Mitsubishi G4M facts for kids

The Mitsubishi G4M was a powerful bomber airplane used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. It was given the nickname "Betty" by the Allied forces, who were fighting against Japan. Japanese pilots also had their own nickname for it: "Hamaki", which means "Cigar", because of its long, thin shape.

The G4M

This aircraft was known for being very fast and able to fly long distances. However, it had a big weakness: it didn't have much protection for its crew or important parts. It lacked strong armor plating and its fuel tanks weren't self-sealing. This meant they could catch fire easily if hit. Enemy fighter planes, especially American ones during the Pacific War, quickly learned to target these weak spots.

The Mitsubishi G4M Bomber

What Was the G4M?

The G4M was a type of airplane designed to drop bombs. It was built by a famous Japanese company called Mitsubishi. This plane was mainly used by the Japanese Navy. Its main job was to attack enemy ships and land targets. It played a big role in many battles during World War II.

Why Was It Called "Betty"?

During World War II, the Allied forces gave special code names to Japanese aircraft. This helped them identify planes quickly. Bombers were often given female names. The Mitsubishi G4M was given the name "Betty". This name became very well-known among Allied pilots and soldiers.

Its Strengths and Weaknesses

The G4M had some great features. It could fly very far without needing to refuel. This was important for operations across the huge Pacific Ocean. It was also quite fast for a bomber of its time.

However, the G4M had a major flaw. Its design focused on speed and range, but not on protection. It had almost no armor to shield the crew or the engines from enemy fire. Also, its fuel tanks were not "self-sealing." This means if a bullet hit a fuel tank, fuel would leak out and could easily explode or catch fire. Because of this, Allied pilots often called it "the flying Zippo" (a type of lighter) because it was so easy to set on fire.

Images for kids

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  A Mitsubishi G4M1; with a non-standard roundel - a white square instead of the white circle surrounding the hinomaru.

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  721st Kōkūtai G4M2e bomber carrying an Ohka (image of a plastic model)

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  IJN aviators pressed home a torpedo attack against American ships off Guadalcanal on 8 August 1942, suffering heavy losses. The plane on the left at extreme low-level (approximately five meters) was flown by Jun Takahashi, who was still alive in 2016.

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  Crashed G4M1 floating at Tulagi 8 August 1942

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  Yamamoto's G4M1 in the aftermath of the attack

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  Betty bombers during an air raid over Darwin, Australia.

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  Mid- or late-production G4M1 Model 11s with the propeller spinners and rubber ply beneath the wing fuel tanks.

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  Early production G4M1s of Kanoya Kōkūtai with the original shape tail cones.

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  A captured G4M2

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  The G4M1 on display at the Planes of Fame Air Museum in 2010

See also

In Spanish: Mitsubishi G4M para niños