IJN  Imperial Japanese Navy

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.

 

Role  

 Suicide Rocket

Crew  

 One

Engines 
(model 11) 

 Three solid propellant rockets with total thrust of 800 kg

Span  

 4.12m

Length  

 6.88m

Height  

 1.15m

Max. Speed  

 408 mph

Range  

 70 miles

Armament  

 600 kg warhead

 

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