10 Japanese World War 2 Aircraft You Need To Know

The Japanese aircraft of World War 2 are a fascinating topic, with many innovative designs and impressive performance characteristics. During the war, Japan produced a wide range of aircraft, from interceptors and bombers to seaplanes and transports. In this article, we will explore 10 Japanese World War 2 aircraft that you need to know.

Japan's aircraft industry was heavily influenced by European and American designs, but the country's engineers and manufacturers also developed many unique and innovative aircraft. From the iconic Mitsubishi A6M Zero to the lesser-known Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu, Japanese aircraft played a significant role in the war in the Pacific.

Here are 10 Japanese World War 2 aircraft that you need to know:

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero is one of the most iconic Japanese aircraft of World War 2. With its sleek design and impressive performance characteristics, the Zero was a formidable opponent in the skies. The Zero was powered by a 925 horsepower Nakajima Sakae engine and had a top speed of over 330 miles per hour.

Key Features of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero

Length: 29 feet 9 inches
Wingspan: 39 feet 4 inches
Height: 10 feet 1 inch
Empty weight: 3,734 pounds
Maximum speed: 330 miles per hour
Range: 1,600 miles

The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien

The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien was a Japanese fighter aircraft used during World War 2. The Ki-61 was powered by a 1,100 horsepower Kawasaki Ha-40 engine and had a top speed of over 360 miles per hour.

Key Features of the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien

Length: 28 feet 8 inches
Wingspan: 39 feet 4 inches
Height: 9 feet 6 inches
Empty weight: 5,950 pounds
Maximum speed: 360 miles per hour
Range: 1,200 miles

The Nakajima B5N Kate

The Nakajima B5N Kate was a Japanese torpedo bomber used during World War 2. The B5N was powered by a 1,000 horsepower Nakajima Sakae engine and had a top speed of over 230 miles per hour.

Key Features of the Nakajima B5N Kate

Length: 33 feet 8 inches
Wingspan: 51 feet 4 inches
Height: 10 feet 1 inch
Empty weight: 6,400 pounds
Maximum speed: 230 miles per hour
Range: 1,000 miles

The Mitsubishi G4M Betty

The Mitsubishi G4M Betty was a Japanese bomber aircraft used during World War 2. The G4M was powered by two 1,800 horsepower Mitsubishi Kasei engines and had a top speed of over 270 miles per hour.

Key Features of the Mitsubishi G4M Betty

Length: 65 feet 1 inch
Wingspan: 82 feet 1 inch
Height: 19 feet 1 inch
Empty weight: 21,000 pounds
Maximum speed: 270 miles per hour
Range: 3,000 miles

The Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu

The Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu was a Japanese heavy fighter aircraft used during World War 2. The Ki-45 was powered by two 1,050 horsepower Mitsubishi Ha-26 engines and had a top speed of over 360 miles per hour.

Key Features of the Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu

Length: 40 feet 8 inches
Wingspan: 49 feet 2 inches
Height: 12 feet 6 inches
Empty weight: 9,500 pounds
Maximum speed: 360 miles per hour
Range: 1,200 miles

The Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa

The Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa was a Japanese fighter aircraft used during World War 2. The Ki-43 was powered by a 1,100 horsepower Nakajima Ha-25 engine and had a top speed of over 310 miles per hour.

Key Features of the Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa

Length: 29 feet 8 inches
Wingspan: 38 feet 4 inches
Height: 9 feet 6 inches
Empty weight: 4,400 pounds
Maximum speed: 310 miles per hour
Range: 1,000 miles

The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden

The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was a Japanese interceptor aircraft used during World War 2. The J2M was powered by a 1,800 horsepower Mitsubishi Kasei engine and had a top speed of over 360 miles per hour.

Key Features of the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden

Length: 32 feet 8 inches
Wingspan: 39 feet 4 inches
Height: 12 feet 1 inch
Empty weight: 6,400 pounds
Maximum speed: 360 miles per hour
Range: 1,200 miles

The Kawanishi N1K-J George

The Kawanishi N1K-J George was a Japanese floatplane fighter aircraft used during World War 2. The N1K-J was powered by a 1,900 horsepower Nakajima Homare engine and had a top speed of over 360 miles per hour.

Key Features of the Kawanishi N1K-J George

Length: 33 feet 8 inches
Wingspan: 39 feet 4 inches
Height: 12 feet 1 inch
Empty weight: 6,800 pounds
Maximum speed: 360 miles per hour
Range: 1,200 miles

The Mitsubishi A6M2-K Zero

The Mitsubishi A6M2-K Zero was a Japanese trainer aircraft used during World War 2. The A6M2-K was powered by a 925 horsepower Nakajima Sakae engine and had a top speed of over 230 miles per hour.

Key Features of the Mitsubishi A6M2-K Zero

Length: 29 feet 9 inches
Wingspan: 39 feet 4 inches
Height: 10 feet 1 inch
Empty weight: 3,734 pounds
Maximum speed: 230 miles per hour
Range: 1,000 miles

The Nakajima G8N Rita

The Nakajima G8N Rita was a Japanese bomber aircraft used during World War 2. The G8N was powered by four 2,000 horsepower Nakajima Ha-44 engines and had a top speed of over 360 miles per hour.

Key Features of the Nakajima G8N Rita

Length: 74 feet 1 inch
Wingspan: 108 feet 1 inch
Height: 24 feet 1 inch
Empty weight: 40,000 pounds
Maximum speed: 360 miles per hour
Range: 4,000 miles

Japanese World War 2 Aircraft Image Gallery

What was the most produced Japanese aircraft of World War 2?

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was the most produced Japanese aircraft of World War 2, with over 11,000 units produced.

What was the fastest Japanese aircraft of World War 2?

The Kawanishi N1K-J George was the fastest Japanese aircraft of World War 2, with a top speed of over 360 miles per hour.

What was the most heavily armed Japanese aircraft of World War 2?

The Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu was the most heavily armed Japanese aircraft of World War 2, with four 20mm cannons and two 12.7mm machine guns.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of 10 Japanese World War 2 aircraft that you need to know. From the iconic Mitsubishi A6M Zero to the lesser-known Nakajima G8N Rita, these aircraft played a significant role in the war in the Pacific.