Yokosuka D4Y 'Judy' Units

In 1938, the Japanese Air Technical Arsenal at Yokosuka initiated the development of an aircraft that would later serve as one of World War 2's finest dive-bombers. Acting in response to the requirements issued by the Naval Air Headquarters for an aircraft to eventually replace the Aichi D3A aboard carriers, the resulting D4Y Suisei ('Comet'), codenamed 'Judy' by the Allies, was initially powered by a licence-built German Daimler-Benz DB 601 inline engine. Despite its inauspicious combat debut during the Battle of Midway in June 1942, the 'Judy' eventually proved to be a dive-bombing asset for the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force (IJNAF) during battles in the latter years of the Pacific War. Over the final months of World War 2, when it became apparent that there would be no Japanese victory, the IJNAF employed the 'Judy' in the dreaded kamikaze role. Thanks to its proven high-speed characteristics in a dive, the D4Y was quite adept at suicide attacks. Indeed, a specialist kamikaze variant was built when it was realised just how successful the 'Judy' was in this role. Packed with first-hand accounts, rare wartime photographs sourced from archives in Japan and specially commissioned artwork, this volume details the D4Y's varied operational career that culminated in its use as a highly effective kamikaze aircraft. Osprey Combat Aircraft Series, Comprehensive histories of fighting aircraft and their crews, highlighting their vital role in the development of warfare in the 20th and 21st centuries, A unique source of information, researched by recognised experts and brought to life by first-hand accounts from the combat veterans themselves, Concise, authoritative text is supported by up to 30 original colour artworks, and the best archival photography from around the world Book jacket.