Some of what was left of Japanese airpower ...

[airnutz]

Mark,

You're way more informed on these subjects than I am. Walk me through why you think these two are the same plane? I see: very different settings, on is painted one natural metal, one is damaged (bent prop) sitting on flatbed the other appears in flyable condition.

C2j

C2J, I think you mean Mike(Furline), not Mark. The B5N Kate evaluated by the Technical Air Intelligence Center as TAIC 6 was captured with the tailcode KEB-306. It's odd to me the TAIC would replace the hinomaru roundel after stripping the paint.

[aeroeng]

Super nice collection of photos that I hadn't seen before. Thanks for posting them!

aeroeng

[mike furline]

Mark,

You're way more informed on these subjects than I am. Walk me through why you think these two are the same plane? I see: very different settings, on is painted one natural metal, one is damaged (bent prop) sitting on flatbed the other appears in flyable condition.

C2j

C2J, I think you mean Mike(Furline), not Mark. The B5N Kate evaluated by the Technical Air Intelligence Center as TAIC 6 was captured with the tailcode KEB-306. It's odd to me the TAIC would replace the hinomaru roundel after stripping the paint.

It was captured on Saipan in 44, the lower prop blade was cut off so it would fit on the trailer with gear retracted. The natural aluminum finish is back in the States after being stripped/evaluated. It flew with the US Stars & Bars for a bit, the hinomaru must have been added back on at a later date.

Army Signal Corps & Air Force Photo Collections, NARA

Last edited by mike furline on Tue Feb 13, 2018 6:18 pm, edited 9 times in total.

[Cubs2jets]

Mike,

Thank you for your (expected) informative reply.

C2j

[Richard W.]

Oops! Already answered.

[Steve Nelson]

USN Helldiver Over Japanese Aircraft at Atsugi, Japan 1945

Note the rare G5N "Liz" four-engine bomber on the lower right. Developed from the failed Douglas DC-4E transport prototype (which they sold to Japan.) The bomber was equally disappointing. Only a few were built, and served as long-range transports.

SN

[Adam Kline]

fantastic pictures

[AvroAvian]

A fantastic set of photos Mark!
Thanks, once again, for posting!