Difference between revisions of "J2M4 Kai"
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{{About | {{About | ||
| − | |about=premium Japanese | + | |about= premium Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' |
| − | |usage=other | + | |usage= other versions |
| − | |link=J2M (Family) | + | |link= J2M (Family) |
}} | }} | ||
{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
|code=j2m4_kai | |code=j2m4_kai | ||
| − | |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.'' --> |
| + | The '''J2M4 Model 32''', designated as '''Raiden Mod.32 ({{Annotation|雷電三二型|Lightning Bolt, Model 32}})''', was a high-altitude prototype variant of the Raiden series developed to increase the service ceiling and effectiveness at high altitude. It was equipped with a Mitsubishi MK4R-C "Kasei 23C" engine and turbocharger, which lengthened the nose of the plane considerably. With 2 prototypes built, problems with the turbocharger, weight balance, and increased take-off and landing range canceled further development of a Raiden with the Kasei 23C. | ||
| − | + | It was introduced in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]] as a premium vehicle purchasable in-game with Golden Eagles {{ge}}, but was removed from in-game sale after the [[wt:en/news/7408-news-happy-birthday-war-thunder-en|9th Anniversary Sale]]. It has since been made available temporarily for purchase in-game with Golden Eagles {{GE}} during the [[wt:en/news7549-special-national-foundation-day-in-japan-en|2022 "Day of Japan"]] and [[wt:en/news/8082-special-national-foundation-day-in-japan-en|2023 "National Foundation Day in Japan"]] mini-events. Similar to its replacing variant, the [[J2M5]], the J2M4 boosts its performance over its earlier predecessors by boasting a 1,854 hp engine on top of equipping a turbocharger increasing its efficiency at high altitudes. | |
| − | + | ;Nicknames: | |
| + | |||
| + | * [[Abbreviations#.28IJN.29_Official_name_designation|Official Designation]]: ''雷電 (Raiden, "Lightning Bolt")'' | ||
| + | * Allied reporting name: Jack | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === Flight performance === | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}} | {{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. --> | + | <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%" | ||
| − | + | ! rowspan="2" | Characteristics | |
| − | ! rowspan="2" |Characteristics | ||
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,000 m) | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,000 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 | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | !Stock | + | ! Stock |
| 611 || 592 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.1 || 22.9 || 13.2 || 13.2 || rowspan="2" | 300 | | 611 || 592 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.1 || 22.9 || 13.2 || 13.2 || rowspan="2" | 300 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | !Upgraded | + | ! Upgraded |
| − | | 664 || 637 || 19.9 || 21.0 || 22.7 || 17.3 | + | | 664 || 637 || 19.9 || 21.0 || 22.7 || 17.3 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | ====Details==== | + | ==== Details ==== |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 62: | Line 65: | ||
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || | + | | {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 488 || 454 || 280 || ~10 || ~8 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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| < 390 || < 400 || < 420 || > 324 | | < 390 || < 400 || < 420 || > 324 | ||
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=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}} | {{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.--> | + | <!-- ''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.'' --> |
| − | * 70 mm Bulletproof glass - | + | * 70 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen |
* 8.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest | * 8.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest | ||
| Line 120: | Line 93: | ||
=== Offensive armament === | === Offensive armament === | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}} | {{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 1 | + | {{main|Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
| − | * 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 | + | * 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons, wing-mounted (190 rpg = 380 total) |
| − | * 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 | + | * 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total) |
| − | Wielding four 20 mm cannons, this aircraft can cripple any enemy it encounters. However, the main advantage the Raiden has over its Allied counterparts is its climb rate. In realistic battles, the J2M4 can climb to altitude very fast, especially when given an air start. Once at a high altitude, this allows the Raiden pilot to pick and choose targets, dictating where and when he or she wants to fight. The J2M4's 20 mm cannons may seem | + | Wielding four 20 mm cannons, this aircraft can cripple any enemy it encounters. However, the main advantage the Raiden has over its Allied counterparts is its climb rate. In realistic battles, the J2M4 can climb to altitude very fast, especially when given an air start. Once at a high altitude, this allows the Raiden pilot to pick and choose targets, dictating where and when he or she wants to fight. The J2M4's 20 mm cannons may seem lacklustre at first, but they have a knack for snapshots, or quick bursts of fire when manoeuvring. |
