Author:
Author Signed: N
Publisher: Profile Publications England
Edition:
Cover: S
ISBN:
Synopsis: This comprehensive examination explores the Mitsubishi G4M, known to the Allies as "Betty," one of the most important yet controversial bomber aircraft of the Pacific War. The book traces the aircraft's development from the original design requirements calling for exceptional range without sacrificing speed or bomb load, resulting in compromises that would define the aircraft's wartime reputation. The G4M emerged from the Japanese Navy's doctrine emphasizing long-range operations across the vast Pacific Ocean, leading to a design that prioritized range and payload over survivability. The publication details the aircraft's innovative features including its fuel-efficient engines, aerodynamically clean design, and impressive operational radius that exceeded most contemporary bombers. Technical analysis reveals the design philosophy that eliminated armor protection and self-sealing fuel tanks to achieve maximum performance, decisions that would prove costly in combat. The book chronicles the aircraft's extensive operational history from Pearl Harbor through the final kamikaze missions, documenting its role in every major Pacific campaign. Combat accounts illustrate the aircraft's effectiveness in surprise attacks and long-range missions, balanced against its vulnerability to fighter attack that earned it the nickname "flying lighter" among Allied pilots. The publication examines the various sub-variants and their specific modifications, including torpedo bomber, transport, and special attack configurations. Performance data demonstrates the aircraft's exceptional range and speed that made it ideal for oceanic operations. The book also covers famous missions including the attack on Force Z and the final mission carrying Admiral Yamamoto, highlighting the aircraft's strategic importance to Japanese operations. Production history reveals the challenges faced by Japanese industry in maintaining quality while expanding output under increasingly difficult wartime conditions. Personal accounts from Japanese aircrew members provide insights into operating procedures and combat experiences. The publication includes detailed technical specifications, mission profiles, and unit assignments. This Profile Publication offers a balanced assessment of an aircraft that exemplified both the strengths and weaknesses of Japanese aviation philosophy during World War II.
210 Mitsubishi G4M Betty, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.
Do you have WWII memorabilia that you are not sure what to do with it? The children don't want it? Then let us help you preserve this history by donating these items to the Army Air Corps Library and Museum. We are accepting donations in the form of uniforms, medals, ribbons, patches, photos, memorabilia, papers, gear and equipment. We also accept monetary donations to support our operations and long term plans. This website is part of the Army Air Corps Library and Museum, and as a 501(c)(3) Non-profit, your qualifying donations are tax deductible.
Read about how we need your support and use donations.
Historical Artifacts: We are looking for photos, documents and other types of artifacts including uniforms, medals, insignia, gear, manuals, and training material. We accept electronic/scans or originals of pictures and paper records. A General Order could be an award document that contains information on many servicemen. Special Orders may contain transfers or other information. Flight records, accident reports, maintenance logs, after action reports, pilot encounter reports, diaries and biorgraphies; all of these types of documents help us support or mission: preserving your history! Contact us today for instructions on sending us this material. Contact Today
Are you an AAC, AAF or USAF Veteran, family member, historian or WW2 enthusiast? We Need YOU! Contact us today to see how you can help the Army Air Corps Library and Museum, a Texas Not-For-Profit Corporation. We need your help! We are looking for volunteers that can help us with the following tasks. Typing and Transcriptionists: One of our big projects is extracting data from the thousands of documents we have and putting this data into a database where we can display the information on a website such as this one. We also need assistance with retyping unit history documents.