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In early 1945, Japan's geography were able to predict the Allied invasion
plans accurately and thus planned an all-out defensive plan of home
islands accordingly. The Imperial Japanese Navy issued requirement for a
rocket-powered anti-tank suicide glider to Naval Air Arsenal. The glider
was designed to be launched from coastal air bases and caves, and fly
towards the Allies LCA or M4 Sherman tank that it intended to destroy.
Mizuno was selected for the glider design and development. The first
prototype, Jinryu (Lord Dragon) completed in May 1945. It was constructed
almost entirely of wood, powered by three rocket motors. 100kg-explosive
was filled inside the front portion of fuselage. The first flight was made
in July.
Although the prototype was found to be unstable, it was accepted for
starting production. The fifth prototype was under construction when the
war ended in August 1945. All the documents of the Jinryu were lost after
the war. Some declaration of the glider were revealed dubiously. It became
one of the most mysterious aircrafts until a few photographs of the
prototype were displayed for the first time by a survived pilot trainee in
2000.
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