18.09.2009, 11:21
"Aircraft of WWII" by Bill Gunston, Chancellor Press, 1997 edition, says that bomb bay doors were always removed for combat missions with the G-4M1. The doors were not hinged, and could not be opened and closed in flight.
The G-4M2 did have hinged doors on a bulged weapons bay.
1,230 G-4M1s were produced.
1,154 G-4M2s were produced.
Only about 60 G-4M3s were built, and only very few saw service before the war ended.
The M3 had more and better defensive guns and armor, but a much shorter range.
The M3 was probably what would have been in use in '46.
The basic design and airframe was obsolescent by about 1942, but no new design was ever produced to replace it, so like many axis aircraft, it flew right until the war's end. In fact, a G4M1 with special markings was used to transport the surrender delegation to Ie Shima in August 1945.
Interestingly, the book also says that the original design was for a four engined long range bomber, but the IJN insisted on a two engined design.
The G-4M2 did have hinged doors on a bulged weapons bay.
1,230 G-4M1s were produced.
1,154 G-4M2s were produced.
Only about 60 G-4M3s were built, and only very few saw service before the war ended.
The M3 had more and better defensive guns and armor, but a much shorter range.
The M3 was probably what would have been in use in '46.
The basic design and airframe was obsolescent by about 1942, but no new design was ever produced to replace it, so like many axis aircraft, it flew right until the war's end. In fact, a G4M1 with special markings was used to transport the surrender delegation to Ie Shima in August 1945.
Interestingly, the book also says that the original design was for a four engined long range bomber, but the IJN insisted on a two engined design.