The Yokosuka D4Y Suisei (彗星, Suisei, "Comet"; Allied reporting name "Judy") is a two-seat carrier-based dive bomber developed by the Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal and operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. Development of the aircraft began in 1938.

The Yokosuka D4Y Suisei was a dive bomber with an inline engine and far greater performances, but only ready by mid-1942.

May 19, 2019 · Two were aboard the carrier Soryu when it was sunk at the Battle of Midway. In July 1942 the D4Y1-C entered production as the Navy Type 2 Carrier Reconnaissance Plane Model 11. Development of the type proceeded and improvements included reinforcement of the wing spars, and improved dive brakes.

Soryu, according to FAW 69, were the third and fourth prototypes. No configuration of Judy had been accepted yet, and no production D4Y1-C had been built yet. The clearest designation for the Soryu planes would be "13 Shi".

Feb 20, 2019 · Two of the five D4Y prototypes were converted into D4Y1-C reconnaissance models and assigned to the carrier Soryu just before she departed for the Battle of Midway. These flew a few sorties before the carrier was sunk and both aircraft were lost.

Some pre-production models did go into active service in 1942 but were employed as high-speed reconnaissance craft and were lost with the sinking of the Soryu at Midway in June of 1942. Late models of the D4Y were introduced with radial engines which proved more reliable.

The Yokosuka D4Y 'Suisei' (Eng: Comet) Navy Carrier Dive bomber was operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Its Allied reporting name was 'Judy'.

Description: Single-engined carrier-based dive-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, and land-based night fighter (D4Y2-S). All-metal construction with fabric-covered control surfaces. Accommodation: Crew of two in tandem enclosed cockpit (all versions except D4Y4) or pilot in enclosed cockpit (D4Y4).

The Yokosuka D4Y Suisei (Comet) 'Judy' was designed as a dive bomber, but entered service as a reconnaissance aircraft. It eventually served in that role, and as a bomber and suicide attack aircraft.

Apr 9, 2024 · The Yokosuka D4Y Suisei was a fast, carrier-based dive-bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. When it was first spotted in the Pacific, the Allies gave it the code name: 'Judy'.