Nakajima B4N1

Depending on which Japanese source you look at, this aircraft was built either in 1934 or in 1936, in one or two prototypes, and appears variously as the Experimental 7-Shi Carrier Attack Aircraft (B3N1)  (Company designation Y3B) or the B4N1.

According to authors Mikesh and Abe in their excellent Putnam book Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, the B3N1 was designed by Takao Yoshida in response to an order for a replacement for the Mitsubishi Type 89. Mitsubishi also received an order; and produced the type 3MT10, the only example built crashing in February 1934. Mikesh and Abe partly attribute failure of either design to attain production to the lack of a mature suitable engine.

Mikesh and Abe also refer to the Nakajima B4N1 but as a different aircraft, designed by Takao Yoshida and Yasuo Fukuda for the later 9-Shi competition, two being built in 1936. The competition was won by the Kusho (Yokosuka) B4Y1.

Whether the design here represents the B3N or the B4N is hard to tell, given the scarcity of sources. Only one photo is known of this rare aircraft. The only document at my disposal was the scan of a lousy copy from a faxed three-view! (see below right)

I had to make choices that may not necessarily be the right ones, so I welcome any suggestions, corrections and criticism to help make it better!

• Wow! That's was fast Stargazer. Great work, I'm just wondering about too many "lines" in the tail. (Alcides)
• Without more sources it depends  on personal interpretation. Good work, Stargazer ! (Jemiba)