Hasegawa – 02493 – Mitsubishi G4M2A Type 1 Attack Bomber (Betty) Model 24 752nd Flying Group

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a Japanese WWII Mitsubishi G4M2A medium bomber.

The Mitsubishi G4M2A Type 1, known to the Allies as “Betty”, was an improved version of Japan’s most prominent land-based medium bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. The G4M series was designed for long-range maritime strike and torpedo missions, with the G4M2A incorporating significant advancements over earlier models. Entering service around 1943, the G4M2A featured more powerful Mitsubishi Kasei 25 engines, a redesigned tail section for improved stability, and upgraded defensive armament, including a 20 mm cannon in the tail turret.

Despite these improvements, the G4M2A retained the original design philosophy of sacrificing armor protection and self-sealing fuel tanks in favor of extended range and speed — a trade-off that made the aircraft highly vulnerable to Allied fighters and anti-aircraft fire. Its light construction meant that it performed well in terms of range and payload, capable of carrying bombs or a single torpedo on long-range missions across the Pacific, but it also earned the grim nickname “flying lighter” due to its tendency to catch fire easily when hit.

The G4M2A served in a variety of roles, including anti-ship strikes, reconnaissance, and transport. It was notably involved in kamikaze operations and long-range attacks during the final stages of the war. While it never overcame its defensive vulnerabilities, the G4M series—including the G4M2A—played a central role in Japan’s naval air strategy, particularly in the early and mid-war years, and remains one of the most recognizable Japanese bombers of the conflict.

Limited edition of Hasegawa Mitsubishi G4M kit, Include decal sheet with two markings detailed below and parts for nose radar antenna, early short H-6 type.

• 752nd Naval Air Group, 703rd Attack Squadron, aircraft “752-12” (Philippines: Autumn 1944)
• 752nd Naval Air Group, aircraft “52-021” (Lake Kasumigaura Base: Summer 1944)