Why This Was the Most Sinister Plane to Be Ever Built

The Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka was a rocket-powered flying bomb designed for kamikaze attacks during World War II. Known as both a “pilot’s coffin” and a “ship’s nightmare,” it aimed to deliver a single, devastating strike against Allied ships.

Rocket-Propelled Ship Killer

In 1943, Ensign Mitsuo Ohta and students from the University of Tokyo’s Aeronautical Research Institute designed a rocket-propelled aircraft for one purpose: to destroy enemy ships.

As Japan’s situation worsened, the Imperial Japanese Navy quickly approved the project. Within weeks, Yokosuka Naval Air Technical engineers completed the Ohka.

Cherry Blossom

The Ohka, meaning “Cherry Blossom,” was a small, lightweight aircraft with a wooden shell over an aluminum frame to conserve materials. After rapid development, it made its first unpowered flight in October 1944, followed by a powered flight in November.

Pilots required little training since the Ohka was a one-way mission. Equipped with a 2,600-pound warhead and powered by three solid-fuel rockets, the Ohka had a limited range and had to be carried close to its target by a Mitsubishi G4M “Betty” bomber.

Released from high altitudes, the Ohka would glide toward its target before the pilot ignited the rockets to reach speeds over 600 miles per hour.

Bombs Away

The pilot had the option to fire the rockets individually or simultaneously, allowing for high-speed dives aimed at enemy ships. The Ohka’s speed made it hard to intercept, but it depended on the vulnerable Betty bombers to get close enough for a successful launch.

Performance and Limitations

The Ohka faced challenges from the start. On its first mission in March 1945, American fighters intercepted the bombers carrying Ohkas, causing them to release the bombs too far from their targets. However, on April 1, 1945, an Ohka successfully struck the battleship West Virginia, causing moderate damage.

Despite its speed, the Ohka struggled due to the vulnerability of its carrier bombers. Without fighter escorts, the bombers were easily shot down by American planes like the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair, especially when detected by radar.

Rise and Fall

One of the final notable Ohka attacks occurred on May 4, 1945, when the USS Shea was hit. The attack was so swift that the crew had only seconds to react. However, by this time, the Japanese war effort was crumbling, and the Ohka failed to turn the tide.

While it could inflict damage when it hit, its successes were limited due to the high vulnerability of its delivery system.