The B5N was designed to meet an Imperial Japanese Navy 1935 requirement
to replace the Yokosuka B4Y. It was ordered into production as the
Navy Type 97 Carrier Attack Bomber. The prototype B5N1 first flew in
1937.
The B5N was used in the Sino-Japanese War predating World War II.
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor included 144 B5N torpedo
bombers. The type was also responsible for sinking the U.S. Navy
carriers Hornet, Lexington and Yorktown.
"Kate" was the Allied code name for the B5N.
