• Scale 1/72

In 1941 the Nakajima B5N2 Kate was getting old and a new more up to date torpedo bomber was
needed. With Japan’s entry into WWII it meant the Kate would have to continue to be the main
Japanese bomber for another 3 years until the B6N “Jill” was ready. Even though the Kate was old it
managed to sink more Allied ships than any other Japanese torpedo bomber. Once replaced many
Kates were modified to serve as maritime reconnaissance. Out of the 1,150 B5Ns manufactured at
least 480 were B5N2s.

On December 7, 1941 as part of the inventory on the aircraft carrier Zuikaku “Lucky Crane” was 27
B5N2 Kates. These aircraft wore the identification markings EII on their tail and 2 white stripes around
the fuselage aft section. The Kates were loaded with bombs only and aircraft EII-307 was manned by
PO1c T. Kawada (pilot), Ens. Kazumasa Kaneda (observer – bomber) and Sea1c E. Shinoda (radio
operator). Their mission was to be part of the second wave to attack Pearl Harbor with the airfields
and more ships as their targets.