Japan's Nakajima G8N Renzan bomber;
Allied code name: Rita
Photos
Nakajima G8N Renzan bomber: |
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Nakajima G8N Renzan bomber: |
Design
After the failure of the G5N the Imperial Japanese Navy decided to try to build another four engine bomber.1 It was to be able to fly deep into Allied territory to carry out its missions.1 In February 1943 Nakajima was asked to come up with a design for the bomber.1 The bomber was to be able to go 370 mph, carry 8,000 lbs of bombs, fly 4,600 miles, and climb to 26,000' in 10 minutes.1
The G8N was an all metal design.1
Wings
The wings were midway up the fuselage.1
Landing Gear
The G8N used a tricycle landing gear.1
Defensive Armament
Armament was mounted in the sides, and in turrets located forward, in the back, in the belly, and in the tail.1
Prototype
In late 1944 the prototype of the G8N1 first appeared.1
Production
Initially production was to make 64 bombers by September 1945.1 Due to shortages of strategic materials the project was cancelled.1
- Total:
41
- Manufacturer: Nakajima Hikoki K.K.1
Variants
- Nakajima G8N:
Usage
After World War II
The United States conducted tests on a captured G8N after the war and found that it had good performance.1
Specifications
| Nakajima G8N11 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Bomber1 |
| Crew | 101 |
| Engine (Type) | 4: Nakajima NK9K-L Homare 241 |
| Cylinders | Radial 181 |
| Cooling | Air1 |
| Net HP | 2,000 each1 |
| Propeller blades | 4 metal1 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 106' 9"1 |
| Length | 75' 3"1 |
| Height | 23' 7"1 |
| Wing area | |
| Weight | |
| Empty | |
| Loaded | 70,897 lb1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 26,245' | 368 mph1 |
| Cruising speed | |
| Climb | |
| Service ceiling | 33,465'1 |
| Range | 4,639 miles1 |
| Armament | 4: MG1 6: 20 mm1 |
| Bombs | 8,818 lb1 |
Sources:
- World War II Airplanes Volume 1, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
