Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Jack) Interceptor (1942)
The Mitsubishi J2M series Raiden became Japan's first dedicated interceptor of the war in 1942.
Design of the J2M was traditional, with the cockpit seated in the middle of the stubby fuselage, a single vertical fin at rear and the powerplant up hled up front. Wings were rounded monoplanes and low-mounted just forward and under the cockpit seating area, which had accommodations for a single pilot. The engine was of a Mitsubishi design, an MK4R-A Kasei 23a 14-cylinder 2-row radial piston engine, developing 1,800 horsepower.
As an interceptor, the J2M design centered around a powerful armament array. This consisted of 4 x 20mm Type 99-2 cannons in the wings. Fuel drop tanks could added for increased range at the expense of weight and performance. By all accounts, the Raiden offered up poor visibility for the pilot but made up for it in performance, firepower and rate of climb - factors vital in the success of any interceptor of the time. Production of the Raiden totaled some 621 aircraft and covered six variants from J2M1 through J2M6.
Initially, the service models of the J2M were plagued by engine issues that limited the reach of the aircraft, delaying outright production by up to a year or more. Some J2M's fought on in the Battle of Philippine Sea but were mostly relegated to homeland defense as the war progressed. Their use became increasingly light as the Americans would adapt to nighttime bombing raids, effectively rendering further development of the J2M's a moot point. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Jack)
Interceptor
Country of Origin: Imperial Japan
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi - Japan
Initial Year of Service: 1942
Production: 621
Focus Model: Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden (Jack)
Crew: 1
Length: 32.64ft (9.95m)
Width: 35.50ft (10.82m)
Height: 12.96ft (3.95m)
Weight (Empty): 5,423lbs (2,460kg)
Weight (MTOW): 8,697lbs (3,945kg)
Powerplant: 1 x Mitsubishi MK4R-A Kasei 23a 14-cylinder 2-row radial piston engine developing 1,820hp.
Maximum Speed: 370mph (595kmh; 321kts)
Maximum Range: 656miles (1,055km)
Service Ceiling: 38,386ft (11,700m; 7.3miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 3,838 feet per minute (1,170m/min)
Hardpoints: 2
Armament Suite:
4 x 20mm Type 99-2 cannons in wings
OPTIONAL:
2 x 132lb (60kg) bombs OR drop tanks
Variants:
J2M1 - Prototype Model Designation; fitted with Mitsubishi MK4C Kasei 13 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine of 1,400 horsepower; 2 x 7.7mm Type 97 machine guns in fuselage and 2 x 20mm Type 99 Model II cannons in wings.
J2M1 Model 11 - Similar to J2M1; fitted with Mitsubishi MK4R-A Kasei 23a 14-cylinder radial piston engine of 1,820 horsepower.
J2M3 Model 21 - Fitted with Mitsubishi MK4R-A Kasei 23a engine; 2 x 20mm Type 99 Model II cannons in wings and 2 x 20mm Type 99 Model I cannons in wings.
J2M3a Model 21A - Fitted with Mitsubishi MK4R-A Kasei 23a engine; 4 x 20mm Type 99 Model II cannons in wings.
J2M4 Model 32 - Prototype Model; fitted with Mitsubishi MK4R-C Kasei 23c engine of 1,820 horsepower; 2 x 20mm Type 99 Model I cannons at oblique angle in fuselage and 2 x 20mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons in wings.
J2M5 Model 33 - Fitted with turbocharged Mitsubishi MK4U-A Kasei26a series engine of 1,820 horsepower; short range; improved performance model; 2 x 20mm Type 99 cannons in fuselage and 2 x Type 99 Model II cannons in wings.
J2M5a Model 33a - 4 x 20mm Type 99 Model II cannons in wings.
J2M6 Model 31 - Based on the J2M3 model; redesigned cockpit and canopy.
J2M6a Model 31A - Based on the J2M3a model; redesigned cockpit and canopy; single example produced.
J2M7 Model 23A - Proposed Model based on the J2M3; fitted with Kasei 26a series engine.
J2M7a Model 23A - Proposed Model based on the J2M3a; fitted with Kasei 26a series engine.
Operators: Imperial Japan and Indonesia.
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