Difference between revisions of "J2M3"

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(→‎Description: Updated J2M3 page to reflect years of FM changes and the game's current state. The guns USED to be good, but they aren't anymore, and haven't been in years.)
(→‎Description)
 
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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=j2m3
 
|code=j2m3
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]].
 
−
 
 
[[File:CockpitImage_J2M3.jpg|thumbnail|right|Engine information on the left. Orientation in the centre. Flight info on the right. Easy!<br />The J2M3 continues the good cockpit visibility featured on all Japanese fighters.]]
 
[[File:CockpitImage_J2M3.jpg|thumbnail|right|Engine information on the left. Orientation in the centre. Flight info on the right. Easy!<br />The J2M3 continues the good cockpit visibility featured on all Japanese fighters.]]
 +
The '''J2M3 Model 21''', designated as '''Raiden Mod.21 ({{Annotation|雷電二一型|Lightning Bolt, Model 21}})''', was an uparmed variant of the previous [[J2M2]] by replacing the nose-mounted machine guns with two Type 99 Model 1 20 mm cannons in the wings. It also used belt feeds instead of drum magazines for both Model 1 and Model 2 cannons resulting in greater ammunition capacity. The J2M3 was the most widely produced variant of the Raiden series.
  
−
Unlike its other Naval brethren in the Japanese tech tree, the Raiden possesses a top speed rivalling that of the [[P-51D-5|P-51 D-5 Mustang]]. Although a stubby and small aircraft, the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden can be considered one of the best Japanese fighters in War Thunder. The main advantage the Raiden has over some of its Allied counterparts is its climb rate. In realistic battles, the J2M3 can climb to altitude very fast, especially when given an air start. Once at a high altitude, the Raiden pilot can pick and choose targets, dictating where and when they want to fight. Problem is, the guns, while ''appearing'' good on paper with ~17g TNT equivalent (TNTe) per bullet, ''their rate of fire is atrocious compared to other nations' 20mm cannons, while their muzzle velocity is also subpar compared with those of most other nations.'' This renders the plane ''extremely'' frustrating to use when taking into account the fact that it has ''extreme'' control stiffening above 550kph IAS. Recommended belt is Stealth, because it has only the HEF rounds with that high TNTe and none of the HEF-I or HEF-T rounds with ''half'' that yield or less. But even that will be subpar, because the plane has two different models of Type 99 cannons with vastly different muzzle velocities (588m/s on the outer pair and 750m/s on the inner one), rendering your guns a very unfocused ''mess'' to aim.  
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]]. Unlike its previous model, this Raiden wields four 20 mm cannons, specifically two Model 1s and two Model 2s with more ammo, which means an even more deadly strafe that reduces the need to make a second pass. While maintaining the same engine, it results in the same great climber, but at a higher battle rating facing potentially more dangerous targets which may be able to keep up with the Raiden.
  
−
The Raiden aircraft's main downside is its lack of manoeuvrability at higher speeds. Similar to its German counterpart, the Fw 190 A-8, the Raiden struggles to beat enemies in turn fights, especially Spitfires although one shouldn't turn with a Spitfire in general. If caught in a sticky situation, the Raiden pilot may choose to dive away or seek help from teammates. Trying to fight an enemy Spitfire in a turn battle with the J2M is a terrible idea unless the enemy aircraft is damaged or many teammates are nearby. Moreover, the J2M's high-speed manoeuvrability is poor, making the entire aircraft lock up. It can be very difficult to pull out of a dive, roll, or turn when at high speeds with the J2M. The Raiden's manoeuvrability is more or less on par with its enemies in simulator battles, for the most part.
+
;Nicknames:
−
 
