SPECIAL ATTACK AIRCRAFT Ki-116 Tsuragi-Kai

[PACOPEPE]

In 1944; Japan acquired engineering information on the german Fieseler Fi-103 (V-1) "Buzz Bomb" cruise missile, and had begun to manufacture its Argus pulse-jet engine as the Maru Ka-10. Such pulse-jets were much easier to manufacture than axial-flow turbojets such as the Ne-20, and Japan attempted to acquire engineering drawings of the Fi-103 for production of a manned suicide version. Only a portion of the documentation arrived, so the IJN sponsored the development of the similar Baika (Plum Blossom). starting in the summer of 1945.

The declining inventories of suitable suicide aircraft convinced the IJA to initiate its own program. In January 1945, the IJA started first the Ki-115, with piston engine; but later, incorporated the last innovations on propulsion; with the same pulse-jet engine, and auxiliary rockets.




Cheers
Fran

[Old Wombat]

Neat concept!

Of course, putting the explosive in the nose of the aircraft makes it that much more effective than if the engine is there.

However, the Japanese did have the MXY-7 Okha, their real suicide rocket-plane.

[RussC]

Neat concept!

Of course, putting the explosive in the nose of the aircraft makes it that much more effective than if the engine is there.

However, the Japanese did have the MXY-7 Okha, their real suicide rocket-plane.

  The Ohka required a vulnerable carry by a G4m bomber and was an offensive weapon, designed to go to the anchorages of the enemy, striking far offshore.

  The Baika was a defensive weapon, designed to be sited in caves with only the snout of the launch ramps in the open. The craft were to be used to blunt the landings on the home islands or their resupply.

[rickshaw]

Wasn't there a ground launched version of the Ohka as well?  According to Wikipedia it was the Kugisho/Yokosuka "Ohka" Model 43B Otsu and intended to be launched from caves.

I served with an old WO1 when I was in the Army.  He had served as part of BCOF (British Commonwealth Occupation Forces) in 3RAR (3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment) just before Korea when he was a young digger.  Even then, they were still finding underground caches of weapons and bombs, including aircraft. 

[RussC]

Wasn't there a ground launched version of the Ohka as well?  According to Wikipedia it was the Kugisho/Yokosuka "Ohka" Model 43B Otsu and intended to be launched from caves.

I served with an old WO1 when I was in the Army.  He had served as part of BCOF (British Commonwealth Occupation Forces) in 3RAR (3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment) just before Korea when he was a young digger.  Even then, they were still finding underground caches of weapons and bombs, including aircraft. 

  The coast was starting to become honeycombed with installations, Ohka, Baika, Speedboats, Kaiten, Armed swimmers, minefields etc. Unlike the island campaigns- the beaches were going to be defended Atlantic Wall style at the waters edge.

[Tophe]

Good work, already...

[sequoiaranger]

I have a similar project awaiting my hand (Doshaburi), but not anytime soon. It will have a prone pilot in a glass nose.

[kitbasher]

However, the Japanese did have the MXY-7 Okha, their real suicide rocket-plane.

They also had the Yokosuka MXY8 Ohkikohki - see http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,33960.msg551378.html#msg551378

[Go4fun]

Why did Komi Kazes wear helmets anyway?

[kitbasher]

What's your base kit, Pacopepe?

Why did Komi Kazes wear helmets anyway?

Health and Safety regulations?

[PACOPEPE]

The original is the old kit on 1/72 of Aviation USK; with the warhead and pulse-jet engine of the kit of V-1 on 1/48 of Italeri (combo with the Ohka).

Cheers
Fran

[tc2324]

Liking this and waiting for more piccy updates. 

[PACOPEPE]

Hi, more pics, at last!:







Regards
Fran

[JayBee]

This is looking GOOD!

[NARSES2]

Does look good