Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden (lighting) “Jack”

[HoHun]

Hi Page,

>Thank you for your input, but there are many storys on the J2M3 vs the N1K2.

The official story is that the J2M was inferior in performance, handling and range to the N1K so that the latter was chosen by the Navy as standard aircraft, while the former was abandoned.

I love alternate history and the forgotten underdogs, so what's the secret story of the J2M? I might become a fan, too :-)

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)

[-=Silo=-]

Hi Ho Hun. he way I understand it, old J2M was otw to the scrap heap in favor of the N1K1/2J. However as I understand it... once the B-29 started showing up over Japan... things changed. Raiden was given a second look and a new lease on life because I could climb like the devil.

According to Francillion (who isnt always correct, but good enough for an overview)

N1K2-J:
Max Speed - 369 mph @ 18,375 ft
Time to 6000m - 7m-22sec (7m-50sec for N1K1-J)
Wingloading N1K1J -  34 lb sq ft
Wingloading N1K2J -  34.9 lb sq ft
Powerloading (both) - 4.4 lb/hp

J2M3:
Max Speed - 365 mph @ 17,390 ft (J2M2 371mph @ 17,880 ft)
Time to 6000m - 6m-14sec (J2M2 5m-38sec)
Wingloading J2M2 -  32 lb sq ft
Wingloading J2M3 -  35.1 lb sq ft
Powerloading J2M2 - 3.9 lb/hp
Powerloading J2M3 - 4.2 lb/hp

The N1K1/2J also had about 50% MORE range than the Raiden. Not big news in a game, but critical for real pilots in a real war.


So, it seems like the are both rather similar, with the J2M3 being more of a sprinter or Hotrod. Yes two cannons on the raiden were Type 99 1 (worse than MG/FF in raw data), but hell, it fired the same shell as the Type 99 2.

The Raiden would be an awesome in game point defense intercpter compared to the N1K. Basically, its a trade of, Climb vs Range.

[Karnak]

The Raiden is a much better looking aircraft as well.  N1K2 I've always though was the ugly duckling of Japanese fighters.

Here is a paraphrase from one book:

"After VJ-day the Allies spoke in glowing terms of its performance and handling."

It might be that the J2M was a Japanese fighter that didn't lockup at higher speeds like the N1K2, A6M and Ki-61.

[Page]

(S) To all, thxs for the input guys, and Karnak thxs for backing me up bud. I would love to see this mighty bird take to the skys someday soon in Aces High. (S)

[Pongo]

Do we know how it rolls?

[Page]

(S) As far as I know it was a good roller, due to its short wings and big ailerons. But I am not sure....

[kreighund]

From Air Enthusiast/July1971.....
A pilot of the TAIC who had flown the Me109,Fw190,Ki43,Ki84,Ki45and A6M said after 3 hours and twenty minutes in the Raiden that "this was the best fighter of the Japanese he had flown!"

Handling and control good at all speeds from stall to 325mph but the ailerons are heavy at normal cruise speeds and become exceptionally so above 325mph....roll not as good as P-51

good points
1. good stalling
2. good stability
3. comfort
4. good take-off and landing qualities
5. good performance
6. manoeuvere flaps

bad points
1. brakes and rudder action
2. heavy ailerons and lack of manuverability at high speeds
3. low reliability
4. short range.

I still would prefer the Ki-44IIb which has better roll than any Japanese fighter.....

[Mitsu]

J2M is the best buff Killer in Japan!

-Mitsu

[kreighund]

Can anyone post the Jack 11 Report 105a-1?

[Mitsu]

http://www.skynet-1.com/aircraft/raiden.html

found great 3 view of J2M3. :rolleyes

-Mitsu

[illo]

Seems like nice E-fighter.

[KXSwa]

Sounds like it'd be a good plane to add for the JAP side of hanger selection.

[AmRaaM]

Guess you guys missed the part about heavy controls....that in itself makes for a lousy E fighter.

Japan wanted a "get the hell up there and shoot something" fast plane not a E fighter to kill b29s. Thus this plane got second life by being able to climb so damn fast.

[illo]

You can E-fight without using highspeed attacks. Good climb weights much more. I think this could be very good fighter if flown right. Not only an interceptor.

[humble]

The only bird that is worth flying at med alt at this point is the N1K2; everything Japanese  in the Main Arena is not worth flying against the popular American and British aircraft. They just plain and simply are out classed


Actually the tony is a quite cabable plane. Personally I don't have any problem taking on all comers with one. Will I "win" em all....hardly...but i'm usually losing to the other pilot not the plane.

The only thing uber in here might be the guy holding the other joystick.