+
* [[Abbreviations#.28IJN.29_Official_name_designation|Official Designation]]: ''雷電 (Raiden, "Lightning Bolt")''
−
The main strength of the J2M3 is its very high Power-to-Weight Ratio - it can vertically play with most opponents with ease, while still being able to horizontally outmaneuver a lot of opponents with the flaps deployed. It is similar to but worse in most respects except rip speed than the [[Yak-3U]]. The plane can even give Bf-109K-4s a run for their money in the vertical.
+
* Allied reporting name: Jack
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
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Unlocking the Radiator should be the first concern, as the plane has an annoying overheating problem, where much like the [[F8F-1B]] or [[Ki-83]], the engine will gradually overheat and destroy itself even at 100% throttle, though not quite as quickly as those two, on Automatic Engine Controls. Of next priority are the guns, because they're such a mess that you need the element of surprise that the lack of tracers from Stealth belts gives you in order to secure kills. Get every performance module on the way down as you unlock the gun upgrades. Ordinance, while handy in Combined Ground, is of least concern due to the plane's not-so-nice high speed diving characteristics making aiming the Type 5 No.6 Mod.9 useful rockets at player tanks difficult at best.
+
Unlocking all performance modules should be a Raiden pilot's first concern, as the default belts for all weapons are workable. After that, go for the weapon belts, as these make more targets possible (ground units).
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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Featuring two 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons and two 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons with plenty of ammunition, the J2M3 is rather annoying to work with. The two gun pairs have wildly different muzzle velocities, and as a result are quite unfocused in their fire. The individual bullets are fairly strong, with nearly 17g TNT equivalent, but suffer ''horrifically low rate of fire'' (510 rounds per minute [rpm] on Model 1 and 490 rpm on Model 2) compared with the 600-800 rpm of most of its opponents.
+
Featuring two 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons and two 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons with plenty of ammunition, the J2M3 is capable of destroying all kinds of aircraft. Although destroying heavy bombers like the B-29 Superfortress takes a lot of ammunition, the J2M3 can afford to lose some. The "Stealth" belt has the best combination of AP/API and HEF to shred enemy aircraft and are recommended for those who do not need a tracer shell to aim. Alternatively, for those not used to IJN 20 mm cannons, the "Universal" belt is your best bet. The "Tracers" belt is filled with HEF-T shells, but they only contain half of the power of a standard HEF, and can give away your position.
  
−
For ground attack, the J2M3 has frankly awful ordinance. 60kg bombs are near-worthless, requiring pinpoint aim to take out even Air AI Artillery. The only relevant ordinance type for Combined Ground Battles are the Type 5 No.6 Mod.9 rockets (a Tier IV module unlock), which with 10kg explosive mass, will take out any player-controlled tank they directly hit thanks to overpressure. But the plane's diving characteristics are not the best, so it will be hard to aim those.
+
For ground attack, the J2M3 can equip two 60 kg bombs under the wings. While not the biggest, these bombs can help a team win a match, especially in arcade battles. The J2M3 can also wield armour piercing ground targets ammunition for its 20 mm cannons, although 21 mm of penetration is nothing to boast about and should be ignored unless targeting armoured personnel carriers (APC) or similar armoured cars.
  
−
Overall, the Raiden is best used as a surprise attack, high altitude fighter with an emphasis on vertically looping opponents to death, similar to the Bf-109 family. The guns aren't great, but with Stealth you can "walk" your fire onto your target and make them work decently enough.  
+
Overall, the Raiden is best used as a surprise attack, high altitude, high damage output fighter. While it does not excel in the speed or manoeuvrability categories, it makes up for that in armament and rate of climb.
  
−
The Raiden pilot will find him/herself frequently outclassed in speed by many opponents, but most of your opponents will be careless enough to try maneuvering with you, allowing you to catch them. The Raiden's BR is frankly at a legacy state from a different time in the game's history, and simply has not been played enough in recent years by enough of the game population to adjust its statistics and thus BR down to a reasonable level.  
+
The Raiden pilot may also find themselves outclassed by high altitude aircraft such as the [[P-51D-5|P-51D-5 Mustang]]. All these aircraft have to do to avoid the J2M is dive away and build up speed, but the J2M3 can generally outturn them with effective use of combat flaps and rudder. Fortunately, the J2M3 has a surprise - a massive ammunition pool totalling 800 rounds. That's 800 rounds of high explosive cannon ammunition that can be dispensed at will towards fleeing enemies. With good aim and practice, it is possible to "snipe" enemies from a kilometre away.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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* Quite excellent energy retention
 
* Quite excellent energy retention
 
* Great medium-speed manoeuvrability
 
* Great medium-speed manoeuvrability
−
* 12 mm armour plate behind the windscreen
 
 
* Reasonable roll rate at lower speeds
 
* Reasonable roll rate at lower speeds
 +
* Solid armament layout
 
* Excellent performance at high altitudes
 
* Excellent performance at high altitudes
  
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* Lack of armour around fuel tanks or engine
 
* Lack of armour around fuel tanks or engine
 
* Differing muzzle velocities between the two models of the Type 99 cannon on the J2M3 will require you to lead much further than normal as an order to utilize the full effectiveness of the J2M3's firepower
 
