MITSUBISHI B2M
by Gary Barling
 
 
Mitsubishi B2M1, Ohmura Air Corps, JNAF, ca. 1932 – 36
(K. Munson, Bombers Between the Wars, 1919 – 39, Blandford Press, London, 1970)
 
Purpose: Metal structure two-seater torpedo/bomber/reconnaissance aircraft.
 
Background: Designed in response to a Japanese Naval specification to replace the B1M torpedo/bomber aircraft. One of three designs prepared by British companies, and the result of the only one actually submitted to the Japanese Navy.
 
Specifications:
 
  1. Armament:
a.       one 7.7mm machine gun, port side of front fuselage
b.      one 7.7mm machine gun in rear cockpit
c.       one 1,764 lb (800 kg) torpedo beneath fuselage, or the equivalent weight of bombs
 
  1. Powerplant: 600 hp Mitsubishi-built Hispano-Suiza 12-cylinder Vee-type engine.
 
    3.   Dimensions and Performance
 
a. Span: 49 ft 11 ¼ in (15.22 m)
b. Length: 33 ft 8 ¼ in (10.27 m)
c. Height: 12 ft 2 ¼ in (3.712 m)
d. Takeoff Weight: 7,937 lb (3,600 kg)
e. Maximum Speed: 132 mph (213 km/hr) at sea level
f. Operational Ceiling: approximately 14,765ft (4,500 m)
g. Normal Range: 597 mi (960 km)
 
Production:
 
The B2M was a British-designed aircraft built by Blackburn, which submitted the design to the Japanese Navy and which was subsequently accepted in 1929. Four prototypes were subsequently built. The aircraft entered production in 1932 with the Mitsubishi designation of B2M1 and the Navy designation of Type 89, Model 1. Serviceability modifications resulted in the B2M2. Production ceased in 1935 with a total of 204 B2M’s (less prototypes) built.
 
References:
 
1. Kenneth Munson, Bombers Between the Wars, 1919 – 39, London, Blandford Press, 1970.