07.01.2009, 09:45
yest but the pilots followed the order, especially the home defence pilots.
in the beginning the Japanese refused to carry a chute or even a radio, because they did not need it and wanted to get rid of the weight (no armour either).
but on later stages, especially when fighting over own territory they had to carry a chute. i read it also in Saburo Sakais boook for the first time. There was an order for the pilots to carry it, although he said he didn't like it.
at some point Japan felt the loss of pilots and realized it had to have a better pilot saving program. too late obviously and I assume some fighting over this issue may have happened in high command....
but as a matter of fact, especially home defence pilots did carry a chute. Not the jumping itself was disgracing but doing so over enemy territory and become prisoner.
in the beginning the Japanese refused to carry a chute or even a radio, because they did not need it and wanted to get rid of the weight (no armour either).
but on later stages, especially when fighting over own territory they had to carry a chute. i read it also in Saburo Sakais boook for the first time. There was an order for the pilots to carry it, although he said he didn't like it.
at some point Japan felt the loss of pilots and realized it had to have a better pilot saving program. too late obviously and I assume some fighting over this issue may have happened in high command....
but as a matter of fact, especially home defence pilots did carry a chute. Not the jumping itself was disgracing but doing so over enemy territory and become prisoner.