* Differing muzzle velocities between the two models of the Type 99 cannon on the J2M3 will require you to lead much further than normal as an order to utilize the full effectiveness of the J2M3's firepower
−
* Below-average rate of fire on both types of Type 99 cannon mean that while your guns hit fairly hard per bullet, you still take longer to secure a kill than all your opponents do.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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{{main|J2M (Family)|l1=History of the J2M}}
 
{{main|J2M (Family)|l1=History of the J2M}}
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
−
During the China Incident (Sino-Japanese war) the Navy had sustained some damage from Chinese bomber groups as they didn't have any dedicated interceptors at the time, for this reason the Navy put out multiple specifications for planes to deal with threats which the Chinese made clear to the Navy. For bombers specifically they specified for a strictly local-defense interceptor known as the ''{{Annotation|14-Shi|14th year of the Showa reign, 1939}} Interceptor''.
+
During the China Incident (Sino-Japanese war) the Navy had sustained some damage from Chinese bomber groups as they didn't have any dedicated interceptors at the time, for this reason the Navy put out multiple specifications for planes to deal with threats which the Chinese made clear to the Navy. For bombers specifically they specified for a strictly local-defense interceptor known as the {{Annotation|14-Shi|14th year of the Showa reign, 1939}} Interceptor.
  
 
The designer behind the [[A6M (Family)|A6M]], Jiro Horikoshi and his team started development on this specification. But due the harsh unrealistic specifications for mainly engine output required for the team to use a strong engine which wasn't available yet and with the oversized engine required for the task resulted in a sleek but stubby plane.
 
The designer behind the [[A6M (Family)|A6M]], Jiro Horikoshi and his team started development on this specification. But due the harsh unrealistic specifications for mainly engine output required for the team to use a strong engine which wasn't available yet and with the oversized engine required for the task resulted in a sleek but stubby plane.
  
−
After the initial J2M1 prototypes outfitted with the {{Annotation|1,044 kW|1,400 hp}} Mitsubishi MK4C ''Kasei 13'' 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engine and didn't come near the specification requirements, engine vibrations coming from the cooling system and a troublesome undercarriage design held it back from being used as a production model.
+
After the initial J2M1 prototypes outfitted with the {{Annotation|1,044 kW|1,400 hp}} Mitsubishi MK4C Kasei 13 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engine and didn't come near the specification requirements, engine vibrations coming from the cooling system and a troublesome undercarriage design held it back from being used as a production model.
  
−
The [[J2M2|J2M2 Model 11]] was outfitted with {{Annotation|1,379 kW|1,850 hp}} Mitsubishi MK4R-A ''Kasei 23a'' 14-cylinder radial engine which somewhat overcame the teething problems but still didn't reach the requirements, overburdened with engine problems and electrical malfunctions in the landing gear remained.
+
The [[J2M2|J2M2 Model 11]] was outfitted with {{Annotation|1,379 kW|1,850 hp}} Mitsubishi MK4R-A Kasei 23a 14-cylinder radial engine which somewhat overcame the teething problems but still didn't reach the requirements, overburdened with engine problems and electrical malfunctions in the landing gear remained.
  
 
Mitsubishi wanted to make the best of it and get out the J2Ms into combat service before it was officially adopted in the Navy. Engine problems and performance were only further resolved in further modifications.
 
Mitsubishi wanted to make the best of it and get out the J2Ms into combat service before it was officially adopted in the Navy. Engine problems and performance were only further resolved in further modifications.
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;Skins
 
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=j2m3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=j2m3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
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== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
 
 
−
;[[J2M (Family)|Related development]]
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Template:AirManufacturer Mitsubishi|Mitsubishi]] [[J2M2]] <small>(previous model)</small>
 
−
* [[Template:AirManufacturer Mitsubishi|Mitsubishi]] [[J2M4 Kai]] <small>(following model)</small>
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 10:51, 19 September 2023

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the Japanese fighter J2M3. For other versions, see J2M (Family).
J2M3
j2m3.png
GarageImage J2M3.jpg
ArtImage J2M3.png
J2M3
Japan flag.png Japan
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.3 5.7 5.0
Class:
Research:54 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Engine information on the left. Orientation in the centre. Flight info on the right. Easy!
The J2M3 continues the good cockpit visibility featured on all Japanese fighters.

