Nakajima G5N1 1/2 Shinzan

In 1938, with success of the Mitsubishi G4M attack bomber, the Japanese Navy issued requirement for an advanced four-engine heavy bomber which could operate with a longer range and larger bomb load than the G4M.

Nakajima and Kawanishi were selected to create two new bombers, one was the land-based airplane and the other was a flying boat. Kawanishi agreed to tackle the flying boat that became H8K Emily, and Nakajima took the land-based bomber that led to the G5N Shinzan program.

The G5N Shinzan was the first, large, Japanese aircraft ever built. The Japanese Army was also interested in this heavy bomber. The Army owned Douglas DC-4E was handed over to Nakajima for both the Navy G5N and Army Ki-68 programs to start. Nakajima engineers took the wings, landing gear and powerplant installation from the DC-4E to complete the G5N1 prototype which made its first flight in 1942.

Performance was disappointing. In total, six prototypes were completed. Four prototypes were converted to G5N-2 transport aircraft. Due to the lack of experience with large aircraft development, the G5N program was cancelled in 1944.

Models & Model Kits are supplied unpainted and unassembled unless otherwise noted.