Japan's Nakajima J1N Gekko escort fighter updated

The J1N Gekko was originally intended to escort bombers on long range missions for the Imperial Japanese Navy. However, they ended up being night fighters.

Japan's Kawanishi Interceptor Shiden (Lightning Flash) updated

The N1K Shiden may have been the best Japanese fighter produced in large numbers during World War II.

Japan's Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Thunderbolt) fighter updated

The J2M Raiden was probably the best of the land based fighter planes used by the Imperial Japanese Navy in World War II. It could climb better and was more maneuverable than any other. It also had a deadly punch with four 20 mm cannons. One of its primary tasks was to intercept B-29 bombers attacking the Japanese home islands.

Japan's Mitsubishi Type 96 Carrier Fighter updated

The new source I was taking the information from only called what I've known as the A5M, the Type 96 so I'm not sure if a Type 96 Model 1 corresponds with the A5M1 or not. So for now until I learn otherwise I'll list them separately.

Japan's Nakajima Type 95 Carrier Fighter added

The Nakajima Type 95 was to be the last of the Imperial Japanese Navy's biplane fighters.

Japan's Nakajima Type 90 Carrier Fighter added

The Nakajima Type 90 Carrier Fighter was also an early biplane used by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Japan's Nakajima Type 3 Carrier Fighter added

The Nakajima Type 3 Carrier Fighter was a biplane fighter designed for carrier operations. Unfortunately I don't have much information or any pictures.

Japanese Naval Aces, Ranks, and Aircraft Code Names updated

I've made the following updates for the Japanese Naval Air Force in World War II.

• Aces
• Aircraft code names
• Ranks

Japan's Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank, photo added

The Type 97 Chi-Ha was also used all over the Pacific theater. It's chassis was used in several different variants.

Japan's Type 95 Ha-Go light tank photo added

The Type 95 Ha-Go light tank had several thousand produced and was used all over the Pacific and mainland Asia.

Japan's Type 93 Light Tank photo added

Unfortunately I have very little information on the Type 93 Light Tank.

Japan's Tankette Type 94 Te-Ke photo added

The Type 94 Te-Ke was only used in the first phases of the Japanese expansion into south east asia. After that it was withdrawn from service.

Japan's Type 92 photo added

Unfortunately I have very littler information on the Type 92 tankette.

Japan's Type 97 Te-Ke photo added

The Type 97 Te-Ke was used all over China and the Pacific.

Japan's Type 89 Medium, Chi-Ro, and Type 94 photos added

The Type 89 was one of the main medium tanks in the Japanese forces during the early years of World War II.

Type 94:

Japan's Mitsubishi A6M and A5M updated

From a new source I've added a ton of new information on the A6M Zeke and some minor additions for the A5M Claude.

Japan's Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen fighter updated

Like the Tiger tank in Europe, the Zeke or Zero was the boogie man of the Pacific. The Zeke did dominate in the first 6 months or so of the Pacific War, but after that newer and better American fighters appeared on the scene. I've added some additional specification information.

Japan's Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka ("Cherry Blossom") added

In desperation, the Japanese came up with the Ohka suicide aircraft to go against the overwhelming United States Navy. It was basically a rocket or jet with a pilot to guide it to its target.

Japan's Yokosuka P1Y Ginga ("Milky Way") added

The Japanese Navy developed a two engine multirole aircraft, the P1Y Ginga that never met its full potential due to poor engines.
It now has a page.

Japan's Yokosuka D4Y Suisei dive bomber, "Judy" updated

Though the Japanese started World War II out with some excellent aircraft, they weren't always able to keep up with the latest advances that the Americans were able to produce. The Yokosuka D4Y Suisei "Comet" dive bomber was an ok dive bomber that ended up being used in the Kamikaze role.

Japan's Type 95 Ha-Go Light Tank updated

I've added some specification information for the Type 95 Ha-Go.

Japan's Type 4 Ka-Tsu Amphibious added

Not so much an amphibious tank, but an amphibious cargo carrier, the Type 4 Ka-Tsu was intended to be launched from a submarine, with cargo, to go to shore to resupply troops.