The J2M3 Model 21, designated as Raiden Mod.21 (雷電二一型), was an uparmed variant of the previous J2M2 by replacing the nose-mounted machine guns with two Type 99 Model 1 20 mm cannons in the wings. It also used belt feeds instead of drum magazines for both Model 1 and Model 2 cannons resulting in greater ammunition capacity. The J2M3 was the most widely produced variant of the Raiden series.

It was introduced in Update 1.45 "Steel Generals". Unlike its previous model, this Raiden wields four 20 mm cannons, specifically two Model 1s and two Model 2s with more ammo, which means an even more deadly strafe that reduces the need to make a second pass. While maintaining the same engine, it results in the same great climber, but at a higher battle rating facing potentially more dangerous targets which may be able to keep up with the Raiden.

Nicknames

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 500 m596 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude11 500 m
EngineMitsubishi Ha-32 Mod 23
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight3 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,500 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 571 551 11500 19.8 20.5 16.0 16.0 300
Upgraded 625 596 18.8 19.0 28.5 21.3

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 350 488 454 280 ~12 ~9
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 390 < 400 < 420 > 324
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
2,203 m 1,680 hp 1,999 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,400 m 1,560 hp 1,856 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear350 km/h
  • 70 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 8.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 407 → 3 285 Sl icon.png
RB5 483 → 7 484 Sl icon.png
SB7 639 → 10 427 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications47 200 Rp icon.png
86 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 500 Ge icon.png
Crew training52 000 Sl icon.png
Experts185 000 Sl icon.png
Aces940 Ge icon.png
Research Aces480 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 210 / 440 % Sl icon.png
166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type99mk1_belt_pack
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
type99mk2_belt_pack
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 5 No.1 Mod.9 rockets
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type99mk1_new_gun
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type99mk2_new_gun
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 5 No.6 Mod.9 rockets
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png

Unlocking all performance modules should be a Raiden pilot's first concern, as the default belts for all weapons are workable. After that, go for the weapon belts, as these make more targets possible (ground units).

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon
Ammunition380 rounds
Fire rate516 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannon
Ammunition420 rounds
Fire rate490 shots/min
Main articles: Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm), Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)

The J2M3 is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (210 rpg = 420 total)
  • 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons, wing-mounted (190 rpg = 380 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (5)
Setup 12 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bomb
Setup 22 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
Setup 32 x Type 5 No.1 Mod.9 rockets
Setup 42 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
Setup 52 x Type 5 No.6 Mod.9 rockets
Main articles: Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg), Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1, Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1, Type 5 No.1 Mod.9, Type 5 No.6 Mod.9

The J2M3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)
  • 2 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
  • 2 x Type 5 No.1 Mod.9 rockets
  • 2 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
  • 2 x Type 5 No.6 Mod.9 rockets

Usage in battles

Featuring two 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons and two 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons with plenty of ammunition, the J2M3 is capable of destroying all kinds of aircraft. Although destroying heavy bombers like the B-29 Superfortress takes a lot of ammunition, the J2M3 can afford to lose some. The "Stealth" belt has the best combination of AP/API and HEF to shred enemy aircraft and are recommended for those who do not need a tracer shell to aim. Alternatively, for those not used to IJN 20 mm cannons, the "Universal" belt is your best bet. The "Tracers" belt is filled with HEF-T shells, but they only contain half of the power of a standard HEF, and can give away your position.

For ground attack, the J2M3 can equip two 60 kg bombs under the wings. While not the biggest, these bombs can help a team win a match, especially in arcade battles. The J2M3 can also wield armour piercing ground targets ammunition for its 20 mm cannons, although 21 mm of penetration is nothing to boast about and should be ignored unless targeting armoured personnel carriers (APC) or similar armoured cars.

Overall, the Raiden is best used as a surprise attack, high altitude, high damage output fighter. While it does not excel in the speed or manoeuvrability categories, it makes up for that in armament and rate of climb.

