The Yokosuka MXY8 Akigusa (秋草, "Autumn grass") was a training glider built in parallel with the Mitsubishi J8M rocket-powered interceptor aircraft.

MXY8 Akigusa
General information
TypeTraining Glider
National originJapan
ManufacturerYokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal
History
VariantsYokosuka MXY9

Design and development

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The J8M was to have simply been a licence-built Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, but due to difficulties in obtaining technical materials from Germany, it eventually had to be designed almost from scratch.[1] The MXY8 was designed in parallel with the J8M to validate the design, and then to provide pilot training during the development of the actual interceptor.[2] The Army designation for the type was Ku-13.[3]

The MXY8 was built entirely of wood, and fitted with ballast tanks that would be filled with water to simulate the weight and therefore flight characteristics of a fully equipped J8M. Some 50-60 of these gliders were eventually built.

A more advanced trainer, the MXY9, equipped with a primitive jet engine was planned, but was never produced.[4]

Many sources apply the designation MXY8 to the Yokosuka MXY7 Ohka kamikaze weapon.

Specifications

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Yokosuka MXY8 "Akigusa" unmotorized training glider version of the Mitsubishi J8M1 "Shusui"

Data from Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War[5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 6.05 m (19 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 9.5 m (31 ft 2 in)
  • Height: 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 17.73 m2 (190.8 sq ft)

Performance

See also

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Related development

References

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Notes
  1. ^ Francillon 1979, p. 404.
  2. ^ Francillon 1979, p. 405.
  3. ^ Francillon 1979, pp. 405–406.
  4. ^ Francillon 1979, p. 406.
  5. ^ Francillon 1979, p. 407.
Bibliography
  • Francillon, René J. (1979) [1970]. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War (2nd ed.). London: Putnam & Company Ltd. ISBN 0-370-30251-6.