Mitsubishi J8M1 Shusui | |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Role | Rocket-powered interceptor aircraft |
| First flight | 7 July 1945 |
| Built | 7 |
The Mitsubishi J8M Shūsui was a Japanese World War II rocket-powered interceptor aircraft closely based on the German Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet. Built as a joint project for both the Navy and the Army Air Services, it was designated J8M (Navy) and Ki-200 (Army).
| Mitsubishi J8M1 Shusui | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 33 |
See also:
| Mitsubishi J8M1 Shusui Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Cees Hendriks |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 21 |
General Characteristics
The Mitsubishi J8M1 Shusui (Autumn Water, or Sharp Sword) was a Japanese World War II interceptor project closely based on the German Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet rocket fighter. It was developed to combat the high-altitude B-29 Superfortress raids. Despite ambitious plans for mass production for both the Navy (J8M) and Army (Ki-200), development was hampered by the loss of German technical data during shipment, and only seven prototypes were built before the war ended. The single powered test flight in July 1945 ended in a crash.
| Property | Typical Value (J8M1 Prototype) |
|---|---|
| Role | Rocket-Powered Interceptor |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
| First Powered Flight | July 7, 1945 |
| No. Built | 7 (Prototypes) |
| Crew | 1 (Pilot) |
| Length | 6.05 m (19 ft 10 in) |
| Wingspan | 9.50 m (31 ft 2 in) |
| Wing Area | 17.73 m² (190.8 sq ft) |
| Loaded Weight | 3,885 kg (8,565 lb) |
Design and Powerplant
- Engine: One Yokosuka Toko Ro.2 (KR10) bi-fuel liquid rocket motor (Japanese license-built version of the Walter HWK 109-509A).
- Thrust: 14.7 kN (1,500 kgp or 3,307 lbf).
- Propellants: Used highly volatile propellants: T-Stoff (oxidizer, hydrogen peroxide) and C-Stoff (fuel, methanol/hydrazine).
- Configuration: Tailless, swept-wing monoplane with fixed skid landing gear (jettisonable wheeled dolly for takeoff).
- Endurance: Due to the high fuel consumption of the rocket engine, powered flight was limited to approximately 5 minutes 30 seconds.
Performance and Armament
- Maximum Speed: Approximately 900 km/h (559 mph, 486 knots) at 10,000 m (32,808 ft).
- Service Ceiling: 12,000 m (39,370 ft).
- Climb Rate: Could reach 10,000 m in roughly 3 minutes 30 seconds.
- Armament (J8M1): Two wing-mounted 30 mm Type 5 cannon (with 53 rounds per gun).
- Armament (Ki-200 Army version): Planned to use two 30 mm Ho-105 cannons or Ho-155 cannons, differing slightly from the Navy variant.
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