I'm interested how the J2m variants (J2M3 or even the J2M5) might compare to other large radial aircraft in the MA if we ever get it.....let's take a look at a few specifications to compare
Power to weight ratio: (dry weight/max HP) P47D - 3.9lbs per HP
J2M3 - 3.4lbs per HP
La7 - 3.1lbs per HP
All other things being equal, the J2M should be able to accelerate quite nicely, not quite as well as the La7, but should be better than the JUG
Wing Loading (empty weight/sq ft)P47D - 33.3lbs/sqft
J2M3 - 28.97lbs/sqft
La7 - 30.86lbs/sqft
the J2M seems to get the nod here, a lower wing loading would lend itself to better handling and turn capability
Climb PerformanceP47D - 3,120 ft/min
J2M3 - 3,838 ft/min
La7 - 3,608 ft/min
Well, now this is interesting, the J2M bests the la7 in climb, no real surprise there since the wingloading is lower with a very close power to weight ratio
Was is a bad plane? was it a good plane? here's some subjective information.......
In February of 1945, an American technical intelligence team discovered a single Raiden abandoned among the trees alongside the Dewey Boulevard on the outskirts of Manila. It was disassembled and transferred to Clark Field, where it was repaired by the Technical Air Intelligence Command (TAIC) and test flown. A senior test pilot attached to TAIC rated the Raiden as being the best Japanese fighter he had flown, offering a good performance, good stability, good stalling characteristics, and good takeoff and landing qualities. It had a steep climbing angle and a rapid climb rate. Handling and control were good, but the ailerons became rather heavy at speeds above 325 mph. Stalling characteristics were exceptional. Even though there was relatively little stall warning, the recovery from the stall was extremely rapid, with very little altitude being lost. There was no tendency to spin, the aircraft being exceptionally stable. The maneuvering flaps were rated as being very effective. On the negative side, the brakes and rudder brake action were poor, the ailerons were heavy which made the maneuverability fall off at high speeds, the mechanical reliability was poor, and the range was short.