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}} | {{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 138: | Line 111: | ||
* Without load | * Without load | ||
| − | * 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 | + | * 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total) |
== 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).'' --> |
| − | Generally, the J2M4 performs similarly to the early Fw 190 A variants, having a deadly armament, good roll rate, low top speed, but higher climb rate. Use what the Raiden does best to achieve success - energy fighting. Instead of turn fighting or bleeding all built up energy or speed in turns, attack enemies from a higher altitude and then regain that altitude once the attack has been delivered. The J2M4 excels at Boom & Zoom due to its high rate of climb and deadly armament, even more so than its earlier variants, the J2M2 and J2M3. | + | Generally, the J2M4 performs similarly to the early Fw 190 A variants, having a deadly armament, good roll rate, low top speed, but higher climb rate. Use what the Raiden does best to achieve success - energy fighting. Instead of turn fighting or bleeding all built up energy or speed in turns, attack enemies from a higher altitude and then regain that altitude once the attack has been delivered. The J2M4 excels at Boom & Zoom due to its high rate of climb and deadly armament, even more so than its earlier variants, the J2M2 and J2M3. |
| − | The Raiden's main downside is its lack of | + | The Raiden's main downside is its lack of manoeuvrability. Similar to its German counterpart, the [[Fw 190 A-8]], the Raiden struggles to beat enemies in turn fights, especially Spitfires. 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. |
| − | The Raiden pilot may also find | + | The Raiden pilot may also find themselves outrun by high altitude aircraft such as the [[P-51D-5|P-51 D-5 Mustang]]. All these aircraft have to do to avoid the J2M is dive away and build up speed. Fortunately, the J2M4 has a surprise - a massive ammunition pool totaling 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. |
| − | Featuring four 20 mm cannons, 2 Type 99 Mk 1 and 2 Type 99 Mk 2 cannons with plenty of ammunition, the J2M4 is capable of destroying all kinds of aircraft. Although destroying heavy bombers like the B-29 Superfortress takes a lot of ammunition, the J2M4 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 | + | Featuring four 20 mm cannons, 2 Type 99 Mk 1 and 2 Type 99 Mk 2 cannons with plenty of ammunition, the J2M4 is capable of destroying all kinds of aircraft. Although destroying heavy bombers like the B-29 Superfortress takes a lot of ammunition, the J2M4 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 "Tracer" belt is filled with HEFT shells, but they only contain half of the power of a standard HEF, and can give away your position. |
| − | Overall, the Raiden is best used as a surprise | + | Overall, the Raiden is best used as a support or surprise intercept, high altitude, high damage output interceptor (not a dedicaded fighter). While it does not excel in the speed, manoeuvrability categories or climbing, it makes up for that in armament. When flown disciplined accordingly the capabillities the succes rate will increase. |
| − | ===Manual Engine Control=== | + | === Manual Engine Control === |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="7" | MEC elements | ! colspan="7" | MEC elements | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! rowspan="2" |Mixer | + | ! rowspan="2" | Mixer |
| − | ! rowspan="2" |Pitch | + | ! rowspan="2" | Pitch |
| − | ! colspan="3" |Radiator | + | ! colspan="3" | Radiator |
| − | ! rowspan="2" |Supercharger | + | ! rowspan="2" | Supercharger |
| − | ! 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 === | === 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".--> | + | <!-- ''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:''' | ||
| Line 182: | Line 153: | ||
* Has generally good dive characteristics | * Has generally good dive characteristics | ||
* Good energy retention | * Good energy retention | ||
| − | * 12 mm | + | * 12 mm armour plate behind windscreen |
* Good roll rate at lower speeds | * Good roll rate at lower speeds | ||
* Decent high altitude performance due to the turbocharger | * Decent high altitude performance due to the turbocharger | ||
| Line 192: | Line 163: | ||
* Doesn't turn well | * Doesn't turn well | ||
* Elevator doesn't respond well, especially at high speeds | * Elevator doesn't respond well, especially at high speeds | ||
| − | * Lack of | + | * Lack of armour around fuel tanks or engine |
* Differing muzzle velocities between the two marks of the Type 99 cannon on the J2M4 will require you to lead much further than normal as an order to utilize the full effectiveness of the J2M4's firepower | * Differing muzzle velocities between the two marks of the Type 99 cannon on the J2M4 will require you to lead much further than normal as an order to utilize the full effectiveness of the J2M4's firepower | ||
