Nakajima Kikka (Fine Molds 1/48). The miniature was crafted by the renowned modeler Chris Wauchop.
Today’s note, however, will not focus on workshop techniques. The Japanese manufacturer offers two paint schemes in their kit: one depicting the prototype aircraft and another featuring a plane with the designation “724-12.” This raises the question: does this tactical number have any historical basis, or is it just a “number pulled out of thin air”?
It is true that none of the Kikka aircraft ever received tactical markings. Nevertheless, the 724th Air Group (724 Kokutai) did exist. What’s more, it was intended to be the first unit of the Imperial Japanese Navy to operate this type of aircraft. A fascinating and quite telling detail is that the unit was formally established on July 1, 1945—just five weeks before the prototype’s first (and only) flight. Let’s not forget, however, that at the same time, 25 additional aircraft were under construction (including five two-seat trainer variants). Of these, no fewer than 16 combat aircraft and four two-seat trainers were planned to reinforce the ranks of the 724th. Although these plans never came to fruition, the history of this unit remains intriguing.
In early July, a group of pilots arrived in Kisarazu, joined by an experienced technical team from the Kisarazu Hakentai (Kisarazu Technical Detachment). The unit also received its first operational and flight-training aircraft: 12 K5Y2 Willow biplanes and 24 D3A2-K Val dive bombers. Two weeks later, this nucleus of the 724th Kokutai relocated to Misawa and began practicing suicide attack missions. Simultaneously, intense efforts were underway to prepare the unit’s operational base, which was located in coastal caves on the Miuro Peninsula near Tateyama. The runways extended through tunnels, with exits situated just above the beaches of Tokyo Bay.
This unique operational concept had been considered since the early stages of the Kikka project. Hence, the folding outer wing sections, unnecessary for land-based aircraft, became a significant feature for aircraft based in underground grottos and tunnels. To enable takeoff from such extremely short underground “runways,” additional RATO engines were incorporated into the design from the outset.
Another component of the 724th Air Group was a small number of Kawanishi E15K1 Shiun (Norm) reconnaissance floatplanes, which arrived at a nearby anchorage. These aircraft were tasked with locating American carrier strike groups or invasion forces. They were to identify targets for the Kikka and guide waves of attackers using radio navigation signals from the Kurucu system.
Fortunately for both sides, the final chapter of the Kikka project was marked by an unsuccessful attempt at a second flight—just four days before the announcement of the ceasefire.
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