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WWII JAPANESE SUICIDE BOMB/PLANE
This is a replica of the Japanese Yokosuka MXY7, Navy Suicide Attacker Ohka (Cherry Blossom)on display at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. It is in the markings of the Jinrai (Divine Thunderbolt) Unit. This rocket-powered aircraft was actaully a manned anti-ship weapon that was transported in the bomb-bay of specially modified "Betty" bombers (Mitsubishi G4M2e, Navy Type 1 Attack Bomber Model 24J). When near the target, the Cherry Blossom was released and the pilot attempted to hit the ship causing the 1,200 kilogram (2,646 pound) warhead to explode. The first successful attack was made on 1 April 1945 when Ohkas damaged the battleship USS West Virginia and three transports off Okinawa. The first Allied ship sunk was the destroyer USS Mannert L. Abele (DD-733), off Okinawa on 12 April 1945. A total of 852 Ohkas of all types were built.
Detaild provided by Jack McKillop
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