Yokosuka D3Y
| D3Y Myojo | |
|---|---|
| Role | Trainer Dive bomber |
| Manufacturer | Yokosuka |
| First flight | 1945 |
| Status | Cancelled |
| Primary user | IJN Navy Air Service (Intended) |
| Produced | 1945 |
| Number built | 2 Prototypes 3 Production |
| Developed from | Aichi D3A |
The Yokosuka D3Y Myojo (明星 "Venus") was a Japanese two-seat dive bomber/trainer designed and built by the Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal. Derived from the Aichi D3A, it was made nearly entirely of wood in an attempt to conserve valuable resources. Upon Japan's surrender, the project came to a halt with only a few aircraft delivered.
Design and development
The D3Y was a two-seat bomber trainer constructed of wood, so as not to use more valuable materials. It was based on the successful Aichi D3A, with design starting in late 1942. Like the D3A, it was a two-seat low-winged monoplane with a fixed tailwheel undercarriage. To allow construction by unskilled workers, the elliptical wing and rounded tail of the D3A were replaced by straight tapered alternatives, while the fuselage was lengthened to improve stability.[1] Two prototypes were built during 1944, but these proved heavier than expected. Three production aircraft, which were redesigned to save weight, were completed for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service before the end of the war, and designated the Navy Type 99 Bomber Trainer Myojo Model 22.[2]
Variants
- D3Y1-K Myojo (Navy Type 99 Bomber Trainer Myojo Model 22)
- A two seat wooden dive-bomber trainer. Powered by a 1,300 hp (970 kW) Mitsubishi Kinsei 54 radial engine, based on the Aichi D3A2-K, with significant changes to allow production in wood. Two prototypes and three production aircraft built.
- D3Y2-K Myojo
- Single-seat special attack version of the D3Y1, powered by a 1,560 hp (1,160 kW) Mitsubishi Kinsei 62, with a maximum speed of 470 km/h (292 mph). The armament consisted of two 20mm (0.80 in) Type 99 MK1 cannon in the engine cowling, and the aircraft was to be equipped with a single 800 kg (1,800 lb) bomb.[3] The undercarriage would be jettisoned on take off since the aircraft was not expected to return. The prototype had begun construction but was still incomplete when the war ended.[4]
- D5Y1 Myojo Kai (Navy Special Attacker Myojo Kai)
- Production designation given to the D3Y2-K.
Operators
Specifications (D3Y1-K)
General characteristics
- Crew: Two (pilot and gunner)
- Length: 11.215 m (36 ft 9½ in)
- Wingspan: 14.00 m (45 ft 11⅛ in)
- Height: 4.185 m (13 ft 8¾ in)
- Wing area: 32.8 m² (353 ft2²)
- Empty weight: 3,200 kg (7,055 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 3,650 kg (8,047 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Mitsubishi Kinsei 44, 798 kW (1,070 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 389 km/h (205 kn, 242 mph (389 km/h))
- Rate of climb: 1,470[5] ()
Armament
- 2 × fixed, forward-firing 20 mm Type 99-1 cannon in Engine Cowling.
- 1 × flexible, rearward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Type 92 machine gun
- 1 × 800kg (1764 lb) for Kamikaze Operations
See also
- Related lists
References
- Notes
- ↑ Francillon 1979, p. 469.
- ↑ Francillon 1979, pp. 469–470.
- ↑ O'Neill, Richard (1981). Suicide Squads: Axis and Allied Special Attack Weapons of World War II: their Development and their Missions. London: Salamander Books. p. 296. ISBN 0 861 01098 1.
- ↑ Francillon 1979, pp. 470–471.
- ↑ Climb to 6,000 m (19,700 ft): 13 min 23 s
- Bibliography
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- Francillon, René J. (1979). Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Ltd. ISBN 0-370-30251-6.
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.