Japanese Cherry Blossoms: The Okha....Continued..

By 

Scott Schwartz

Miki, having no idea what was coming, and figuring that he would be presented with another “cutting edge” guidance system idea, asked about it.  When Ota did not answer, Miki asked the question again and said that he was talking about “…the device to make sure that it hits the target.”  Ota replied that a man would be “on board.” In other words, the "the device to make sure that it (the new aircraft) hit the target" would be the pilot.

Incredulous, Miki exclaimed "What?!”  Trying to appear unfazed, Ota explained that the little aircraft would be carried by a bomber until the target was in range.  At that point, the pilot would climb from the bomber through the bomb bay into the small craft's cockpit. The flying bomb would then be jettisoned.  Ideally, there would be just enough propellant to get the manned flying bomb to its target while allowing its pilot to dodge defending aircraft.  Miki was outraged.   After calling Ota an idiot, Miki yelled that this "thing" would not be produced! 

To be continued next week.