Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft

   

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  Mitsubishi A6M2 Reisen "Zero" fighter        
  The Zero fighter was used by the Navy as the standard fighter aircraft for most of WW2. This illustration shows a Zero in markings from the carrier Shokaku  flying toward Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.        
                 
  Aichi D3A1 carrier bomber "Val"        
  The "Val"  was the standard dive bomber of the Japanese Navy during the first year of the war. This illustration shows a Val in markings from the carrier Zuikaku during the Pearl Harbor attack.        
                 
  Nakajima B5N2 carrier attack bomber "Kate"        
  The "Kate" was used in two roles by the Japanese Navy. Some. Kates were used as level attack bombers, carrying a variety of bombs. The illustration shows the Kate flown by Cdr. Mitsuo Fuchida, air commander of the attack on Pearl Harbor. His plane flew from the carrier Akagi.        
  Kates were also used as low level torpedo bombers. This illustration shows a squadron leader from the carrier Hiryu making the first torpedo run against the USS West Virginia during the Pearl Harbor attack.        
                 
  Aichi E13A1 Reconnaissance Seaplane "Jake"          
  Jakes were introduced to the fleet in the fall of 1941. Early on December 7, two Jakes from cruisers escorting the attack fleet flew an early morning recon over Pearl Harbor before the attack aircraft were launched.  This illustration shows a Jake from the cruiser Chikuma during the Pearl Harbor operation.          
                 
  Nakajima E8N2 Reconnaissance Seaplane "Dave"          
  Daves were 1930's era fleet reconnaissance seaplanes. They were gradually being replaced by the Aichi E13A1's (see above) at the time of the Pearl Harbor operation, but some were still with the attack fleet. This illustration shows a Dave from one of the cruiser escorts during the Pearl Harbor operation. They performed short-range patrol duties around the attack fleet.          
                 
  Note: I've made every effort to render my illustrations with accurate markings and color schemes. However, I don't have every reference available. If you have information on tail codes, markings, etc, that would make these illustrations more accurate, I'd like to hear from you!  Please contact me at: gliebrandt@woh.rr.com        
                 

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