. Though its wooden wing structure made it vulnerable to fire, the Betty’s combination of range, payload, and adaptability underscored Japan’s strategic emphasis on long‑range offensive capability, leaving a lasting imprint on World War II aviation history.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

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