Mitsubishi J2M
| Mitsubishi J2M | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Interceptor |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
March 20, 1942 |
| Commissioning: |
December 1943 |
| Number of pieces: |
476 |
The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (German: Thunderbolt, allied code name: Jack) was an interceptor made by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi , which was used by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force during World War II .
history
In Japan, the Raiden stood for a radical change in the priorities in the construction of single-seat fighter aircraft, as here for the first time speed and climbing performance were given priority over the great maneuverability, which was previously regarded as indispensable. The machine was also the first Japanese fighter aircraft that was intended exclusively as an interceptor from the start. Under the factory designation M-20, development began in early 1940 as part of the 14 Shi program under the direction of the designer Jirō Horikoshi . The Mitsubishi Kasei (Mars) radial engine chosen as the drive was given a long casing with a relatively small circular air inlet to reduce air resistance. This required forced ventilation via a fan wheel and a remote shaft between the motor and propeller. The wings were given a laminar profile and so-called "combat flaps" to increase lift with little resistance. The front window of the cockpit hood was kept extremely flat for aerodynamic reasons. Forged parts were used to a large extent in the construction of the cell structure .
The prototype, equipped with a 1460 hp MK4C Kasei 13, took off on its maiden flight on March 20, 1942 under the name J2M1 . A three-blade controllable pitch propeller from VDM was used as the propeller . The assessment by the manufacturer's test pilots was consistently positive, but the poor visibility to the front due to the strongly curved windshield was particularly criticized. In June and July 1942, naval pilots carried out a thorough test at the Suzuka naval airfield, criticizing not only the visibility but also the flight performance that did not meet the requirements. After three J2M1s had been completed, they switched to a more powerful Kasei 23a with methanol-water injection, which delivered a starting power of 1820 hp.
After this version had also received a modified flat windscreen, a higher cockpit and a four-blade propeller, it was introduced by the Navy in October 1942 as the J2M2 Raiden Model 11. However, further testing still revealed a number of deficiencies, including engine vibration and excessive smoke. The second and tenth series machines crashed for reasons that were initially unknown. A detailed accident investigation revealed that when the landing gear was retracted, the tail wheel strut pressed against the rotating shaft of the horizontal stabilizer, which pushed the control column forward. More machines broke apart in the air, which should be remedied by improvements to the engine mount. In December 1943, the first task force received the Raiden to familiarize the pilots with this pattern. At this point, production of the J2M3 Raiden 21 with improved armament had already started. With four fast-firing 20 mm Type99-II cannons in the wings, the model was named J2M3a. The J2M3 and J2M3a became the J2M6 Raiden 31 and J2M6a Raiden 31a with a new, more strongly curved cockpit cover introduced in June 1944.
In an attempt to improve the Raiden's abilities as high-altitude interceptors, two prototypes received exhaust gas turbochargers and flew for the first time in August 1944 as J2M4 Raiden 32. The armament was supplemented by two 20 mm cannons installed at an angle in the rear fuselage area, similar the installation of the “weird music” , as was also carried out by German night fighters in 1944. Difficulties with the turbocharger led to the abandonment of the J2M4 in favor of the J2M5, in which a mechanical charger was used on the MK4U-A-Kasei-26a engine. The J2M5 received only two 20 mm cannons, but achieved a higher speed and better climbing performance compared to the previous versions at 610 km / h (381 mph). Series production of the J2M4 began immediately, but due to a lack of engines, only between 30 and 40 machines could be completed. These were immediately delivered to task forces, where they proved to be the most suitable interceptors against the B-29 .
However, after the US forces captured Iwo Jima , the B-29s were accompanied by new P-51s . The Raiden fought from then on against the escort fighters and left the bombers to the flak and other interceptors, such as the Ki-45 Toryu "Nick" . The J2M units, which defended Japan from 1944-1945 against the USAAF bombers , were credited with a total of 676 kills.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data of the J2M3 |
|---|---|
| crew | 1 |
| length | 9.95 m |
| span | 10.82 m |
| Wing area | 20.05 m² |
| height | 3.95 m |
| drive | a Mitsubishi MK-4R-A Kasei 23a radial engine with an output of 1820 hp (1340 kW) |
| Top speed | 595 km / h at 5900 m altitude |
| Range | 1055 km |
| Service ceiling | 11,700 m |
| Armament | four 20 mm cannons and up to two 60 kg bombs |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 3945 kg |
Armament
- four 20mm Art 99-2 cannons, two in each wing
- two 60 kg bombs or two 200 liter auxiliary tanks
See also
literature
- William Green: Warplanes of the Second World War, Fighters, Vol. 3. Macdonald, London 1961, 4th Impression 1966, pp. 53-57.
- Aircraft - The new encyclopedia of aviation. Agostini collection, 1995, issue 152, p. 4253.
- AERO - The illustrated compilation of aviation. Marshall Cavendish, 1985, No. 116, p. 3248.