== 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. 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}} | {{main|J2M (Family)|l1=History of the J2M}} | ||
| + | |||
===Development=== | ===Development=== | ||
| − | As the development behind the | + | As the development behind the 14-Shi Interceptor ([[J2M2]] and [[J2M3]]) were disappointing in performance and didn't achieve it's projected goal, Mitsubishi set up a new goal with the availability of newer and stronger engines, this would be called under the 14-Shi Kai Interceptor. |
| − | Jiro Horikoshi and his team redesigned the nose of the plane to hold the new Kasei 23c engine and with this prototype they achieved the requested goal, this plane would be known as the | + | Jiro Horikoshi and his team redesigned the nose of the plane to hold the new Kasei 23c engine and with this prototype they achieved the requested goal, this plane would be known as the J2M4, Raiden Model 32. It solved the engine vibrations and the cooling system was more reliable compared to that of the previous models. It would still preserve the same electrical malfunctions to the landing gear which didn't get redesigned as the engine and its performance were a more pressing issue. |
| − | This progress allowed Mitsubishi to further develop the Raiden and so they would with the Kasei 26a, equipping it in the [[J2M5|J2M5, | + | This progress allowed Mitsubishi to further develop the Raiden and so they would with the Kasei 26a, equipping it in the [[J2M5|J2M5, Raiden Model 33]]. |
== Media == | == Media == | ||
| − | ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> |
| + | |||
| + | ;Skins | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=j2m4_kai Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| Line 215: | Line 191: | ||
== 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/216840-mitsubishi-j2m4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance] |
| − | |||
| − | |||
{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}} | {{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}} | ||
{{Japan fighters}} | {{Japan fighters}} | ||
{{Japan premium aircraft}} | {{Japan premium aircraft}} | ||
Latest revision as of 10:50, 11 October 2023
| This page is about the premium Japanese fighter J2M4 Kai. For other versions, see J2M (Family). |
Contents
Description
The J2M4 Model 32, designated as Raiden Mod.32 (雷電三二型), was a high-altitude prototype variant of the Raiden series developed to increase the service ceiling and effectiveness at high altitude. It was equipped with a Mitsubishi MK4R-C "Kasei 23C" engine and turbocharger, which lengthened the nose of the plane considerably. With 2 prototypes built, problems with the turbocharger, weight balance, and increased take-off and landing range canceled further development of a Raiden with the Kasei 23C.
It was introduced in Update 1.47 "Big Guns" as a premium vehicle purchasable in-game with Golden Eagles 
, but was removed from in-game sale after the 9th Anniversary Sale. It has since been made available temporarily for purchase in-game with Golden Eagles during the 2022 "Day of Japan" and 2023 "National Foundation Day in Japan" mini-events. Similar to its replacing variant, the J2M5, the J2M4 boosts its performance over its earlier predecessors by boasting a 1,854 hp engine on top of equipping a turbocharger increasing its efficiency at high altitudes.
- Nicknames
- Official Designation: 雷電 (Raiden, "Lightning Bolt")
- Allied reporting name: Jack
General info
Flight performance
Max speed
at 7 000 m637 km/h
Turn time21 s
Max altitude13 000 m
EngineMitsubishi Ha-32
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight4 t
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 7,000 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | 611 | 592 | 13000 | 22.1 | 22.9 | 13.2 | 13.2 | 300 |
| Upgraded | 664 | 637 | 19.9 | 21.0 | 22.7 | 17.3 | ||
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 | + | - | ||
| 820 | 350 | 488 | 454 | 280 | ~10 | ~8 |
| Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
| < 390 | < 400 | < 420 | > 324 |
Survivability and armour
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural820 km/h
Gear350 km/h
- 70 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
- 8.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest
Modifications and economy
Repair cost
AB1 704 
RB5 873
SB4 882
Crew training10 000
Experts290 000
Aces940
Research Aces960 000 
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
2 × 90 / 250 / 450 % 2 × 166 / 166 / 166 % | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Offensive armament
The J2M4 Kai is armed with:
- 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons, wing-mounted (190 rpg = 380 total)
- 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)
Wielding four 20 mm cannons, this aircraft can cripple any enemy it encounters. However, the main advantage the Raiden has over its Allied counterparts is its climb rate. In realistic battles, the J2M4 can climb to altitude very fast, especially when given an air start. Once at a high altitude, this allows the Raiden pilot to pick and choose targets, dictating where and when he or she wants to fight. The J2M4's 20 mm cannons may seem lacklustre at first, but they have a knack for snapshots, or quick bursts of fire when manoeuvring.
