J2M Raiden

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today] "The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden makes its first flight. The “Jack” is intended to be a short ranged land based interceptor. By the time it enters service in 1944 the lack of supercharger and shortage of skilled pilots will limit its effectiveness. 621 will be built.

 

J2M Raiden"

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

And yet, in Il2 ‘46 it could catch my p-51 in a ten minute extended chase. (I was trying to RTB for ammo.)

[cardboard_killer]

http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/japan/Jack-11-105A.pdf

 

 

Edited March 20, 2022 by cardboard_killer

[Supercharger]

An very interesting aircraft,

 

and my favorite japanese. But iam trying since years to get any reliable information and pictures of the J2M5 and the Mitsubishi Kasei 26a MK4U-A Engine. In serveral sources you can find statements about improved full throttle heights of the 26a. But i differs, some say its two stage three speed (which requires intercooling in my opionion), other source just call for "improved"  supercharger design but remain at two speeds. The only picture i have from a J2M5 shows only one difference compared to a J2M3, its the smaller(very small) ventral oil cooler intake at the engine cowling.

 

Does somebody have pictures and reliable infos about a J2M5 and its Kasei 26 engine installation? 

[Vig]

That's quite an airplane.