Mitsubishi G4M Kanoya Kokutai

[musec04]

Hello,


Currently on ebay is a photo of a Mitsubishi G4M K-353 of the Kanoya Kokutai at:


https://www.ebay.fr/itm/AVIATION-Pho...kAAOSwmyNf0O67


Hopefully this has not been previously seen.


Regards,


Clint

[Versuch]

Could it be a MXY-7 Ohka carrier, as the bomb bay doors appear to be removed?

[25Kingman49]

Yes, likely a Mitsubishi G4M2e "Betty" bomber capable of carrying an MXY-7 Ohka

[musec04]

Hello,


Thank you both for the replies.


While I am no expert on Japanese aircraft I believe that the aircraft is in fact a G4M1. Due to problems with the bomb bay doors opening these were removed from aircraft operating in the bombing role.


This identification is supported by the fact that the aircraft wears two tone camouflage typical of the early war period and by the fact that the aircraft was operated by 4th Chutai of the Kanoya Kokutai and the Kanoya Ku became the 751 Kokutai in late 1942, so well before the use of the Ohka.


Regards,


Clint