Micubiši G3M2b 22B [Nell]

Mitsubishi G3M2b 22B
- / Chi-ko / Nell
九六式陸上攻撃機二二型 / Shiki rikujo kogekiki / Maritime strike bomber Type 96 Model 22B

History:
This version replaced the late 1940s in the production of the previous version of the G3M2 model 21. In the production of this version joined the factory Nakajima Hikoki To. To., because the parent factory at Mitsubishi Nagoya, ended in February 1941 the production of (238 aircraft G3M2 22) and passed on the production of modern medium bombers G4M1. Production at the Nakajima run from April 1941 and gather here a few hundred (estimated 150 – 200) aircraft of this version, in a few months she was then replaced by a more modern G3M3 23.
The main reason for the introduction of the next version of marked G3M2 model 22 losses were the older versions in their long bombing raids in China. The bombers were ineffective armament, and the japanese fighter is unable to protect, because they were totally inadequate range for escort years ago.
Kaigun Koku Hombu to this unpleasant situation trying to solve the first purchase of the accompanying fighters from abroad (A8V1), foreign fighters, however, did not meet the requirements of the japanese naval air force, a certain improvement was the introduction of a new version of the fighter A5M4, which had a longer range thanks to the podvěšené auxiliary tank. On the contrary, as the ineffective and wrong-headed solution reflected the introduction of the accompanying "flying cruisers" G6M1.
The fastest solution was, therefore, the adjustment alone of the bomber, was removed problematic bottom pull-out range, which was osádkami little used for its large aerodynamic resistance. The front dorsal retractable turret was retained, but the rear turret. it was replaced by a large kapkovitým barbette with cannon caliber 20 mm on the sides then added kapkovitá side shooting range with machine guns caliber 7.7 mm. The crew then often supplement this armament one machine gun type 89 in the front cabin, the shooting was then guided by the side windows. This version has been quite successful and engaged in the early fighting in the Pacific, later was adjusted for transport and traffic purposes..

and the photo.

I'll add a drawing.

... color scheme ....