SJ8397 : Yokasuka MXY7 Ohka Model II Suicide Bomb (Kamikaze)
taken 11 years ago, near to Rusholme, Manchester, England
Yokasuka MXY7 Ohka Model II Suicide Bomb (Kamikaze)
In Japanese history, the 'Kamikaze' was a 'divine wind' which helped to destroy an invader. During the Second World War, the same name was given to pilots who were prepared to sacrifice themselves in the defence of Japan.
In 1944, it was suggested that a rocket-powered piloted bomb could be used to destroy American and British warships. This would be air-launched from a bomber in the target area and fly at 400mph.
755 Ohkas were made by Yokosuka and the Kasumigaura Naval Air Arsenal; each was packed with explosive fused to detonate on impact. Many pilots volunteered, or were selected from the workers who built the Ohkas. The Ohka was first used successfully on 1 April 1945 to damage the battleship USS West Virginia.
This piloted bomb was captured (before take-off) and brought to Britain for rocket aeroplane research work. It is now on display at the Air and Space Hall of the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Manchester.
SJ8397 : Mills across the water Building on the right is a modern pastiche. I looked at this early in 2008 and realised it for what it was quite quickly. There is an excellent complex of converted mills in this corner. Just as important as Ancoats.