at @davidhunn

Matt Dempsey is the data editor for the Houston Chronicle. He joined the Chronicle in 2014 and has worked on several major projects, including the investigation on the dangers of chemical plants. Matt previously worked for the Arizona Republic and Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Contact him at matt.dempsey@chron.com. Follow him on Twitter at @mizzousundevil.

Photos by Jon Shapley

Interactives and design by Rachael Gleason

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The Houston Chronicle is dedicated to serving the public interest with fact-based journalism. That mission has never been more important. Show your support for our journalism at HoustonChronicle.com/subscribe.The Imperial Japanese Navy entered the Pacific War with the most advanced ship-based attack bomber in the world, flown by the most experienced aircrews of any service. First flown in 1937, and introduced into squadron service during the Sino-Japanese conflict in 1938, the Nakajima B5N was faster, flew farther and carried a heavier payload than either of its British or American contemporaries (principally, the Fairey Swordfish and Douglas TBD Devastator, respectively). When used as either a level bomber against stationary targets, or as a torpedo bomber against ships, the "Kate" (as it came to be known to the Allies) would wreak havoc against Japan's enemies for the first year of the war.

Design specifications for the B5N's replacement were issued even before the advent of hostilities against the western