Yokosuka MXY7-K1, 1018
History
In the final stages of World War II, Japan's 1st Naval Air Technical Arsenal at Yokosuka designed the MXY7-K1 to train novice pilots in operating the Ohka. Unlike the operational Ohka, which was carried aloft by a Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" bomber and then released to dive into enemy ships, the MXY7-K1 was intended for practice flights. It featured a landing skid and flaps, and instead of a warhead and rocket motors, it used water ballast that was expelled before landing. Despite these modifications, the trainer still presented challenges to pilots, including a high landing speed of approximately 130 mph.
A total of 45 MXY7-K1 trainers were built by the end of World War II. These aircraft were used to familiarize pilots with the handling characteristics of the Ohka, preparing them for their final missions. The MXY7-K1's design allowed for repeated use in training scenarios, providing essential experience for pilots before they embarked on combat missions.
The MXY7-K1 on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force offers visitors a rare glimpse into this unique aspect of aviation history.