J2M Raiden

Developed by Mitsubishi for the Imperial Japanese Navy, the J2M Raiden (Thunderbolt) entered service in 1942 as a land‑based interceptor designed to counter high‑altitude Allied bombers. Drawing on experience from the earlier A6M Zero, the Raiden employed a compact, all‑metal airframe with a low‑wing monoplane layout and a powerful 1,850 hp Nakajima Homare 21 radial engine. Its armament typically comprised four 20 mm Type 99 cannons, later supplemented by two 30 mm Type 5 cannons, giving it a formidable punch against heavily armored targets. The aircraft featured a thick wing with a high aspect ratio, enabling good lift at altitude, and a retractable undercarriage that reduced drag. Though its performance excelled at 10,000‑12,000 m, handling quirks and a tendency to overheat limited its operational use. The J2M saw action in the defense of the home islands, particularly during the 1945 kamikaze raids, and its ability to climb rapidly made it a valuable stopgap until newer jet designs appeared. Today, the Raiden is remembered as a testament to Japan’s late‑war engineering ambition and as a bridge between piston‑engine fighters and the jet age. Only a few fragments survive in museums, and scale models keep its story alive for enthusiasts worldwide.

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