During World War II, all the major powers fielded fast, versatile, twin-engine medium bombers of varying quality. Yokusuka (pronounced 'yo-koos-ka') designed the P1Y Ginga for low-altitude torpedo and dive-bombing attacks. When the Japanese navy placed it in service, the aircraft proved mediocre compared to more successful designs, such as the De Havilland D. H. 98 Mosquito, Martin B-26 Marauder, North American B-25 Mitchell, and the Junkers Ju-88. Flight trials began during the summer of 1943 but the Homare engines fitted to the P1Y1 proved unreliable and difficult to maintain. The navy would not accept the aircraft for over a year. Yokusuka made numerous changes and the FRANCES finally went into combat in early spring 1945. The airplane flew with good speed, and several of them were used to carry out Kamikaze suicide attacks against American warships.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Date

1945

Country of Origin

Japan

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft

Physical Description

Twin-engine, conventional layout with tailwheel landing gear.

Dimensions

Overall: 430 x 1500cm, 7265kg, 2000cm (14ft 1 5/16in. x 49ft 2 9/16in., 16016.4lb., 65ft 7 3/8in.)

Materials

Metal monocoque construction

Inventory Number

A19600340000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Air Force

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

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