The Raiden pilot may also find themselves outclassed by high altitude aircraft such as the P-51D-5 Mustang. All these aircraft have to do to avoid the J2M is dive away and build up speed, but the J2M3 can generally outturn them with effective use of combat flaps and rudder. Fortunately, the J2M3 has a surprise - a massive ammunition pool totalling 800 rounds. That's 800 rounds of high explosive cannon ammunition that can be dispensed at will towards fleeing enemies. With good aim and practice, it is possible to "snipe" enemies from a kilometre away.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent top speed, although lower than its contemporaries
  • Large ammunition pool
  • Insanely high climb rate
  • Has generally adequate dive characteristics
  • Quite excellent energy retention
  • Great medium-speed manoeuvrability
  • Reasonable roll rate at lower speeds
  • Solid armament layout
  • Excellent performance at high altitudes

Cons:

  • Very poor high-speed performance
  • Prone to engine and fuel fires
  • Doesn't turn well at higher speeds
  • Elevator doesn't respond well, especially at high speeds
  • Lack of armour around fuel tanks or engine
  • Differing muzzle velocities between the two models of the Type 99 cannon on the J2M3 will require you to lead much further than normal as an order to utilize the full effectiveness of the J2M3's firepower

History

Main article: History of the J2M

Development

During the China Incident (Sino-Japanese war) the Navy had sustained some damage from Chinese bomber groups as they didn't have any dedicated interceptors at the time, for this reason the Navy put out multiple specifications for planes to deal with threats which the Chinese made clear to the Navy. For bombers specifically they specified for a strictly local-defense interceptor known as the 14-Shi Interceptor.

The designer behind the A6M, Jiro Horikoshi and his team started development on this specification. But due the harsh unrealistic specifications for mainly engine output required for the team to use a strong engine which wasn't available yet and with the oversized engine required for the task resulted in a sleek but stubby plane.

After the initial J2M1 prototypes outfitted with the 1,044 kW Mitsubishi MK4C Kasei 13 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engine and didn't come near the specification requirements, engine vibrations coming from the cooling system and a troublesome undercarriage design held it back from being used as a production model.

The J2M2 Model 11 was outfitted with 1,379 kW Mitsubishi MK4R-A Kasei 23a 14-cylinder radial engine which somewhat overcame the teething problems but still didn't reach the requirements, overburdened with engine problems and electrical malfunctions in the landing gear remained.

Mitsubishi wanted to make the best of it and get out the J2Ms into combat service before it was officially adopted in the Navy. Engine problems and performance were only further resolved in further modifications.

The J2M3 Model 21 was developed parallel with the J2M2 Model 11 with improved armament of four 20 mm Type 99's in the wings (two Model 1s and two Model 2s).

Combat History

Production of the J2M3 Model 21 was parallel with the J2M2 Model 11 and the first J2M3s appeared in October 1943 but deliveries to combat units started at the beginning of February 1944.

Furthermore, the J2M2 and J2M3 saw limited action in the Philippines, although it was largely ineffective due to the limited initial production batch and design flaws.

Media

Skins
Images
  • J2M3 in USAAF Livery
Videos
Best after-party picks discusses the J2M3 at 2:47 - War Thunder Official Channel
The Shooting Range #178 - Pages of History section at 04:36 discusses the J2M "Raiden".

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Mitsubishi Company (三菱商会)
Fighters  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
Hydroplanes  F1M2
Interceptors  Ki-83 · Ki-109
Bombers  G4M1
  Ki-21-Ia · Ki-21-I hei · Ki-67-I Ko · Ki-67-I otsu
Jet Fighters  Ki-200
Captured  ▃A6M2 · ␗A6M2
See also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Post-War)

Japan fighters
Navy 
Carrier-based fighter 
A5M  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
A6M  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
A7He  A7He1*
A7M  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
Land-based Fighter 
J2M  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
J6K  J6K1
J7W  J7W1
N1K-J  N1K1-Ja · N1K2-J · N1K2-Ja
Fighter seaplane 
N1K  N1K1
A6M-N  A6M2-N
Army 
Ki-10  Ki-10-I · Ki-10-I C · Ki-10-II · Ki-10-II C
Ki-27  Ki-27 otsu · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
Ki-43  Ki-43-I · Ki-43-II · Ki-43-III otsu
Ki-44  Ki-44-I · Ki-44-I 34 · Ki-44-II otsu · Ki-44-II hei
Ki-61  Ki-61-I ko · Ki-61-I otsu · Ki-61-I hei · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · Ki-61-I tei · Ki-61-II Otsu Kai
Ki-84  Ki-84 ko · Ki-84 otsu · Ki-84 hei
Ki-87  Ki-87
Ki-94  Ki-94-II
Ki-100  Ki-100 · Ki-100-II
Other countries  ▅F4U-1A · ▅P-51C-11-NT · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅Fw 190 A-5
  *Imported designation of the He 112 (A6M was in development - A7M would take A7 designation after the cancelation of the A7He)

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