Grumman TBF Avenger
In March 1939, the US Navy requested design proposals for a new carrier based torpedo bomber to replace the Douglas TBD in the fleet. The requirements for the new aircraft included a desired top speed […]
Torpedo Bomber
Mitsubishi B5M Type 97-2 “Mabel”
In 1935 the Japanese Navy issued a request for a new torpedo bomber to replace the inadequate Yokosuka B3Y and B4Y models then available. Mitsubishi put forward a design for a conventional monoplane with fixed […]
Fairey Albacore
Often described as a failed successor to the famous Swordfish torpedo bomber, the Fairey Albacore was an advanced biplane naval bomber that was ordered as a replacement for its older sibling. Seeking a replacement for […]
Nakajima B5N Type 97 “Kate”
In 1935 the year’s 10-Shi requirements included a request by the IJN for a new torpedo bomber to replace the B3Y Type 92, and the interim B4Y Type 96, which were both considered to be […]
Yokosuka B4Y Type 96 “Jean”
The Yokosuka B4Y was a carrier torpedo bomber of the IJNAF. The 7-Shi (1932) requirement for a carrier attack bomber produced the Yokosuka B3Y, which was inadequate for the role. So, the 9-Shi (1934) requirements […]
Yokosuka B3Y Type 92
In 1932 the Japanese Navy issued its 7-Shi requirements for a new torpedo bomber, to replace the B2M Type 89. Initially both Nakajima, with their B3N, and Mitsubishi, with their B3M, responded. Both designs proved […]
Mitsubishi B2M Type 89
In 1927 the Japanese Navy was looking for a replacement for its Type 13 torpedo bombers. Mitsubishi, hoping to win the contract, commissioned the British firm Blackburn Aircraft to produce a design. Blackburn elected to […]
Mitsubishi B1M Type 13
Originally designated the 2MT, the Mitsubishi B1M was designed by Herbert Smith, formerly of the Sopwith company which had produced a number of famous fighter designs. The 2MT was the first Japanese aircraft capable of […]