Yokosuka MXY8 Ohka Model 43
Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal · Empire of Japan · first flew 1945 · bomber
The Yokosuka MXY-8 (Ohka Model 43) is a jet-propelled development of the rocket-powered Ohka series of purpose-built kamikaze aircraft, intended for ground-launched coastal defence rather than air-launch.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × rocket, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | single solid-fuel rocket cluster under the rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- tiny straight-winged glider profile with blunt nose warhead
- single solid-fuel rocket cluster under the rear fuselage
- no undercarriage — launched from parent bomber
Extremely small aircraft with blunt cylindrical nose (warhead); short straight wings mounted at mid-fuselage; simplified tail with straight surfaces; no landing gear of any kind.
Specifications
- The Yokosuka MXY8 Ohka Model 43 has a length of 6.88 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 5.12 m (17 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 648 km/h (403 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Japan developed the Ohka (Cherry Blossom) in 1944 as a manned anti-ship suicide weapon carried under a Mitsubishi G4M Betty bomber and released near Allied ships. The baseline Model 11 used three solid-fuel rockets. The MXY-8 / Model 43 was a training and ground-launched coastal-defence variant powered by a Tsu-11 motorjet, intended for use from prepared ramps defending the Home Islands against the expected Allied invasion. The war ended before significant combat use.
Variants
Model 11 (operational air-launch, solid rockets); Model 22 (turbojet, lighter warhead for faster G4M release); Model 43 K-1 Kai (two-seat trainer, no warhead); Model 43 (ground-launch coastal defence variant, motorjet).
Where you'll see it
Saw limited operational use in Model 11 form during 1945 Okinawa campaign; Allied ships, including USS Mannert L. Abele, were sunk. The Model 43 was never used operationally.
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