Japan's Type 2 Ka-Mi Amphibious Tank updated

One area in which the Japanese had some very progressive and good designs were their amphibious tanks. I've added a little bit of specification information for the Type 2 Ka-Mi.

Japan's Type 5 Chi-Ri Heavy Tank updated

Another heavy Japanese tank that never got much further than an initial prototype was the Type 5 Chi-Ri. It was to have an 88 mm main gun and be powered by a BMW designed aircraft engine.

Japan's Type 4 Chi-To Heavy Tank updated

One tank that might have given the American M4 Medium (Sherman) a run for its money was the Type 4 Chi-To Heavy Tank. However, it never saw combat.

Japan's Type 3 Chi-Nu Medium Tank updated

Another Japanese tank that never left the home islands in World War II was the Type 3 Chi-Nu. I've added some additional historical information.

Japan's Type 1 Chi-He Medium Tank updated

Some production of tanks never left the Japanese home islands in World War II. They were produced too late in the war to be able to ship them safely through the marauding American submarines that were hunting the Japanese merchant fleets. One of these was the Type 1 Chi-He Medium Tank. Even though, according to one source, there were 587 produced, none went to any of the front line troops.

Japan's Type 5 Ho-Ru, Type 4 Ho-Ro, and Ho-Ri Tank Destroyers added

The Japanese Army didn't see a need for dedicated tank destroyers and thus not much was done to develop very many of them. I've added a page for them with some historical information put no specifications or pictures. If anyone has any send them my way.

Japan's Ho-Ni I, II, III Self Propelled Guns updated

I've made some minor historical information updates for the Japanese Ho-Ni series of self propelled guns.

Japan's Type 98 Ke-Ni, Type 2 Ke-To Light Tanks updated

Added some additional historical information on Japan's Type 98 and Type 2 Light Tanks.

Japan's History and Vehicles updated

I've been doing a bunch of updates to several Japanese pages over the weekend:

• History
  
• Type 89 Chi Ro
• Type 92
  
• Type 94 Te Ke
• Type 95 Ha-Go
  
• Type 97 Te Ke
• Type 97 Chi Ha

Japanese Air Units / Groups added

I've now added a listing of some of the air groups the Japanese formed during World War II.

Japan's History, Glossary, and Radios added/updated

I've added a ton of historical information. I've added a few new items to the glossary and added a new page for vehicle radios.

Japanese Aces updated

I've finished off adding the Japanese Aces. They are also sorted by number of kills and then by last name.

Japanese Aircraft Aces updated

I've started adding the Army Aces. Still have about 30-40 more to go.

Japanese Aces added

I've now started a list of Japanese Aces. So far I've added Imperial Japanese Naval aces and will add Army aces later.

Japanese code names update

I had more Japanese aircraft code names to add.

Japanese Aircraft Code Names added

I've added a new page that lists many of the Japanese aircraft code names.

Japan's Military Glossary added

I've added a glossary, primarily of Imperial Japanese Navy terms. If anyone has additional phrases I'd be happy to add them.

Japan's Tachikawa Ki-36 army cooperation, Ki-55 trainer added

I've added a new page for the Tachikawa Ki-36 and Ki-55.

Japan's Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Gale) fighter updated

The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate was probably the best fighter produced by Japan during World War II. Unfortunately it was plagued by poor workmanship and a finicky engine.

Japan's Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu (dragon swallower) bomber updated

The Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu was intended to be a heavy bomber for the Japanese Army. However, it had poor performance and had heavy losses once it was used in the south west Pacific. This resulted in it being withdrawn from front line duties.

Japan's Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki (devil queller) fighter added

The Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki was a very good fighter. Initially Japanese pilots did not like it as it wasn't as maneuverable as previous fighter designs but they soon began to like it more.

Japan's Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (peregrine falcon) fighter updated

The Japanese Army didn't want to use the A6M Zeke, so the Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa was produced. It was successful in the early months of the was as its opponents typically used inferior planes. Even though they were outclassed they were the most produced fighter of the Japanese Army.

Japan's Nakajima J1N escort fighter added

Originally designed as an escort fighter for the Imperial Japanese Navy, the Nakajima J1N was later used as a night fighter with some effect in the southwest Pacific against B-24s. When later deployed in the home islands to fight the B-29s they were not fast enough to catch them.

