October 10th, 2023
9minute read
The current war in Ukraine has reintroduced us to the kamikaze moniker.
in 2023, it normally refers to a kamikaze drone.
In late 1944, however, the Japanese lacked the advanced technology we now take for granted.
A U.S. Naval Intelligence illustration of the G4M2e Betty bomber releasing its Baka. Image: NARA
After nearly a year of disinterest, the Japanese Navy proceeded with the project.
The concept was a simple (but fast) delivery system for a massive 2,600-pound warhead.
The pilot was provided with rudimentary controls good enough, at least, for his short final flight.
This is an intact Baka that was captured by U.S. forces on Okinawa. Image: NARA
After early German successes, the Allies learned to jam their command signals.
If the Japanese had air superiority over the target area, the Ohkas mothership would be in little danger.
However, by the time the Ohka was operational, Japan had no such luxury.
This is a Technical Air Intelligence Center diagram of the Baka bomb. Tactical Air Intelligence Units were developed to recover Japanese planes to develop actionable information. Image: NARA
There were many aircraft proposed to carry the Ohka into combat.
On several missions, none of the Ohka-carrying Betty bombers returned to base.
On November 28, 1944, the Japanese super-carrierShinanobegan her shakedown cruise to deliver 50 Ohkas to the Philippines.
This captured MXY-7 Ohka was displayed in Okinawa. You can see its cigar-like shape, wings and dual vertical stabilizers. Image: NARA
Through no fault of its own, the Ohka had yet to fly a combat mission.
On April 12th, nine Bettys brought their Ohkas to challenge the U.S. fleet.
A total of 84 of her crew were killed.
Sleek and simple, the Baka was a rocket-powered flying bomb that used a suicidal pilot for guidance. Image: NARA
What was it like to experience an attack by the Ohka?
Only five seconds after the rocket was sighted coming out of the mist the crash occurred.
The Japanese used clever tactics in opening a way for the Bakas run.
U.S. Navy Hellcat and Corsair fighters intercepted many of the Japanese “Betty” bombers before they could launch their Baka payload — as seen in this gun camera still frame. Image: NARA
Enemy planes circled overhead drawing the ships fire.
With a mist cover, the Baka streaked in before the Shea could change targets.
The ensuing explosion and scattering of deadly metal pockmarked the superstructure.
Shown above are the simple controls of the Baka, with a ring sight mounted outside of the cockpit. Image: NARA
Equipment was smashed and carried away, cables were severed and decks ripped open in its path.
The port list which resulted from flooding was quickly brought under control.
5/38 mounts #1 and #2 inoperative.
This diagram details the Baka bomb and its Betty G4M2e bomber mothership. Image: NARA
Engineering plant ready for full power.
Commenced fighting fires and caring for wounded.
There was noise, but no confusion or hysteria.
USSMannert L. Abele(DD-733) in August 1944. She is wearing Camouflage Measure 32, Design 11A. Unfortunately, she was lost after being hit by a Baka bomb in April 1945. Image: NARA
Every man immediately leaped to the job assigned him.
Into the side of the ship he went and I waited for the explosion, but none came.
A second later he emerged from the other side of the ship minus his wings.
The 20mm Oerlikon gun was a prime close-range weapon for air defense. Fed by 60-round drum magazines, the 20mm AA gun had a cyclic rate of 450 rounds per minute. Image: U.S. Coast Guard
The ship continued on course, a hole straight through her!
It was a miracle, but it happened.
Brown normally had a below-decks battle station.
The MXY-7 Type 11 Ohka was powered by three Type 4 Model 1/Mark 20 solid-fuel rocket motors. Image: NARA
Because of his repeated requests he was put on a .50 caliber machine gun.
He manned the gun until the second the Baka hit him in its run.
Commander Shea lost his life aboard the carrier USSWasp(CV-7) in September 1942.
U.S. Servicemen examine a captured Baka bomb’s 2,600-pound warhead on Okinawa. Image: NARA
On May 15th, theSheajoined a convoy to Ulithi Atoll.
After extensive repairs, the ship was ready for service again on October 11, 1945.
TheShearemained in service until 1958 and was kept in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1973.
It certainly lasted longer than the Ohka program that tried to destroy it.
