MAQUETTE À MONTER - Mitsubishi J2M3 Interceptor Raiden (Jack) Tamiya | N° 61018 | 1:48
Prix régulier 20,00 € TTC 6%
Characteristics
| Scale | 1/48 |
| Manufacturer | TAMIYA |
| Size of the box | 30 x 20 x 5 cm |
| EAN | 4950344980765 |
Description
The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was the Imperial Japanese Navy’s first purpose-built land-based interceptor, developed to counter high-altitude bomber threats. Officially designated the J4-Shi Interceptor in 1940, it was designed by Jiro Horikoshi’s team, known for the A6M Zero. Priority was given to climb rate, speed, and altitude performance, leading to the use of the large air-cooled Kasei engine despite its drawbacksNAVY’s reservations. To reduce drag, the Raiden featured an extended propeller shaft, streamlined cowling, forced-cooling fan, and a spindle-shaped fuselage. Early prototypes suffered from engine issues, vibration, and poor visibility, delaying service entry until late 1943 as the J2M2 Type 11. The improved J2M3 Type 21, armed with four 20 mm cannons, became the main production variant, with about 800 built. The Raiden proved most effective in homeland air defense, notably with the 302nd Air Group against B-29 raids.
More to read about the KIT here, thanks to scalemates, a Belgian Scale modeling database