#j2m raiden

Inktober Day 30! Prompt: Jolt The J2M Raiden was a Japanese land-based high altitude interceptor, designed around the powerful Mitsubishi Kasei radial engine. Its short and stubby design was deceptively diminuitive, and after various teething issues were resolved the J2M was a fairly capable aircraft. Capable of an extreme rate of climb, the Raiden could reach its service ceiling in about 8 minutes. As well, armed with 4 20mm Type-99 cannons, the Raiden was fairly heavily armed for its size. Overall, while it did not see too much combat due to arriving late in the war, the Raiden was an interesting and dangerous aircraft. 

Deadly Avocado

(Source)

(IWM: CF 900)

Mitsubishi J2M Raiden fighter of the Technical Air Intelligence Unit, South West Pacific Area in flight over the Philippines, January 1945. The aircraft was captured by US forces in Manila.

From top to bottom: Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter, Mitsubishi J2M Raiden fighter captured by US forces and a Supermarine Seafire fighter in flight over the Philippines, January 1945.

“ATAIU-SEA” marking stood for “Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit - South East Asia.”