The Ohka, meaning “cherry blossom” in Japanese, was a rocket propelled suicide machine deployed by Japan against allied shipping in World War 2. Introduced in 1945, it was fitted with a 2,000 pound explosive charge in front of the pilot. The suicide pilot (kamikaze) would detach from the mother plane (Model 24J “Betty”) and fire up the three rear rockets (Type 4 Mark 1 Model 20) either one at a time or in unison. It had a short range of only 23 miles but could reach speeds of 400mph in level flight or up to 680mph in a dive on the target ship. They were used in the Okinawa campaign in which 74 saw operation, of which 56 were either destroyed with their parent aircraft or in making attacks. Then allied nickname for the Ohka was “Baka” which in Japanese means “foolish” or “idiotic”. A total of 852 Ohkas were built. Approximately 13 survive today in museums around the world. The one shown here was captured on Okinawa Island in April of 1945. It’s shown as it appeared without its warhead being armed and resting unstrapped on its transport cradle and rear storage support.
Desperate measures desperate times very interesting project. Good opportunity to see one if you can’t see it in person very well-made weathered exquisitely.
ReplyDeleteI built one made by Testors about 30 years ago. Your offering is a refreshing step-up in both build and painting! Nicely worked!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Would that be the kit that came with the V-1 as well? Yeah, techniques, materials let alone the kit toolings they are capable of signify times sure have changed! I couldn’t believe what was being done with model builds now after being away from the hobby for over 40 years. I still have much to learn. Thanks for your comment!
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