G4M3 Betty 1/48 Scale Model FJBTE by Toys & Models

This handcrafted Mitsubishi G4M3 1/48 scale model is painstakingly built by our skilled craftsmen with a wealth of detail. The Mitsubishi G4M was the main twin-engine, land-based bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service in World War II. The Allies gave the G4M the reporting name Betty. The Allies usually gave Japanese fighters and floatplanes male names, while giving female names to bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. The G4M was designed for a long range and high speed at the time of its introduction. Several weight-saving measures were incorporated into the design, such as dispensing with self-sealing fuel tanks, which started nicknames such as "the one-shot lighter", "the flying Zippo" and "the flying cigar" because of their tendency to explode or catch on fire from any slight damage to the fuel tank wings after being hit by aerial machine gun fire or ground antiaircraft fire. The G4M was used for low-altitude torpedo attacks on shipping in which their performance advantages were negated, and the G4M was frequently shot down by antiaircraft artillery fire, and even by small arms. The G4M's relatively large size made it an easy gunnery target, and the predictable approach path required for a torpedo run made for a generally easy interception by Allied fighter aircraft. Towards the end of World War II, the "Betty" bomber was commonly used for carrying and launching kamikaze aircraft, and was the usual aircraft for carrying the Ohka kamikaze manned rocket-powered bombs.

This specific G4M is a G4M3, which is a redesigned G4M2 with added self-sealing fuel tanks, improved armor protection, redesigned wings and an entirely new tail gunner's compartment. The G4M3 entered production in October 1944.

This handcrafted model is painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany by our skilled craftsmen with a wealth of detail and makes a great gift for any veteran, aviation enthusiast or history buff.

Scale: 1/48 scale model

Wing Span: 20.5

Length: 16.5

FJBTE