Difference between revisions of "J2M2"
Inceptor57 (talk | contribs) m (→Survivability and armour) |
(→Details) |
||
| (35 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | |||
{{About | {{About | ||
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| − | | usage = other | + | | usage = other versions |
| link = J2M (Family) | | link = J2M (Family) | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | {{Specs-Card | ||
| + | |code=j2m2 | ||
| + | |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.'' --> | ||
| − | + | The '''J2M2 Model 11''', designated as '''Raiden Mod.11 ({{Annotation|雷電一一型|Lightning Bolt, Model 11}})''', was the first production model of the [[J2M (Family)|J2M 'Raiden' family]]. It was developed as a land-based defense interceptor to protect Japanese Navy bases from (high-altitude) bombers. The Navy requested this project in 1939, but only Mitsubishi responded and assigned Jiro Horikoshi and his team to work on it after the A6M production was secured. The first prototypes of the J2M were built in 1942, but it faced several technical issues, such as excessive engine vibrations and unreliable landing gear, which delayed its development and production. The Navy had high expectations for the J2M, considering it a potential replacement for the A6M, but due to its troubled development and production, the Raiden was only used as a stop-gap interceptor with limited success until the more promising [[N1K (Family)|N1K-J 'Shiden']] was available. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]]. Equipped with 2 machine guns and 2 cannons, the Raiden will primarily rely on its heavy-hitting cannon armament as it should be primarily used in Boom-N-Zoom tactics due to its excellent climb rate and diving speeds. It has average manoeuvrability at low-medium speeds but will be severely limited once it reaches its high diving speeds. | |
| + | |||
| + | ;Nicknames: | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Abbreviations#.28IJN.29_Official_name_designation|Official Designation]]: ''雷電 (Raiden, "Lightning Bolt")'' | ||
| + | * Allied reporting name: Jack | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
| − | === Flight | + | === Flight performance === |
| − | <!--Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.--> | + | {{Specs-Avia-Flight}} |
| + | <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
| − | The J2M2 Raiden is an interceptor that excels in the Boom & Zoom play style. Once off the ground, the aircraft becomes an absolute monster, with a ludicrous climb rate, exceeding 20 meters per second, or close to 4,000 feet per minute of climb. This climb rate can be used to gain altitude and height over the enemy, and when they engage your slower, but much more manoeuvrable comrades flying Zeros, you swoop in and attack, which can be finished with quick bursts of the wing-mounted 20 mm cannons. Although half of your belt is next to useless when stock, a solid burst with upgraded belts has a good chance to critically damage, if not outright down, an enemy aircraft. The ammo load of 200 rounds is not large but provides enough to keep you fighting if one does not spray too much. | + | The J2M2 Raiden is an interceptor that excels in the Boom & Zoom play style. Once off the ground, the aircraft becomes an absolute monster, with a ludicrous climb rate, exceeding 20 meters per second, or close to 4,000 feet per minute of climb. This climb rate can be used to gain altitude and height over the enemy, and when they engage your slower, but much more manoeuvrable comrades flying Zeros, you swoop in and attack, which can be finished with quick bursts of the wing-mounted 20 mm cannons. Although half of your belt is next to useless when stock, a solid burst with upgraded belts has a good chance to critically damage, if not outright down, an enemy aircraft. The ammo load of 200 rounds is not large but provides enough to keep you fighting if one does not spray too much. |
If one is unable to down an enemy quickly enough, the good energy retention in the vertical allows the craft to zoom back up to altitude for another attack. The aircraft does have some deficiencies, however. Its turning circle is closer to that of a P-51 or Fw-190, and in a sustained turn fight, it will lose energy and become a sitting duck. Compression becomes an issue at high speeds, and although faster than the majority of Japanese fighter aircraft, it still struggles to catch faster opponents, such as P-51s or P-47s. This can be countered by climbing at a high angle when in pursuit and then using that accumulated energy to close the gap and open fire. | If one is unable to down an enemy quickly enough, the good energy retention in the vertical allows the craft to zoom back up to altitude for another attack. The aircraft does have some deficiencies, however. Its turning circle is closer to that of a P-51 or Fw-190, and in a sustained turn fight, it will lose energy and become a sitting duck. Compression becomes an issue at high speeds, and although faster than the majority of Japanese fighter aircraft, it still struggles to catch faster opponents, such as P-51s or P-47s. This can be countered by climbing at a high angle when in pursuit and then using that accumulated energy to close the gap and open fire. | ||
| Line 22: | Line 31: | ||
The aircraft shares the same characteristics as the future J2M3 and M5 and can be a demo of what is there to come in the Japanese tree. | The aircraft shares the same characteristics as the future J2M3 and M5 and can be a demo of what is there to come in the Japanese tree. | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%" |
| − | + | ! rowspan="2" | Characteristics | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ! | ||
| − | |||
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,500 m) | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,500 m) | ||
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) |
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ||
| − | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>( | + | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second) |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres) |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! | + | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! | + | ! Stock |
