Mitsubishi G4M - Definition and Overview

The Mitsubishi G4M (一式陸上攻撃機:Type 1 land-based attack aircraft; Allied reporting name Betty) was a twin-engined, land-based bomber aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Navy in World War II.

It had exceptional range and high-speed but it was notoriously underprotected, for its primary mission and earned the name "one-shot lighter" from Allied pilots. This was due to the fact that on many occasions, it was used for the low altitude torpedo attack that greatly diminished its advantages. Its relatively large size made it a large target to shoot and the simple approach vector meant an easy interception. When used for middle to high altitude bombing against a stationary target like a supply depot or an airfield, it was another matter entirely. Using its long range and high speed, it would appear from any direction and be gone before fighters can intercept them.

Probably the best-known G4M during the war was the aircraft carrying IJN Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, which was shot down by American P-38 Lightnings on April 17, 1943.

Example Usage of Mitsubishi