Japan's Nakajima C6N Saiun ("painted cloud") carrier reconnaissance added

The Nakajima C6N Saiun was an advanced design that was made specifically to be a carrier based reconnaissance aircraft. It had exceptionally long range (3,300 miles / 5,310 km) and high speed (379 mph / 610 kph). It could stalk the US Fleet with near impunity.

Japan's Nakajima B6N Tenzan updated

The Nakajima B6N Tenzan was to be a replacement for the B5N. It had a much stronger engine which initially caused it much difficulty.

Japan's Nakajima B5N torpedo bomber updated

The Nakajima B5N was instrumental in Japan's early successes. I've updated my page with additional historical and specification information.

Japan's Nakajima Ki-27 fighter bomber added

The Nakajima Ki-27 was used successfully in the years before World War II in China and against Russia, but was quickly relegated to secondary roles after the first few months of the Japanese campaigns in the Pacific.

Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-67 Hirya (flying dragon) bomber updated

I updated my page for the Mitsubishi Ki-67 yesterday.

Japan's Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Thunderbolt) fighter updated

The Mitsubishi J2M was primarily used in the defense of the Japanese home islands.
I've added some additional information on the different variants.

Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-51 ground attack added

The Mitsubishi Ki-51 was used throughout the Pacific War. I've now added a new page for it.

Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-46 reconnaissance updated

The Mitsubishi Ki-46 was a highly respected reconnaissance plane. I've now updated my page with some new specification information.

Japan's Mitsubishi G4M bomber updated

Probably the most well known Japanese bomber of World War II was the Mitsubishi G4M "Betty". It was the most produced Japanese bomber of the war.

Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-30 bomber added

I've added the Mitsubishi Ki-30.

Japan's Mitsubishi F1M reconnaissance floatplane added

A very successful floatplane used by the Japanese was the Mitsubishi F1M.

Japan's Mitsubishi G3M bomber added

The Japanese Navy's primary medium bomber in the early years of World War II was the Mitsubishi G3M.

Japan's Mitsubishi A6M2-N fighter floatplane added

The Mitsubishi A6M2-N was based on the Zero. It was intended to be used to provide air cover for amphibious assaults until a land based airstrip could be constructed.

Japan's Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen (zero fighter) fighter updated

I've added tons of new specifications, production data, and historical information for the A6M series.

• Mitsubishi A6M main page
• Mitsubishi A6M2
• Mitsubishi A6M3
• Mitsubishi A6M5
• Mitsubishi A6M6, A6M7, A6M8
• Mitsubishi A6M2-K, A6M5-K

Japan's Mitsubishi A5M fighter updated

I've added additional specs, production, and historical data for the pre-World War II Mitsubishi A5M fighter that was used against China with much success. It did see service in the early months of World War II in the Philippines, but were soon moved to secondary roles.

Japan's Kyushu Q1W Tokai ("eastern sea") anti-submarine added

The Kyushu Q1W Tokai was developed and produced as an anti-submarine aircraft. However, it never did succeed in that mission.

Japan's Kawasaki Ki-102, "Randy" fighter added

I've now added a page for the Kawasaki Ki-102.

Japan's Kawasaki Ki-100 fighter added

I've now added a page for what many consider one of Japan's best fighters of World War II, the Kawasaki Ki-100. It was a marriage of left over Ki-61 airframes and a high powered radial engine.

Japan's Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Swallow) fighter updated

I've updated the specifications, production data, and historical information on one the of the most un-Japanese like fighters in World War II, the Ki-61 Hien. It used a license built inline engine instead of the usual radial.

Japan's Kawasaki Ki-48 bomber, "Lily" added

I've now added a page for the early war Ki-48.

Japan's Kawanishi N1K Shiden (Violent Lightning) fighter and Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu (Dragon Killer) fighter updated

Actually I updated both these yesterday, but just now have time to add here.
N1K Shiden and Ki-45 Toryu.

Japan's Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu (mighty wind) fighter floatplane added

I've now added a page for the Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu.