| − | + | | 569 || 551 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.7 || 20.4 || 16 || 16 || rowspan="2" | 300 | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! | + | ! Upgraded |
| − | + | | 626 || 596 || 18.8 || 19.0 || 28.3 || 21.2 | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | | 626 || 596 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== Details ==== | ==== Details ==== | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Features | ! colspan="5" | Features | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Combat flaps | + | ! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear |
| − | ! Take-off flaps | ||
| − | ! Landing flaps | ||
| − | ! Air brakes | ||
| − | ! Arrestor gear | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --> | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --> | ||
| Line 77: | Line 60: | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="7" | Limits |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h) |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Gear | + | ! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h) |
| − | ! | + | ! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! + | + | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - |
| − | ! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | {{Specs|destruction| | + | | 820 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 488 || 454 || 280 || ~13 || ~10 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 95: | Line 77: | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities | + | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h) |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Ailerons | + | ! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator |
| − | ! Rudder | ||
| − | ! Elevators | ||
| − | ! Radiator | ||
|- | |- | ||
| < 430 || < 460 || < 400 || > 324 | | < 430 || < 460 || < 400 || > 324 | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
| − | <!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''--> | + | {{Specs-Avia-Armour}} |
| + | <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | ||
Unlike other Japanese fighters, the J2M2 has some decent armour. There is a 70 mm bulletproof glass plate in front of the pilot. There is also a tiny triangular section of steel that is 8 mm behind the pilots head. Another thing the J2M2 has that other Japanese planes don't have near rank 3, is self-sealing fuel tanks. There is however no armour around the engine so the engine is very prone to bullets striking and damaging it. | Unlike other Japanese fighters, the J2M2 has some decent armour. There is a 70 mm bulletproof glass plate in front of the pilot. There is also a tiny triangular section of steel that is 8 mm behind the pilots head. Another thing the J2M2 has that other Japanese planes don't have near rank 3, is self-sealing fuel tanks. There is however no armour around the engine so the engine is very prone to bullets striking and damaging it. | ||
| Line 135: | Line 93: | ||
[[File:J2M2 - Steel 8 mm.png|none|thumb|303x303px|Picture showing the 8 mm steel plate behind the pilots head.]] | [[File:J2M2 - Steel 8 mm.png|none|thumb|303x303px|Picture showing the 8 mm steel plate behind the pilots head.]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Modifications and economy === | ||
| + | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
| + | {{Specs-Avia-Armaments}} | ||
=== Offensive armament === | === Offensive armament === | ||
| + | {{Specs-Avia-Offensive}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | ||
| − | {{main|Type 99 Model 2 | + | {{main|Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
| − | * 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 | + | * 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total) |
* 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (550 rpg = 1,100 total) | * 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (550 rpg = 1,100 total) | ||
| Line 149: | Line 112: | ||
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
| + | {{Specs-Avia-Suspended}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | ||
{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)}} | {{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)}} | ||
| Line 157: | Line 121: | ||
* 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total) | * 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total) | ||
| − | The two 60 kg bombs are enough to destroy light pillboxes in a pinch, or if your bombing skills are exceptional, you can use these bombs for precise targeting against tanks in ground RB, although the J2M2's lacklustre turn rate will be exacerbated by the low | + | The two 60 kg bombs are enough to destroy light pillboxes in a pinch, or if your bombing skills are exceptional, you can use these bombs for precise targeting against tanks in ground RB, although the J2M2's lacklustre turn rate will be exacerbated by the low manoeuvring required in the game mode. |
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | <!--''Describe the tactics of playing in | + | <!-- ''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).'' --> |
| − | In the start of a match, you'll want to use your best advantage, climbing. The J2M2 has an incredible rate of climb for | + | In the start of a match, you'll want to use your best advantage, climbing. The J2M2 has an incredible rate of climb for its BR. This will almost always guarantee you an altitude advantage, and from there, you should pick out your targets one-by-one. The J2M2 does not have the best offensive guns so make sure to never head-on. If you are diving on an opponent and they are trying to head-on, break off and do a spiral climb. Your opponent (if he's greedy enough) will stay on you and lose all of his energy. Once you see him about to go into a stall, quickly dive down to him and shoot him down. Another advantage of the J2M2 is the top speed. The J2M2 can go very fast for its BR and you should use it to your advantage. One way you can use this is by doing Boom n' Zooms, but make sure to watch your speed. You don't want to go too fast to where you'll start to "lock-up" and have almost no authority of the controls. |
=== Manual Engine Control === | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
| Line 175: | Line 139: | ||
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Oil | + | ! Oil !! Water !! Type |
| − | ! Water | ||
