MXY7 Ohka (Baka)
Ohka (Cherry Blossom) was developed
in the summer of 1944 as a weapon of desperation, this rocket propelled
bomb was intended to be used against Allied ships and anti-invasion
coastal defense. The weapon could reach 408mph under full thrust. The
Allies code-named them "Baka", Japanese
for stupid. The weapon was similar to the German V-1 bomb, but piloted.
These weapons were launched from beneath a parent plane, usually G4M
Betty, but many of the mother aircraft were shot down before
they could get in range to release their Ohkas.
Model 11
About 755 Model 11s were built by Yokosuka with 2,646
lbs warhead. Several examples of these were captured on Okinawa by
American forces, and sent back to the United States for evaluation and
display.
Model 22
This "Campini" jet-powered version was built by Kugisho built fifty
Model 22s with 1,323lbs warhead, then production shifted to underground
factories. Only three Tsu-11 engines were built, so most of the airframes
remained incomplete and the war ended before any Ohka 22s saw operational service.
Planned Model 33 & 43B
Plans for Models 33 were made, and even Model
44s which were to be catapult
launched from submarines. Several other versions were planned.
The Ohka 43B was designed for launch from land-based catapults. These
simple devices were easily
hidden in caves. Had if become necessary to carry out Operation Olympic,
the proposed Allied invasion of Kyushu Island, the Japanese would likely
have employed hundreds of Ohka aircraft against the attack.