Suspended armament
The J2M4 Kai can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)
Usage in battles
Generally, the J2M4 performs similarly to the early Fw 190 A variants, having a deadly armament, good roll rate, low top speed, but higher climb rate. Use what the Raiden does best to achieve success - energy fighting. Instead of turn fighting or bleeding all built up energy or speed in turns, attack enemies from a higher altitude and then regain that altitude once the attack has been delivered. The J2M4 excels at Boom & Zoom due to its high rate of climb and deadly armament, even more so than its earlier variants, the J2M2 and J2M3.
The Raiden's main downside is its lack of manoeuvrability. Similar to its German counterpart, the Fw 190 A-8, the Raiden struggles to beat enemies in turn fights, especially Spitfires. 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.
The Raiden pilot may also find themselves outrun by high altitude aircraft such as the P-51 D-5 Mustang. All these aircraft have to do to avoid the J2M is dive away and build up speed. Fortunately, the J2M4 has a surprise - a massive ammunition pool totaling 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.
Featuring four 20 mm cannons, 2 Type 99 Mk 1 and 2 Type 99 Mk 2 cannons with plenty of ammunition, the J2M4 is capable of destroying all kinds of aircraft. Although destroying heavy bombers like the B-29 Superfortress takes a lot of ammunition, the J2M4 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 "Tracer" belt is filled with HEFT shells, but they only contain half of the power of a standard HEF, and can give away your position.
Overall, the Raiden is best used as a support or surprise intercept, high altitude, high damage output interceptor (not a dedicaded fighter). While it does not excel in the speed, manoeuvrability categories or climbing, it makes up for that in armament. When flown disciplined accordingly the capabillities the succes rate will increase.
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:
- Good top speed
- Large ammunition pool
- Climbs very well
- Has generally good dive characteristics
- Good energy retention
- 12 mm armour plate behind windscreen
- Good roll rate at lower speeds
- Decent high altitude performance due to the turbocharger
Cons:
- Very poor high speed performance
- Prone to engine and fuel fires
- Doesn't turn well
- Elevator doesn't respond well, especially at high speeds
- Lack of armour around fuel tanks or engine
- Differing muzzle velocities between the two marks of the Type 99 cannon on the J2M4 will require you to lead much further than normal as an order to utilize the full effectiveness of the J2M4's firepower
History
Development
As the development behind the 14-Shi Interceptor (J2M2 and J2M3) were disappointing in performance and didn't achieve it's projected goal, Mitsubishi set up a new goal with the availability of newer and stronger engines, this would be called under the 14-Shi Kai Interceptor.
Jiro Horikoshi and his team redesigned the nose of the plane to hold the new Kasei 23c engine and with this prototype they achieved the requested goal, this plane would be known as the J2M4, Raiden Model 32. It solved the engine vibrations and the cooling system was more reliable compared to that of the previous models. It would still preserve the same electrical malfunctions to the landing gear which didn't get redesigned as the engine and its performance were a more pressing issue.
This progress allowed Mitsubishi to further develop the Raiden and so they would with the Kasei 26a, equipping it in the J2M5, Raiden Model 33.
Media
- Skins
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) | |
| Japan premium aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Fighters | Hagiri's A5M4 · A7He1 · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai |
| Ki-44-II otsu · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅F4U-1A · Ki-100-II · Ki-44-I 34 | |
| ▅Fw 190 A-5 · A7M1 (NK9H) · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · ▅P-51C-11-NT | |
| J2M4 Kai · A6M5 Ko · A6M6c · J2M5 · Ki-87 · J6K1 | |
| Twin-engine fighters | Ki-96 |
| Jet fighters | F-86F-40 JASDF▅ · T-2 Early · F-4EJ ADTW |
| Strike aircraft | ▄AV-8S |
| Bombers | Ki-21-I hei · Ki-48-II otsu · H8K3 · B7A2 (Homare 23) · ▅B-17E |