| − | ! Type | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Controllable | | + | | Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | === | + | === Pros and cons === |
| − | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> | |
| − | ! | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | '''Pros:''' | |
| − | |||
| − | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | * Excellent climb rate | + | * Excellent climb rate |
| − | + | * Easily outperforms other allied aircraft it usually faces | |
| − | * Easily outperforms other allied | + | * Outturns most allied planes except for the Spitfire |
| − | * | + | * Small size |
| + | * Excellent dive characteristic, able to BnZ | ||
| + | * Great energy / speed retentions in turns | ||
| + | * More ammo for the 20 mm than the early Zero models | ||
| + | * 20 mm does a lot of HE damage | ||
| + | * Has armour and self-sealing fuel tanks | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| − | * | + | * Requires proper knowledge of the game to use its advantage |
| − | * | + | * Mediocre Top speed compared to its adversaries it will face |
| + | * Airframe compresses at speeds above 700 km/h | ||
| + | * 7.7 mm machine guns are quite ineffective at their battle rating, lowering your combat capability once cannon ammo runs out | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
| − | ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' | + | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> |
| + | {{main|J2M (Family)|l1=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 {{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. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 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. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 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. | ||
| + | ===Combat History=== | ||
| + | The first few produced [[J2M2]]s were delivered to the development units in December 1942 but the troublesome amount of engine problems still held it back from mass production. Troubleshooting almost took a year and the first batch of the serial built [[J2M2|J2M2 Model 11]] could be delivered to 381st Kōkūtai in December of 1943. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Furthermore, the [[J2M2]] saw limited action in the Philippines, although it was largely ineffective due to the limited initial production batch and design flaws. | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
| + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Skins | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=j2m2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Skin-gallery|market|J2M2, IJNAS Prototype|J2M2 IJNAS Prototype.png|Camo "IJNAS Prototype"}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Images | ||
| + | |||
[[File:J2M2.png|thumb|J2M2 in hangar w/ decals.|none]] | [[File:J2M2.png|thumb|J2M2 in hangar w/ decals.|none]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Videos | ||
| + | {{Youtube-gallery|KqLoa0NIpzE|'''The Shooting Range #178''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:36 discusses the J2M "Raiden".|9rpm13C84M0|'''IN THE NAME OF THUNDER!''' - ''Raiden'' section at 01:53 discusses the J2M's.|t3xD7JpnHeI|'''Best aircraft for Boom & Zoom''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:48 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}} | ||
| + | |||
== 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:'' | ||
| Line 242: | Line 209: | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
| − | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
| + | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| + | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
| − | * | + | * [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/234529-mitsubishi-j2m2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance] |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | {{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}} | ||
{{Japan fighters}} | {{Japan fighters}} | ||
Latest revision as of 17:31, 16 January 2024
| This page is about the Japanese fighter J2M2. For other versions, see J2M (Family). |
Contents
Description
The J2M2 Model 11, designated as Raiden Mod.11 (雷電一一型), was the first production model of the J2M 'Raiden' family. It was developed as a land-based defense interceptor to protect Japanese Navy bases from (high-altitude) bombers. The Navy requested this project in 1939, but only Mitsubishi responded and assigned Jiro Horikoshi and his team to work on it after the A6M production was secured. The first prototypes of the J2M were built in 1942, but it faced several technical issues, such as excessive engine vibrations and unreliable landing gear, which delayed its development and production. The Navy had high expectations for the J2M, considering it a potential replacement for the A6M, but due to its troubled development and production, the Raiden was only used as a stop-gap interceptor with limited success until the more promising N1K-J 'Shiden' was available.
It was introduced in Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory". Equipped with 2 machine guns and 2 cannons, the Raiden will primarily rely on its heavy-hitting cannon armament as it should be primarily used in Boom-N-Zoom tactics due to its excellent climb rate and diving speeds. It has average manoeuvrability at low-medium speeds but will be severely limited once it reaches its high diving speeds.
- Nicknames
- Official Designation: 雷電 (Raiden, "Lightning Bolt")
- Allied reporting name: Jack
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 weight4 t
The J2M2 Raiden is an interceptor that excels in the Boom & Zoom play style. Once off the ground, the aircraft becomes an absolute monster, with a ludicrous climb rate, exceeding 20 meters per second, or close to 4,000 feet per minute of climb. This climb rate can be used to gain altitude and height over the enemy, and when they engage your slower, but much more manoeuvrable comrades flying Zeros, you swoop in and attack, which can be finished with quick bursts of the wing-mounted 20 mm cannons. Although half of your belt is next to useless when stock, a solid burst with upgraded belts has a good chance to critically damage, if not outright down, an enemy aircraft. The ammo load of 200 rounds is not large but provides enough to keep you fighting if one does not spray too much.