Japan's Kawanishi H8K "Emily" updated

One of the most impressive flying boats of World War II was the Kawanishi H8K.
I've now updated the information I have.

Japan's Kawanishi H6K "Mavis" flying boat updated

I've updated my page with the information on the Kawanishi H6K.

Japan's Yokosuka D4Y Suisei dive bomber added

The Japanese used a German design and engine for their Yokosuka D4Y Suisei dive bomber. Unfortunately it came at a time when the Americans had almost total air superiority and the D4Y wasn't as effective as it could have been.

Japan's Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Gale), "Frank" fighter updated

The Japanese Imperial Army did field some very excellent aircraft towards the end of the war, but it was a case of too little too late. The Nakajima Ki-84 was such an aircraft. It had excellent potential to shoot down the B-29 Superfortresses that were burning Japan to the ground, but quality issues and lack of trained pilots plagued the Ki-84 from realizing its full potential.
I've added some additional information for it on my web site.

Japan's Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu (storm dragon) bomber added

The Japanese wanted a bomber to replace the Ki-21 "Sally" bombers, and the Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu was the design chosen. Though it wasn't a very advanced design it did try to protect the crew with armor and self sealing fuel tanks. Even with those, crews didn't care for the Ki-49 as they felt it was difficult to fly.
I've added a new page with specifications and photos of the Ki-49.

Japan's Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (peregrine falcon) fighter updated

The Japanese Imperial Army's fighter that was used with some success in the early months of the war was the Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa, or as the Allies named it, Oscar, fighter. Eventually it was outclassed by the newer Allied fighters that arrived in combat.
I've added some additional information for the Ki-43's page.

Japan's Nakajima B6N Tenzan ("heavenly mountain"), torpedo bomber added

Even before the B5N torpedo bomber was to prove itself in battle, the Nakajima B6N Tenzen was designed. It had initial difficulties in the development and prototype stages but eventually made it to production. It was primarily used in the last 18 months of the war.
I've added a new page for the B6N in my web site.

Japan's Nakajima B5N "Kate" torpedo bomber added

Probably the Japanese plane that was feared the most by American ships was the Nakajima B5N torpedo bomber. During the attack on Pearl Harbor and in many of the following naval battle in the Pacific the B5N was very affective at sinking ships.
I've added a new page to my site for it.

Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-67 Hirya (flying dragon) bomber added

The Japanese designers did have armor for the crew and self sealing fuel tanks on at least one design, the Mitsubishi Ki-67.
I've added a new page for the Hirya.

Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-46, "Dinah" reconnaissance added

The Japanese used a very fast two engine plane for reconnaissance duties before and during World War II, it was the Mitsubishi Ki-46.
I've added a new page for it

Japan's Mitsubishi G4M bomber updated

The Japanese seemed to design planes that didn't take care of the crews very well. Typically little armor or self sealing fuel tanks. One such aircraft that was used during the entire war was the Mitsubishi G4M. Fortunately the military saw the necessity to protect the crews. Afterall it takes a short time to build a plane, much longer to train a crewmember.
I've updated the G4M pages:

• G4M main page
• G4M1
• G4M2
• Photos

Japan's Mitsubishi A6M, "Zeke" fighter updated

The Japanese had developed and fielded the top fighter in the first six months of the war in the Pacific. The Mitsubishi A6M dominated the skies until new American fighters started arriving at the front.

I've updated the pages for the different models of the A6M that I have.

Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-21 "Sally" bomber added

The Japanese combat aircraft had much success against the inferior defenses and equipment of the Chinese in the early years that lead up to World War II. Unfortunately for the Japanese crews this lead to the attitude that these early designs would be adequate for the upcoming war with the United States and Britain. The Mitsubishi Ki-21 was such a combat plane. It was kept in combat much longer than it should have been.

I've added a new page for the Ki-21.

Japan's Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Thunderbolt) fighter added

The Japanese navy not only used carrier based fighters, but used land based fighters in defense of the Japanese islands. One such plane was the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden.

I've added a page for the J2M.

Japan's Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Swallow) fighter updated

One of the few fighters that was in the Japanese arsenal that could reach the B-29 Superfortresses was the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien. I've now added some additional information.

