The Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka was a specialized, rocket-propelled, human-guided kamikaze aircraft that was utilized by Japan in the latter stages of the Pacific War during World War II.
Despite its remarkable speed, the Ohka’s limited range necessitated its deployment as a parasite aircraft by a larger bomber, which was itself susceptible to attacks by carrier-based fighters.
During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, Ohkas were able to inflict damage upon some escort vessels and transport ships, but no significant warships were ever sunk.
Although improved versions were developed in an attempt to address the aircraft’s deficiencies, they were introduced too late to be utilized.
The Allied forces commonly referred to the Ohka as “Baka Bombs”.
Variants
MXY-7
Rocket powered suicide attacker, unpowered glider prototypes; ten built.
Navy Suicide Attacker Ohka Model 11
Long designation of the operational attacker.
Ohka Model 11
Suicide attacker powered by 3 × 2.616 kN (588 lbf) Navy Type 4 Mark 1 Model 20 solid-fuelled rocket motors, firing for 8–10 seconds; 755 built.
Ohka Model 21
Suicide attacker, fitted with steel-built wings built by Nakajima; one built.
Ohka Model 22
Suicide attacker, powered by an Ishikawajima Tsu-11 thermo-jet engine with reduced span wings and 600 kg (1,300 lb) warhead, to be carried by Yokosuka P1Y1 Ginga bombers.
50 built by the First Naval Air Technical Arsenal.
Ohka Model 33
Suicide attacker, powered by an Ishikawajima Ne-20 turbojet engine, with an 800 kg (1,800 lb) warhead, to be carried by the Nakajima G8N1 Renzan bomber.
Ohka Model 43A Ko
Suicide attacker, powered by a Ne-20 turbojet engine, with folding wings, to be catapult launched from submarines.
Ohka Model 43B Otsu
Suicide attacker similar to the Model 43A for catapult launching from caves.
Ohka Model 53
Suicide attacker for aerotow launch, powered by a Ne-20 turbojet engine.
Ohka K-1
Suicide attack training glider.
Ohka Model 43 K-1 Kai Wakazakura
Two-seat suicide attack glider trainer with flaps and retractable skid undercarriage, fitted with a single Type 4 Mark 1 Model 20 rocket motor, for limited powered flight.
“Suzuka-24”
Alleged interceptor version with warhead replaced by a fuel tank and two 20 mm cannon mounted on top.
Supposedly employed at least twice against B-29 formations in April 1945.
Specifications
Crew
1
Length
6.066 m (19 ft 11 in)
Wingspan
5.12 m (16 ft 10 in)
Height
1.16 m (3 ft 10 in)
Wing area
6 m2 (65 sq ft)
Empty weight
440 kg (970 lb)
Gross weight
2,140 kg (4,718 lb)
Powerplant
3 × Type 4 Mark 1 Model 20 solid-propellant rocket motors,
2.62 kN (588 lbf) thrust each.
Performance
Maximum speed
648 km/h (403 mph, 350 kn) at 3,500 m (11,483 ft)
Never exceed speed
926 km/h (575 mph, 500 kn) terminal dive velocity
Range
37 km (23 mi, 20 nmi)
Wing loading
356.7 kg/m2 (73.1 lb/sq ft)
Thrust/weight
0.38
Armament
1,200 kg (2,600 lb) Ammonal warhead.
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.
