Hikoki: 1946, by Edwin M. Dyer, III

[Richard T Eger]

This superb site is subtitled Experimental Jet, Rocket, & Prop Aircraft of the I.J.N. & I.J.A.. It covers in great depth the exotic and advanced aircraft Japan sought to field in the waning weeks of the war. I have to admit I bias toward an interest in these aircraft. Some have roots in German designs, while others were purely of Japanese origin.

The introductory page to the site is:

http://www.pelzigplatz.f2s.com/main.html

However, it is best to go to the index page (which contains the same introductory remarks) to actually get access to the site, itself, either at:

http://www.pelzigplatz.f2s.com/

or:

http://www.pelzigplatz.f2s.com/

Again, I'm going to be selective in commenting only on those non-piston engined aircraft of Japanese origin or any Luftwaffe aircraft that Ed has on his site. He has much more than this, for those that are interested. I have, at least listed them. With that caveat, the sections are:

Navy Aircraft

<U>Kawanishi Baika</U> - With heritage from the piloted German V-1, the Fi 103, an excellent history of both plus the mention of the Me 328 is given, along with photos and color profiles.

<U>Mitsubishi J8M Shusui</U> - Closely based on the Me 163, a cross history of the two aircraft are given along with photos. There are 5 color photos of the Shusui in the Planes of Fame museum in Chino, CA, and a link to 4 excellent color computer graphic renditions of the Shusui. A second Shusui was found in a cave in Japan and there is a link to an article about this with 6 color photos and a drawing.

<U>Mizuno Shinryu</U> - A rocket powered special attack glider. The functional purpose of the rockets seems in doubt. Ed has provided an interesting article on this enigmatic aircraft, whose mission seems similar to other powered, manned bombs. Color drawings and a 4-view plan are provided.

<U>Nakajima Kikka</U> - Having a similar configuration to the Me 262, this aircraft is only loosely related to it. Ed presents an interesting interweaving tale of the history of the two aircraft. Two color drawings, 9 b&w photos, 1 3-view drawing, and 1 table cross comparing with the Me 262. There are also 1 color photo of a Kikka and 2 of its Ne 20 engine at the NASM Garber Facility in Silver Hill, MD. A link to another related site is provided.

<U>Yokosuka MXY7 Ohka Model 22, Model 33, Model 43 series, and Model 53</U> - Article on a series of manned, powered bombs. Eight b&w photos; side view line drawings of Models 11, 22, & 43 K-1 KAI, 3-view line & color drawings of Model 22; 1 color profile of Model 43 K-1 KAI; and table of specifications of Models 22 & 43B. Link to related website.

Propeller driven aircraft covered are:

Kyushu J7W Shinden
Mitsubishi J4M1 Senden
Nakajima G10N1 Fugaku
Yokosuka R2Y Keiun

Army Aircraft

<U>Nakajima Ki-201 Karyu</U> - Very close approximation to the Me 262. Article with 1 color drawing, 1 b&w profile, 1 3-view line drawing, 1 fictionalized license-built Me 262 color profile, and table cross comparing Me 262, Kikka, and Ki-201.

<U>Rikugun Ki-202 Shusui-Kai</U> - Article on the Army's version of the Me 163. Three-view line drawing and table cross comparing the Me 163, J8M1, and Ki-202.

Propeller driven aircraft covered are:

Kawasaki Ki-64
Kawasaki Ki-78
Kawasaki Ki-91
Mansyu Ki-98
Mitsubishi Ki-67 Hiryu Variants ( Ki-67-I KAI, Ki-67 Sakura-dan, Ki-67 long range ground attacker, Ki-109 )
Mitsubishi Ki-73
Tachikawa Ki-94
Ki-115 Tsurugi
Rikugun Ki-93

Other Aircraft

<U>Junkers Ju488</U> - Article with isometric and 3-view line drawing. Japanese connection was that license was offered to the Japanese, but rejected.

<U>Focke-Wulf Ta 152</U> - Article with 1 B&w photo and specifica