Yokosuka B4Y
ManufacturerMitsubishi
The Yokosuka B4Y (Navy Type 96 Carrier Attack Bomber) was a carrier-borne biplane torpedo bomber designed and primarily produced by the Japanese defence manufacturer Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal. Flown by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS) during World War II, The Allied reporting name was "Jean". It was mistakenly identified by the British as the Nakajima Navy G-96.
Developed during the early-to-mid 1930s, the first prototype made its maiden flight in late 1935 and was ordered into production in March 1936. Reaching operational IJN units that same year, the B4Y quickly replaced both the Mitsubishi B2M2 and the Yokosuka B3Y. Furthermore, it was promptly deployed into live combat during the Second Sino-Japanese War, where the type was typically used as a land-based bomber. In one high-profile incident, three B4Ys attacked the United States Navy gunboat Panay outside of Nanjing, resulting in major internal tension over the incident.
In 1940, the arrival of the more capable Nakajima B5N effectively replaced the B4Y1 as a frontline carrier-based attack aircraft, leading to the type being relegated to the advanced trainer role, which it thus continued to fly from Hōshō...
Developed during the early-to-mid 1930s, the first prototype made its maiden flight in late 1935 and was ordered into production in March 1936. Reaching operational IJN units that same year, the B4Y quickly replaced both the Mitsubishi B2M2 and the Yokosuka B3Y. Furthermore, it was promptly deployed into live combat during the Second Sino-Japanese War, where the type was typically used as a land-based bomber. In one high-profile incident, three B4Ys attacked the United States Navy gunboat Panay outside of Nanjing, resulting in major internal tension over the incident.
In 1940, the arrival of the more capable Nakajima B5N effectively replaced the B4Y1 as a frontline carrier-based attack aircraft, leading to the type being relegated to the advanced trainer role, which it thus continued to fly from Hōshō...
