What tactics did the Japanese kamikazes use against allied warships?

Kamikaze attacks were a Japanese suicide bombing tactic designed to destroy enemy warships during World War II. Pilots would crash their specially made planes directly into Allied ships.

How did kamikaze pilots survive?

Unlikely as it may seem, a number of Japanese kamikaze pilots did survive the war. All had been instructed to return to base if their planes developed a fault on the way to their targets. Meanwhile, the war in the Pacific ended.

What tactic did Japanese pilots use against US ships?

Japanese pilots used the tactic of Kamikaze (suicidal) dive-bombing attacks on enemy warships in 1944 and 1945. The “USS Nevada,” despite an escort and efforts to fight off a Kamikaze attack, sustained such a hit in early 1945 off the coast of Japan.

What percentage of kamikaze attacks were successful?

Pilots would attempt to crash their aircraft into enemy ships in what was called a “body attack” (tai-atari) in aircraft loaded with bombs, torpedoes or other explosives. About 19\% of kamikaze attacks were successful.

Were twin-engine planes ever used in kamikaze attacks?

Twin-engine aircraft were occasionally used in planned kamikaze attacks. For example, Mitsubishi Ki-67 Hiryū (“Peggy”) medium bombers, based on Formosa, undertook kamikaze attacks on Allied forces off Okinawa, while a pair of Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu (“Nick”) heavy fighters caused enough damage for USS Dickerson to be scuttled.

How many people were killed by kamikaze pilots in WWII?

About 3,800 kamikaze pilots died during the war, and more than 7,000 naval personnel were killed by kamikaze attacks. [2] Kamikaze aircraft were essentially pilot-guided explosive missiles , purpose-built or converted from conventional aircraft.

How long did it take to become a kamikaze pilot?

In mid-1944, Japanese carrier air crews possessed just two to six months of training. This declined through end of the war, when Japanese aviators averaged only 100 hours of flight experience. Kamikaze pilots were given just 30 to 50 hours of flight training. [ 10]