HISTORY:
MITSUBISHI J2M RAIDEN (LIGHTING) “JACK”
Although it was designed in October 1938, almost five years passed before the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Lightning) was used in combat. In fact, the preparation of this interceptor took an extremely long time, due above all to numerous technical problems connected with the functioning of the engines, which were never entirely resolved. Only 476, including the various prototypes, came off the assembly lines and most of these were used to defend Japan during the last months of the war.
The Imperial Navy had issued a request for a land-based interceptor some months after the program for the Mitsubishi A6M Reisen (the famous Zero) had been launched, and this coincidental timing was the primary cause for the delays. In fact, since al of Mitsubishi’s technical staff was occupied with the development of the new fighter, eleven months were to pass before the exact specifications ere defined. The requests included a maximum speed of 372 mph (600 km/h) at 19,736 ft (6,000 m), the ability to climb to the same altitude in less than five and a half minutes, and the ability to operate at combat speed for 45 minutes. These characteristics, which for the first time called for qualities of horizontal speed and ascent (in an interceptor), rather than those concerning range and maneuverability, indicated a change in mentality in the general staff of the navy, as well as great fore sight.
However, this foresight was not compensated by practical results. The first of three prototypes took to the air on March 20, 1942, and a whole series of problems immediately emerged. A further eight months were necessary to solve them. The initial problems concerned the retracting mechanism of the main landing gear as well as that, which regulated the pitch of the propeller. Later on, problems occurred with the engine, a large 1,430 hp Kasei 13 radial, which drove the propeller by means of a transmission shaft. A decision to pull back the propeller consequently improved the aerodynamics of the aircraft. In addition, the Imperial Navy’s pilots complained of highly limited visibility through the windscreen.
It was thus necessary to carry out many modifications and as a result, even the original engine was replaced by the more powerful Kasei 23, which generated 1,800 hp at takeoff. However, this change was the cause of fresh problems. The engine, that possessed a water and gas injection system to increase its power in the case of an emergency, was the first of its kind to be developed by the Japanese aeronautical industry, and it proved to be the source of complex tuning problems. In addition, dangerous vibrations within the engine at certain speeds also had to be eliminated.
The fighter went into production in December 1942, with the designation J2M2, but after only a few months the assembly lines came to a halt. Soon after, the cause of two inexplicable accidents was discovered: the mistaken position of the tail wheel’s retracting mechanism which, set in motion immediately after takeoff, blocked the controls in a diving position. It was not until December 1943, that the Raiden was ready and by that time, a new version (J2M3) with heavier armament was already prepared. Production completed 155 J2M2s and 281 J2M3s, plus 34 J2M5s, fitted with a Kasei 26 engine generating 1,820 hp at takeoff. However, the fighter retained its initial faults, even in the new versions. Nevertheless, the Raiden remained active right up till the end of the conflict, and scored several successes in the struggle against the enemy bombers.
Stats:
Aircraft: Mitsubishi J2M3
Nation: Japan
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Jukogyo KK
Type: Fighter
Year: 1943
Engine: Mitsubishi MK4R-A Kasei 23, 14-cylinder radial, air-cooled, 1,820 hp
Wingspan: 35 ft 7 in
Length: 32 ft 11 in
Weight: 7,560 lb
Maximum Speed: 369-405 mph (depend where u look) at 19,407 ft
Ceiling: 38,486 ft
Range: 1,179 miles
Armament: 4 x 20 mm cannons
Foot Note:
Many People are not aware of the power and speed of the J2M3 had. The problem laid in the lack of pilots that could fly this mighty bird to best performance. Many Japanese Pilots did not know how to fly an “E” Fighter. They were use to out turning there foe. When the idea of a fighter that could not turn as well as the zero came up many pilots we reluctance to fly it, but there were the few that did. Those that master this craft found them selves out turning aircraft like the P-51 and being able to almost hang with it at high alt.
I strongly believe this aircraft if model right can turn the table around in ACES HIGH scenarios based on “JAP” VS “USA”. 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 "Hanger Queens". I hope the ACES HIGH crew would take this bird into consideration for the NEXT Japanese Fighter. Thank you all for your time. (S)
Reference: Complete Book of World II Combat Aircraft (1933-1945)
Illustrations by Pierluigi Pinto
Copy Right 1988
