Parts believed to be the windshield of the former Japanese military's ``phantom attack aircraft'' have been found in Gunma

The former Japanese army's attack aircraft called Renzan, which was developed in Gunma Prefecture towards the end of the Pacific War, was only made into four prototypes due to the deteriorating war situation, and is also referred to as a ``phantom attack aircraft.''

Parts that appear to be the windshield that covers the cockpit of this Renzan were found in Gunma Prefecture, and experts point out that they are extremely valuable materials.

``Renzan'' was developed at a manufacturing factory in Gunma Prefecture from around 1945 to 1945 during the Pacific War at the behest of the former Japanese Navy, but due to the worsening war situation and lack of materials, it was never actually manufactured. Only four prototypes were built, and they are also referred to as the ``phantom attack aircraft'' and ``phantom wings.''

NHK received information from a relative of a man who worked at this manufacturing factory that he had a piece of glass that appeared to be a windshield, and based on the wishes of the relative, Yasuzo Nakamura, an expert on pre-war aircraft bodies, I analyzed it.

There were a total of 38 pieces of glass in storage, and the largest one was about 65 centimeters wide and 40 centimeters long.

Mr. Nakamura, with the help of a company, 3D-scanned and visualized this glass, and when he compared it with the remaining drawings and videos, as well as photographs taken by the American military, the size matched. It is extremely likely that it was the windshield glass of the mountain range.''

Mr. Nakamura said, ``This may be the first time in Japan that parts believed to be from the mountain range have been found,'' and added, ``The discovery of parts that can truly be called ``phantom'' is very significant. "This is an extremely valuable document that helps us understand the development process and manufacturing technology."

Some of the glass will be donated to the Gunma Prefectural Museum of History and other places in the future, according to the wishes of the relatives who kept it.

According to expert analysis

Taizo Nakamura (55), who analyzed the parts believed to be windshields from the mountain range, is a former Ground Self-Defense Force officer who has been working with museums around the country on restoration work and research on prewar aircraft for over 20 years.

As a result of this analysis, there were a total of 7 types of 38 pieces of glass that were stored, 20 pieces of 3 types covering the ``bomb seat'' at the very front of the aircraft, and 20 pieces of glass from 3 types covering the ``cockpit'' at the top of the aircraft. It was concluded that there were 15 sheets of 3 types covering the aircraft, and 3 sheets of 1 type covering the side of the aircraft.

Also, since there is no paint or other substances attached to the "frame" on the glass, it appears that it was made before it was installed on the aircraft.

According to Mr. Nakamura, the "Renzan" aircraft does not exist, and so far, no parts have been found in Japan.

Nakamura said, ``It has great value both as a modernization heritage and as an aviation heritage,'' adding, ``It is an extremely valuable document at a time when Japan's memories of the war are being forgotten nearly 80 years after the war.'' I'm talking to you.

In addition, the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, which was contacted by Mr. Nakamura, will proceed with investigations and research, including analyzing the elements of the glass and comparing it with other fighter planes of the former Japanese military.

What is the “Phantom Attack Plane” and “Phantom Wings” mountain range?

The mountain range is also known as the ``phantom attack aircraft'' and ``phantom wings.''

The footage remains.

The person who was filming this video was a man who worked at a manufacturing factory in Gunma Prefecture.

The black-and-white video, which is nearly six and a half minutes long, begins with the words, ``The complete story of the Navy heavy bomber Renzan, which was said to have wings of illusion.''

Next, you can see the words "Mountain Range Air Advance Ceremony" and the photo was taken at Koizumi Airfield on December 25, 1945.

At the ceremony, after a ritual was performed in front of the aircraft, the aircraft was clearly recorded as it took off, flew over the sky, and landed in the presence of many people, including those believed to be members of the former Japanese military. I did.

In addition, a former engineer contributed to a specialized magazine that featured the mountain range 47 years ago, stating, ``The mountain range was the fruit of the sweat of many people, including engineers, both in the public and private sectors. ” and “The war ended as a phantom machine,” which shows that the former Japanese Navy was putting effort into developing the mountain range even as the war situation worsened.

In addition, the company that developed the mountain range was ``Nakajima Aircraft'', and according to ``Japan Aviation History'' published by the Japan Aeronautical Association, it produced approximately 30% of the aircraft for the former Japanese army and navy produced during the Pacific War. That means he was doing it.