WW2 Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft – LANDING GEAR DATA PLATE – B5N -RARE!

The Nakajima B5N (Allied reporting name “Kate”) was the standard carrier-based torpedo bomber of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) for much of World War II. It also served as a high level bomber. Although the B5N was substantially faster and more capable than its Allied counterparts, the American Douglas TBD Devastator monoplane (the U.S. Navy’s first all-metal, carrier-borne monoplane of any type with retracting gear), and the British Fairey Swordfish and Fairey Albacore torpedo biplanes, it was nearing obsolescence by 1941. Nevertheless, the B5N operated throughout the whole war, due to the delayed development of its successor, the B6N. In the early part of the Pacific War, when flown by well-trained IJN aircrews and as part of well-coordinated attacks, the B5N achieved particular successes at the battles of Pearl Harbor, Coral Sea, Midway, and Santa Cruz Islands.

You are bidding on a VERY RARE and 100% original Imperial Japanese Navy MAIN component plate from the Landing Gear on the B6N “Kate” Torpedo Bomber! Removed by a US Serviceman, there are some marks and scratches, but it is VERY solid otherwise!  It indicates the manufaturer “Kayaba Manufacturing Co. Ltd.” at the top, which specifically made Hydraulic Shock Absorbers and Main Gear for aircraft during the war. They were also responsibly for the development of the Kayaba Ku-3, Ku-4, Ka-Go Helicopers; as well as the experimental prototype, Kayaba “Type 4” Katsuodori Jamjet Interceptor fighter! Removed from a veteran’s photo album, it is incorrectly noted as being from a “Betty”. All markings are VERY clear and legible.  Would make a SUPERB addition to any collection or display!