The Yokosuka D3Y Myojo was a dive bomber/trainer aircraft that was designed and manufactured by the Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal in Japan.
The aircraft was primarily constructed using wood, a measure that was taken to conserve valuable resources.
The D3Y was developed from the Aichi D3A and was designed as a two-seat bomber trainer.
The project commenced in late 1942, and the aircraft was based on the successful Aichi D3A.
The D3Y was a low-winged monoplane with a fixed tailwheel undercarriage, similar to the D3A.
However, to facilitate construction by unskilled workers, the elliptical wing and rounded tail of the D3A were replaced with straight tapered alternatives, while the fuselage was lengthened to enhance stability.
During 1944, two prototypes of the D3Y were constructed, but they were found to be heavier than anticipated.
Consequently, three production aircraft were redesigned to reduce weight and were completed for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service before the end of the war.
These aircraft were designated as the Navy Type 99 Bomber Trainer Myojo Model 22.
However, the project was halted following Japan’s surrender, and only a few aircraft were delivered.
Variants
D3Y1-K Myojo (Navy Type 99 Bomber Trainer Model 22)
A two-seat wooden dive-bomber trainer.
Powered by a 1,300 hp (970 kW) Mitsubishi Kinsei 54 radial engine, based on the Aichi D3A2-K, with significant changes to allow production in wood.
Two prototypes and three production aircraft built.
D3Y2-K Myojo
Single-seat special attack version (Kamikaze) of the D3Y1.
The undercarriage would be jettisoned on take-off since the aircraft was not expected to return.
The prototype had begun construction, but was still incomplete, when the war ended.
2x 20 mm (0.787 in) Type 99 Mark 1 machine gun in the engine cowling.
Bombs
1x 800 kg (1,800 lb) bomb.
Sources Japanese Aircraft, 1910-1941-Robert Mikesh & Shorzoe Abe The Mainichi Newspapers Co Ltd Yushukan War Memorial Museum Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War-Rene Francillon, Japanese Aircraft-John Stroud, Japanese Military Aircraft Illustrated.