Hasegawa 1/48 Nakajima B5N2 Type 97 Kate

This Hasegawa 1/48 scale plastic model kit recreates the Nakajima B5N2 Type 97 Model 3 carrier attack aircraft, known as the Kate, as used during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Two marking and equipment options represent aircraft from the first attack wave, with subjects based aboard the Japanese aircraft carriers Kaga and Akagi.

The kit can be built in either a torpedo-equipped configuration or carrying an 800 kg armour-piercing bomb. This choice is directly linked to the supplied aircraft markings, allowing the modeller to recreate either of the two December 1941 subjects.

Pearl Harbor Marking Options

The first decal option represents aircraft “AII-312”, a Kaga-based B5N2 from the first attack wave at Pearl Harbor on 8 December 1941. This aircraft is represented in the torpedo-equipped configuration.

The second option represents aircraft “AI-316”, based aboard Akagi and also participating in the first attack wave on 8 December 1941. This aircraft is represented carrying an 800 kg armour-piercing bomb.

Two Equipment Configurations

• 1/48 scale Nakajima B5N2 Type 97 Model 3
• WWII Japanese carrier attack aircraft
• Approximately 109 parts
• Torpedo-equipped configuration
• 800 kg armour-piercing bomb configuration
• Kaga-based aircraft “AII-312” markings
• Akagi-based aircraft “AI-316” markings
• Completed length approximately 215 mm
• Completed wingspan approximately 323 mm

The combination of aircraft identity and equipment gives each finishing option its own character. The Kaga-based AII-312 provides the torpedo-equipped build, while Akagi-based AI-316 provides the alternative 800 kg armour-piercing bomb configuration. Both represent aircraft from the first attack wave at Pearl Harbor.

Detailed 1/48 Japanese Aircraft Subject

With a completed wingspan of approximately 323 mm, the Kate makes a substantial addition to a collection of 1/48 aircraft. The choice of Kaga or Akagi markings, together with the corresponding torpedo or bomb configuration, allows the finished model to represent one of two specifically identified Japanese carrier aircraft from December 1941.