Japan's Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu (Dragon Killer) fighter added

The Japanese Kawasaki Ki-45 was designed to be the same concept as the German Bf 110, a heavy fighter.

Japan's Kawanishi N1K Shiden (Violent Lightning) fighter added

The Japanese in World War II had some really excellent designs for fighter planes. The most famous of all was the Zero which dominated the skies of the Pacific in the early months of World War II. Towards the end of the war a new design, based on a floatplane, the Kawanishi N1K Shiden was produced. It was a highly capable fighter in the hands of a good pilot. At this stage in the war most of the good pilots were already gone. Also there were production quality issues that plagued the N1K.

Japan's Kawanishi H6K, "Mavis", updated

One of the best flying boats to be used during World War II was Japan's Kawanishi H6K. It could go a phenomenal 3,780 miles (the Catalina could go 2,350 miles).

Japan's Aichi E16A Zuiun (auspicious cloud) added

In World War II the Japanese did design some very nice planes, but due to the war situation they couldn't always be deployed effectively in their intended role. The Aichi E16A Zuiun was to be used as a reconniasance floatplane for ships but ultimately it was pressed into service as a dive bomber.

Japan's Aichi E13A added

I've added a page for the Japanese Aichi E13A floatplane that was used throughout World War II.

Japan's Aichi B7A Ryusei (shooting star) added

I've added a page for the late World War II Aichi B7A Ryusei dive bomber and torpedo bomber. If anyone has any photos, please send them my way!

Japan's Aichi D3A updated

Japan's early World War II dive bomber was the Aichi D3A. I've added some new specifications and some historical information from another source.

Japan's Aichi D3A, "Val"

I've added additional information for the early World War II carrier dive bomber of the Japanese, the Aichi D3A from a new source.

Japan's Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Gale) fighter

One of the best Japanese Army fighters to be produced during World War II was the Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Allied code name Frank). It was said to be an exceptional fighter and with a trained pilot could easily take on any Allied fighter that went up against it.

Unfortunately I have only one photo, if any one has more feel free to post them!

Japan's Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (peregrine falcon) fighter

The primary fighter for the Japanese Army in the early years of World War II was the Nakajima K-43 Hayabusa.

If there hadn't been such a rivalry between the Japanese Army and Navy, the Mitsubishi A6M Zeke might have become the main fighter for both services. The Army choose to use the Ki-43 even though it wasn't as capable.
Allied fighter pilots often mistaken the A6M for the Ki-43 in their combat reports. I can easily see why that would happen as the designs are very similar and under combat conditions positive identifications were near impossible.


Note: I often time think of World War II starting with the war in China, not the war in Poland.

Japan's Mitsubishi G4M bomber

The bomber in World War II that was sometimes called the Flying Cigar was the Japanese Mitsubishi G4M medium bomber. The Allies called it the Betty.

I've added several pages for the different models of the G4M:

• G4M
• G4M1
• G4M2
  

Additional photos.

Japan's Mitsubishi A6M fighter, Zero

One of the fighters in the early months of World War II in the Pacific that had the most feared reputation was the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero.

Japan's Mitsubishi A5M "Claude" fighter

I've added a page for the highly maneuverable, early war, Japanese naval fighter, the Mitsubishi A5M "Claude." It started its career as a land based navy fighter in China.

Here's one of several pictures of the A5M that I've added:

Japan's Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Swallow) fighter

Added a page for the only liquid cooled fighter used in World War II by the Japanese, the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Swallow). It's Allied code name was Tony.

On occasion the Allies would mistaken it for a Messerschmitt BF 109. The German's did help with the design and licensed the Daimler-Benz DB 601A.

Japan's Kawanishi H8K, Allied Code Name Emily

Added a page for probably the best float plane of World War II, Japan's Kawanishi H8K.
Was named the Emily by the Allies.

Japan's Kawanishi H6k, Allied code name: Mavis

Added a page for one of the best flying boats in the early years of World War II, Japan's Kawanishi H6k.
It was first used in the war against China. The two step hull design contributed to the H6K being one of the best handling flying boats in the water.
The Allies gave it the name Mavis.





Ever since I was little I always thought it would be very cool to have a flying boat to travel in.