Mitsubishi J2M Raiden "Jack"
Mitsubishi Aircraft Company · Japan · first flew 1942 · fighter
The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Allied code name Jack) was a land-based interceptor designed specifically to destroy high-altitude bombers threatening the Japanese home islands, prioritising climb rate and firepower over manoeuvrability.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Mid-mounted straight-tapered wings set far back on a deep oval fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unusually large spinner and tight-fitting engine cowling giving a tapered nose profile
- Mid-mounted straight-tapered wings set far back on a deep oval fuselage
- Four 20 mm cannon visible in the wings and a distinctive round fuselage cross-section
Compact, deep-fuselaged interceptor with a large propeller spinner, broad chord tapered wings placed unusually far aft, and a visually tight-fitting cowling that blends smoothly into the fuselage.
Specifications
- The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden Jack has a length of 9.695 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.8 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 596 km/h (370 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in 1939 as Japan's first dedicated interceptor; the prototype flew in March 1942 but persistent engine cooling problems and handling deficiencies delayed production. The J2M3 with four 20 mm cannon entered service in late 1943 and proved effective against B-29s when it could reach altitude in time. The type was used heavily in the defence of Truk and later the Japanese home islands.
Variants
The J2M1 and J2M2 were developmental; the J2M3 Raiden Model 21 with four Type 99 cannon was the main combat version; the J2M5 Model 33 with a turbo-supercharger improved high-altitude performance further.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the IJNAS primarily in the home-island defence role from 1943 to 1945; a small number of examples are preserved, including one at the Planes of Fame Air Museum in California.
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