Tan No. 2 called for 24 Yokosuka P1Y Ginga bombers, five H8K flying-boat pathfinders, and three submarines for logistics and rescue. C6N reconnaissance and the H8Ks' planned weather and navigation work supported the strike, though it remains uncertain whether the H8Ks ever joined the group. Avoiding storms lengthened the route and burned fuel that also contributed to a kamikaze aircraft's destructive effect. Against an anchorage expected to hold 15 to 19 carriers plus many other ships, the attackers had little margin in numbers, range, or support.
Chapter · 25:00-29:02
The Tan No. 2 strike package and fuel problem
A small force of 24 P1Y bombers depended on pathfinders, submarines, and a fuel-intensive route to reach Ulithi.