If one is unable to down an enemy quickly enough, the good energy retention in the vertical allows the craft to zoom back up to altitude for another attack. The aircraft does have some deficiencies, however. Its turning circle is closer to that of a P-51 or Fw-190, and in a sustained turn fight, it will lose energy and become a sitting duck. Compression becomes an issue at high speeds, and although faster than the majority of Japanese fighter aircraft, it still struggles to catch faster opponents, such as P-51s or P-47s. This can be countered by climbing at a high angle when in pursuit and then using that accumulated energy to close the gap and open fire.
The aircraft shares the same characteristics as the future J2M3 and M5 and can be a demo of what is there to come in the Japanese tree.
| 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 | 569 | 551 | 11500 | 19.7 | 20.4 | 16 | 16 | 300 |
| Upgraded | 626 | 596 | 18.8 | 19.0 | 28.3 | 21.2 | ||
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 | + | - | ||
| 820 | 350 | 488 | 454 | 280 | ~13 | ~10 |
| Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
| < 430 | < 460 | < 400 | > 324 |
Survivability and armour
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear350 km/h
Unlike other Japanese fighters, the J2M2 has some decent armour. There is a 70 mm bulletproof glass plate in front of the pilot. There is also a tiny triangular section of steel that is 8 mm behind the pilots head. Another thing the J2M2 has that other Japanese planes don't have near rank 3, is self-sealing fuel tanks. There is however no armour around the engine so the engine is very prone to bullets striking and damaging it.
Modifications and economy
Repair costBasic → Reference
AB959 → 1 304 
RB2 134 → 2 902
SB3 051 → 4 149
Total cost of modifications24 900 
45 300
Talisman cost1 100 
Crew training22 000
Experts76 000
Aces500
Research Aces320 000
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
60 / 150 / 310 %
142 / 142 / 142 %
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Offensive armament
The J2M2 is armed with:
- 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)
- 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (550 rpg = 1,100 total)
The two 7.7 mm machine guns are mounted in the cowling of the aircraft serve as good backups if the cannons run dry, or if there is a need to poke a fleeing enemy into a manoeuvre, lest they are felled by a thousand strings of rifle fire.
Suspended armament
The J2M2 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)
The two 60 kg bombs are enough to destroy light pillboxes in a pinch, or if your bombing skills are exceptional, you can use these bombs for precise targeting against tanks in ground RB, although the J2M2's lacklustre turn rate will be exacerbated by the low manoeuvring required in the game mode.
Usage in battles
In the start of a match, you'll want to use your best advantage, climbing. The J2M2 has an incredible rate of climb for its BR. This will almost always guarantee you an altitude advantage, and from there, you should pick out your targets one-by-one. The J2M2 does not have the best offensive guns so make sure to never head-on. If you are diving on an opponent and they are trying to head-on, break off and do a spiral climb. Your opponent (if he's greedy enough) will stay on you and lose all of his energy. Once you see him about to go into a stall, quickly dive down to him and shoot him down. Another advantage of the J2M2 is the top speed. The J2M2 can go very fast for its BR and you should use it to your advantage. One way you can use this is by doing Boom n' Zooms, but make sure to watch your speed. You don't want to go too fast to where you'll start to "lock-up" and have almost no authority of the controls.
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:
- Excellent climb rate
- Easily outperforms other allied aircraft it usually faces
- Outturns most allied planes except for the Spitfire
- Small size
- Excellent dive characteristic, able to BnZ
- Great energy / speed retentions in turns
- More ammo for the 20 mm than the early Zero models
- 20 mm does a lot of HE damage
- Has armour and self-sealing fuel tanks
Cons:
- Requires proper knowledge of the game to use its advantage
- Mediocre Top speed compared to its adversaries it will face
- Airframe compresses at speeds above 700 km/h
- 7.7 mm machine guns are quite ineffective at their battle rating, lowering your combat capability once cannon ammo runs out
History
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.
Combat History
The first few produced J2M2s were delivered to the development units in December 1942 but the troublesome amount of engine problems still held it back from mass production. Troubleshooting almost took a year and the first batch of the serial built J2M2 Model 11 could be delivered to 381st Kōkūtai in December of 1943.
Furthermore, the J2M2 saw limited action in the Philippines, although it was largely ineffective due to the limited initial production batch and design flaws.
Media
- Skins
Market
Camo "IJNAS Prototype"
- Images
- Videos
The Shooting Range #178 - Pages of History section at 04:36 discusses the J2M "Raiden".
IN THE NAME OF THUNDER! - Raiden section at 01:53 discusses the J2M's.
Best aircraft for Boom & Zoom discusses the J2M2 at 1:48 - War Thunder Official Channel
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) | |
