The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was a single-seat fighter used by Japan during World War II. It was developed and produced by Mitsubishi for the Japanese Imperial Navy. The first flight of the prototype J2M1 took place in March 1942 and entered service with the 381st Kokutai Wing in 1943 as the J2M2. In late 1943, this version was followed by the Mitsubishi J2M3, which was powered by a Mitsubishi Kasei 23a radial piston engine, delivering 1800 hp. The final production variant, the J2M5 (34 built), was powered by a 1357-kW (1,820-hp) Mitsubishi Kasei 26a radial. In all, 476 J2M fighter aircraft were built. The Raiden was strongly armed with four 20mm guns mounted in the wings. Conceived as a fast-climbing interceptor, the J2M Raiden suffered from reliability problems but scored well against the American bombers as it battled on until the end of the war in the defense of the Japanese home islands.
Specifications
Type: fighter aircraft
Country of origin: Japan
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi
Power plant: one 1800hp Mitsubishi Kasei 23a radial piston engine
Maximum speed: 588 km/h (365 mph) at 5300 m
Range: 925 km (575 miles)
Service ceiling: 11700 m (38,386 ft)
Weapons: four 20mm Type 99 cannons; some fighters were also fitted with two upward-firing 20mm Type 99 cannons
Wing span: 10.80 m (35 ft 5.2 in)
Wing area: 20.05 m2 (215.82 sq ft)
Length: 9.95 m (32 ft 7.7 in)
Crew: 1
