The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was designed in answer to an Imperial Japanese Navy requirement for a high-speed, high rate of climb, land-based interceptor-fighter. Thus, after more than a year of hard work, the first prototype, J2M1, made its maiden flight on May 20, 1942. A total of 8 prototypes were built for test flights. The first production J2M2, Model 11, aircraft were rolled out of the factory in October 1942, entering service in 1943. By 1945, a total of 476 Raidens had been built.
The Mitsubishi J2M was not as maneuverable as other Japanese fighters, such as the Mitsubishi A6M Zeke, or the Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa. However, it was a fast-climbing monoplane, armed with four 20-mm cannons. Thus, it scored well against American bombers, which, by 1944, were already flying in the skies over Japan. The first successful combat sortie took place on October 31, 1944, when two J2M3, Model 21, interceptors shot down a US Army Air Forces' B-25 Mitchell bomber over the Philippines, during the Allied invasion of these islands.
Technical Characteristics
The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was single-seat, single-engine monoplane of all-metal construction. It featured a low wing, with symmetrical airfoil and slotted flaps. The J2M3 version was powered by a Mitsubishi Kasei 23, radial piston engine, which delivered 1,800 HP. It was fitted with water/methanol injection. The engine cowling was slim, with the oil cooler air intake located under the nose. The retractable landing gear folded up inwardly into the wings.
Specifications
Type: naval, interceptor-fighter
Length: 9.70 m (32 feet, 6 23 inches)
Wing Span: 10.80 m (35 feet, 5 inches)
Wing Area: 20.05 m2 (215.82 square feet)
Height: 3.95 m (12 feet, 11 inches)
Powerplant: Mitsubishi Kasei 23, radial engine.
Maximum Speed: 588 km/h (365 mph)
Rate of Climb: climbed to 6,000 m (32,800 feet) in 19 minutes.
Range: 1,055 km (655.54 miles)
Armament: four wing-mounted 20-mm Type 99 cannons.
Below, the Mitsubishi J2M3, Model 21, version in early 1944.
The J2M1 prototype in 1942.
The Raiden after war in late 1945.
