Year: 2023

  • Identifying Japanese Jets Captured by the US in 1945

    Identifying Japanese Jets Captured by the US in 1945

    Following the surrender of Japan in August 1945, the American occupational authorities sought to gather whatever aircraft developments were of potential interest. Naturally, the most cutting edge planes and engines developed in Japan were high on this list. More than a few of these projects had already been destroyed by Japanese orders immediately issued to…

  • Ōka Trainers: MXY7-K1, MXY7-K2, & Wakazakura

    Ōka Trainers: MXY7-K1, MXY7-K2, & Wakazakura

    This article is an attempt to clarify the details of the different training aircraft that were developed for the Japanese Navy’s late-war special attacker ‘Ōka’. The designations and purposes of the Ōka trainers are often confused, not only in English but even in Japanese publications. Using a few historical materials, we can correctly identify them…