The B5N reaches Pearl Harbor with known limitations

The B5N Kate had looked world-leading on entering service in 1938, but its operational performance did not improve every quality over the older B4Y. The comparison gives the B4Y a slight advantage in some armed-range conditions, while the B5N could travel farther in ferry configuration. The difference is described as small, so the loading condition matters when comparing their range figures. By 1941, insufficient speed and range, imperfect reliability and heavy servicing demands were already understood. Attempts to correct or replace the aircraft had not delivered the desired improvement before the Pacific War. Pearl Harbor therefore used a capable design whose operational limitations were known.