Ohka

The Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka (?? "cherry blossom") was a purpose-built kamikaze aircraft employed by Japan towards the end of World War II. The US gave the aircraft the Japanese name Baka ("fool").

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It was a small flying bomb that was carried underneath a Mitsubishi G4M "Betty", Yokosuka P1Y Ginga "Frances" (guided Type 22) or planned Heavy Nakajima G8N Renzan "Rita" (transport type 43A/B) bomber to within range of its target; on release, the pilot would first glide towards the target and when close enough he would fire the Ohka's engine(s) and dive against the ship to destroy. That final approach was almost unstoppable (especially for Type 11) because the aircraft gained tremendous speed. Later versions were designed to be launched from coastal air bases and caves, and even from submarines equipped with aircraft catapults, although none were actually used this way.

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Yokosuka: REDIRECT Yokosuka,_Kanagawa...

Cherry: :For the German keyboard and switch manufacturer, see Cherry Corporation....

Blossom: :Alternate meanings: See Blossom (disambiguation)...