Nakajima B6N Tenzan "JILL"
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The Nakajima B6N Tenzan "JILL" (Allied code name "Jill") was primarily used by the Imperial Japanese Navy as a carrier-based torpedo bomber during the final two years of World War II (1943–1945), operating in the South Pacific, the Philippine Sea, and during the Okinawa campaign. It served as a successor to the B5N "Kate".
Key details regarding its usage include:
- Combat Debut: First saw action around Bougainville in November 1943, operating from Rabaul-based land fields.
- Carrier Operations: Due to high landing speeds, they were restricted to large carriers and saw action in the Battle of the Philippine Sea (1944).
- Land-Based Roles: Following the loss of most Japanese carriers by mid-1944, B6Ns were increasingly operated from land bases for conventional attacks and, heavily, in kamikaze missions during the Okinawa campaign.
- Target Areas: Operated in the South Pacific, Truk Islands, Philippines, and Okinawa.
- Performance: Despite being faster and more capable than the "Kate," the JILL faced overwhelming U.S. air superiority, which limited its effectiveness.
The aircraft was used for conventional torpedo/bombing raids early on, and increasingly for "toko" special-mission (suicide) attacks towards the end of the war.





