Aichi B7A Ryusei (Grace)
Technical Information

Background
Designed by Aichi Kōkūki Kabushiki Kaisha (Aichi Aircraft Company, Limited) as a torpedo-dive bomber for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as B7A Ryusei 流星 meaning "Shooting Star". Allied code name "Grace". The first prototype was flown in May 1942 but had issues with the experimental engine that delayed production until May 1944. In May 1945, an earthquake destroyed the Funakata Factory at Nagoya. Afterwards production switched to the 21st Naval Air Arsenal at Omura.

Wartime History
Due to the heavy weight of the Grave, only the Taihō and later Shinano, were able to operate the type as they had modern arresting gear to allow them to operate until both carriers were sunk. During 1944–1945 Grace assigned to the Yokosuka Kokutai and 752 Kokutai land based in Japan for the remainder of the Pacific War.

Production
A total of 114 were built at two locations.
Funakata Factory, Aichi Kokuki, Nagoya, built a total of 89 built work number 3201-3289 during 1942 (prototype), 1943–1945
21st Naval Air Arsenal, Imperial Japanese Navy, Ōmura built work number 1-25 during 1944–1945

Technical Details
Crew   Two (pilot, radio/gunner)
Engine  Nakajima NK9C Homare12 18-cylinder radial engine, 1,360 kW (1,825 hp) driving four bladed propeller
Span  14.40m
Length  11.49 m
Height  4.07m
Maximum Speed  352 mph
Range  1,888
Armament (wings) 2 x 20mm cannons (rear) 7.92 mm machine gun
Bombload  1 torpedo or up to 1,764 lbs of bombs