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Yokosuka D4Y2-S (彗星一二戊型)
The Yokosuka D4Y2-S is a Japanese night fighter that was created in 1944. Probably 13 D4Y2-S fighters were built, which were used until the end of the war to fight B-29 bombers.
History
In 1944, Yasuna Kozono returned to Japan, who became famous for converting the Nakajima J1N1 fighter into a night fighter during his service on Rabaul. Upon his return to Japan on 1 March, he took command of the 302nd Naval Aviation Squadron, whose objective was to defend Tokyo. In May, B-29 air raids on Japan began to intensify, and the fighters of that time were not able to counteract the increased threat. Therefore, using his experience, Kozono decided that it was necessary to convert additional aircraft into new night fighters, for this purpose modifications were made to the Yokosuka P1Y1, Nakajima C6N and Yokosuka D4Y2 aircraft. The Yokosuka D4Y2 aircraft was faster than the Mitsubishi A6M zero aircraft, so it was decided to use it. The modifications were simple, and consisted of mounting the Type 5 cannon (prototype only) or the Type 99 cannon at an angle of 30 degrees in the place of the rear gunner, removing the Type 92 defensive machine gun and turning the navigator’s position so that it was facing forward. In November, in the 302. Kokutai already had two D4Y2-S aircraft and they were already conducting combat flights. At the beginning of 1945, six to nine D4Y2-S aircraft were operating at the same time. Although these planes had problems finding B-29 planes due to the lack of radar, they nevertheless recorded successes. There are even reports of a P-61 plane being shot down, which is a huge success for a makeshift fighter. These planes were used until the end of the war, among others, to defend Tokyo and other cities.
Construction description
The Yokosuka D4Y2-S night fighter is based on the Yokosuka D4Y2 bomber, so I will describe the modifications that have been made to it.
- The Type 92 defensive rifle was removed and the gunner/navigator seat was moved forward
- A Type 99 cannon was installed at a 30-degree angle upwards at the rear of the cockpit
- Bomb bay removed
Mounting the Type 99 cannon
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 10,22 m
- Wingspan: 11,50 m
- Height: 3,75 m
- Wing area: 23,60 m2
- Empty weight: 2,456 kg
- Gross weight: 3,748 kg
- Maximum Take-off Weight: 4,750 kg
- Powerplant: 1 × Aichi Atsuta Typ 32 V-12 inverted liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,000 kW (1,400 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 560 km/h
- Cruise speed: 426 km/h
- Range: 1,510 km
- Service ceiling: 10,720 m
- Rate of Climb: 11,17 m/s
Armament
- Guns:
- 2 × 7.7mm fixed Type 97 machine gun in the nose (400 rounds per rifle)
- 1 x Type 99 20mm cannon mounted at the rear of the cockpit (250 rounds (?))
- Rocket:
- 4 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
Summary
The Yokosuka D4Y2-S is a very interesting aircraft for Japan in War Thunder. It is a very interesting night fighter that, thanks to the Type 99 cannon, is able to destroy enemy bombers by surprise. This aircraft can also be equipped with Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 missiles, which can also easily destroy enemy bombers. I encourage you to discuss in the comments and to share your own knowledge on this subject.
Finally, I apologize for the linguistic and logical errors because unfortunately English is not my main language and I had to use google translator.
Internet sources
彗星 (航空機) - Wikipedia
Yokosuka D4Y - Wikipedia
小園安名 - Wikipedia
第三〇二海軍航空隊 - Wikipedia
Imperial Japanese Aviation Resource Center - A Warbirds Resource Group Site
Yokosuka D4Y Suisei / Judy - dive-bomber (aviastar.org)
Уголок неба ¦ Yokosuka D4Y2-S Suisei-E (airwar.ru)
Yokosuka D4Y Suisei (airpages.ru)
Yokosuka D4Y Suisei (Comet) (combinedfleet.com)
Jokosuka D4Y2-S 12E Suisei [Judy] : Jokosuka (valka.cz)
Yokosuka D4Y Suisei “Judy” (naval-aviation.com)
Yokosuka D4Y Suisei (Judy) Carrier-Borne Dive Bomber Aircraft (militaryfactory.com)
