Want to see a "real" late war torpedo bomber?
Here is a writeup I did for one, a couple of years back
Aichi B7A-2 Ryusei (Shooting Star) Codenamed: 'Grace'
Type: Two Seat (Tandem) Carrier Based Torpedo/Dive Bomber
Operational Service: late 1944
Total Aircraft Production: 114
Power Plant: One 2000 hp (1491 kW) Nakajima Homare 23 Radial Engine
Performance: Speed: Max: 351 mph at 21,490 ft (565 km/h at 6550m)
Cruise: 230 mph at 13,120 ft (368 km/h at 4,000m)
Climb Rate: 6 min 55 sec's to 13,125ft (4000 m) {316 sec's to 10k ft}
Ceiling: 36,910 ft (11250 m)
Range: 1,889 miles (3040km)
Wing Loading: Empty: 23.27 lbs. / sq. ft. (101.98 kg / m2)
Maximum: 34.35 lbs. / sq. ft. (158.90 kg / m2)
Weights: Empty: 8,400 lbs. (3810 kg) Maximum: 12,401 lbs. (5625 kg)
Dimensions: Wing span: 47 ft 3 in (14.40 m)
Length: 37 ft 8 in (11.49 m)
Height: 13 ft 4 in (4.075 m)
Wing Area: 381.05 sq. ft (35.40 m2)
Armament: 2 Wing-mounted 20mm Type 99 Model 2 Cannons
1 Rear facing flexible mount 13mm (0.50 cal) Type 2 machine gun
1 800 kg (1,764 lbs.) Torpedo or 1,100 lbs. (500 kg) of Bombs
Historical Notes:
The Aichi B7A originated from a 1941 Imperial Japanese Navy request for a torpedo/dive bomber to replace the Nakajima B5N "Kate", the Nakajima B6N "Tenzan" and the Yokosuka D4Y "Suisei". Aichi's prototype first flew in mid-1941, but due to growing pains, didn't enter production until over 2 years after being ordered by the IJN. Only 9 B7A-1's prototypes, and 80 production aircraft were completed before the factory was destroyed by an earthquake in May 1945. Another 25 aircraft were built at the Naval Air Arsenal at Omura. This powerful and potent aircraft could have made a significant impact in the Pacific war, but by the time it arrived, the Japanese Navy no longer had experienced pilots, or any carriers from which it could operate. Resulting in only limited ineffective use from land bases.
Comments: Calling this aircraft powerful and potent is quite descriptive. It is not currently modeled in any of the Online sims, but would instantly become the premier torpedo plane and a favorable dive bomber if introduced.
At a maximum speed of 351 mph, only the Mosquito and the A26 Invader are faster among the bombers. It is almost 90 mph faster than the next fastest torpedo bomber the TBF Avenger. However, most fighters would still be faster than the B7A2, with its speed comparable to the Bf-109E and the A6M5-a.
True to its Japanese design heritage, this aircraft retains its low wing loading (once its ordnance is dropped) which makes it an incredibly agile aircraft. With an empty wing loading of 23.37 lbs./sq. ft, it would possess sustained turning ability roughly comparable to the Spitfire IX or the N1K2 George.
With 2 20mm forward firing cannons, and 1 13mm rear mount machine gun, it is quite respectably armed, even when compared to many fighters. While the 13mm machine gun would not be suitable to solely protect the plane during a torpedo run, it is certainly enough to make an attacking fighter think twice. When combined with its speed, agility, and maneuverability, the B7A2 would be a dangerous opponent in a furball over any target.
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Vermillion
**MOL**, Men of Leisure
