What-If....well, It's Not Exactly a Ship (Ohka)...

[Sr. Gopher]

The scenario: War rages in Europe and the Pacific in 1946. The Japanese develop the Ohka, putting untrained pilots in them. Scores are launched at a time against the US Fleet. No conventionally powered fighter (Remember, the Germans haven't given up yet) can match the speed to intercept them. A USAAF reject has the speed to serve, along with potential as a multi-role aircraft. The Republic XP-72 can reach a staggering 480-490mph, slinging around six .50 caliber machine guns or four 37mm cannons.

Any thoughts? Tailhooks and folding wings would be added, of course. I'll try and work on a drawing.

[Seasick]

Most of the Ohka that were launched landed in the ocean and took their pilot to the bottom. The XP-72 isn't remotely carrier capable. Besides in 1946 the USN will have the F8F "Bearcat" (the follow on to the F6F "Hellcat") and F4U in hugh numbers and the early version of AEW available, not to mention much better USN AAW tactics. The "Betty" bombers who are the launching platforms for Ohka are in short supply by early 1945 and have to approach way to close for comfort to launch attacks.

[Timmy C]

It is conceivable that some, if not all, of Seasick's premises are thrown out the window due to the fact that something must've changed in this alternate timeline to cause the war to still be fought in 1946 - these changes could be various things, ranging from a late US adoption of F4Fs/F6Fs/F4Us, a higher production capability of Bettys, or an earlier adoption of Okhas.

[Seasick]

Well another thing is that the McDonnell PH "Phantom" fighter entered production in 1946. If the war was still going it would have been a little earlier. I'm sure squadrons would be forming up or transitioning in 1946 in a hurry. The IJN would never see it hit them.

[James Hood]

The North American FJ-1 Fury jet was not far behind, production-wise, and the much superior Grumman Panther was coming.

In this opinion, the XP-72 was fast only in a straight line and some of its speed would have been sapped by refitting for naval use. In addition, that 472 or so mph was the aerodynamic "wall" many designs seemed to hit; the practical speed limit of prop-driven reciprocating engined aircraft. (Bearcat, Super-Corsair, P-51H Mustang, P-82 Twin Mustang, Spiteful, Sea Hornet, Tempest II....)

[Sr. Gopher]

The Germans haven't given up yet. Technology for carrier jets is still in its infancy for the Allies. They rely on a conventionally powered aircraft to intercept as best as possible. The P-72 does seem like an unlikely candidate...but the P-51H isn't. Here is a source:
http://www.mustang.gaetanmarie.com/arti ... /naval.htm
If the Navy had pursued the development of the P-51H (not the -D variant), the speed would be around 470 mph. I understand its limited usefulness as a full-time Navy fighter, but as a part-time interceptor from say, the Midways, it would be invaluable against kamikazes.

[JWintjes]

Why do you need a navalized P-51 if you have what's arguably one of the best prop-driven naval aircraft around, ie the Bearcat?

Jorit

[Doug]

Unlikely that war would continued into 46 as both Germany and Japan would have been nuked in 45.