Truk Lagoon, FSM
MITSUBISHI G4M BOMBER
|"Betty" was the Allied code name for the Mitsubishi G4M bomber.
The aircraft was designed in 1939 for the Imperial Japanese Navy. The
plane was quite successful during the early part of the war and was operated as both a tactical and torpedo
bomber. The wartime photograph above, shows a "Betty" being used as
the launch platform for a manned "Baka" bomb. This suicide plane was
jet powered, but needed the bomber to carry it within range of the target.
This Truk aircraft wreck crashed on landing approach to Eten Island. Whether it was shot down or crashed is unknown. The engines may be found about 300 feet further towards the island and inline with the old runway. She now lies in 50 fsw.
KAWANISHI H8K1 FLYING BOAT
|"Emily" was the Allied code name for the Kawanishi H8K1 Flying
aircraft was used throughout the war by the Imperial Japanese Navy and was
quite successful, due
its very long range (exceeding the U.S. B-29
Superfortress) and combat survivability. "The Flying Porcupine"
was extremely difficult to shoot down, as it was one of the few Japanese designs
to utilize self-sealing fuel tanks and internal fire extinguishers. The
first action the "Emily" saw in WW II, occurred when two launched from
bases in the Marshall Islands and bombed Oahu, Hawaii in 1942. Only 165
aircraft were built.
The history of this particular wreck is quite fascinating. The Commanding Officer of the Fourth Fleet, his Chief of Staff and other senior Japanese Naval Officers, were returning from meetings in Palau. While enroute back to Truk, the "Emily" was ambushed by US fighters and repeatedly attacked. Despite heavy damage and casualties, the pilot managed to escape the fighters and return to Truk. Unfortunately, the aircraft was so "shot up" that the pilot lost control while attempting to land in the lagoon and the aircraft crashed and sank. The pilot, decorated for his actions, survived as did the Admiral and his Chief of Staff.
This Truk aircraft wreck is broken into three sections from its crash near Dublon Island. She now lies in 50 fsw.
|"Zero" was the Allied code name for the Mitsubishi A6M3 fighter.
The aircraft was designed in 1937 for the Imperial Japanese
Navy. The plane saw action throughout the war and was unmatched in speed and
maneuverability until 1942 when modern Allied fighters began to appear.However, after the "cream" of
Japanese Naval Aviators
were lost at the Battle of Midway, there were never
enough experienced pilots available to fly the Zero to its full potential.
This Truk aircraft wreck crashed on takeoff from Eten Island. Whether it was shot down on takeoff is unknown. She now lies in 20 fsw.
More Truk Wrecks