| Plane type & model |
Monoplane fighter (J2M3) |
The origins of the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden take place in a specify emitted in 1938 by the Japanese Navy about an interceptor monopost fighter. The three prototypes J2M1 developed had since the beginning problems with the landing gear and with the engine, apart a small visibility in the take off and in the landing. After some attempts to give the plane an engine with adequate power, the plane (nicknamed Raiden ) was put in production on October 1942, but the entry in active service was only in December 1943, with the model J2M3. Generally less performing than the Kawanishi N1K2, the J2M Raiden was put out of the first sight in favor of the other fighter. From 1944, apart an employement in the Marianne isles campaign, it gave service for the defense of its homeland against the American bombers. (The Allies nicknamed it Jack ) |
