J2M4 Kai

Description

The J2M4 Model 32, designated as Raiden Mod.32 (雷電三二型), was a high-altitude prototype variant of the Raiden series developed to increase the service ceiling and effectiveness at high altitude. It was equipped with a Mitsubishi MK4R-C "Kasei 23C" engine and turbocharger, which lengthened the nose of the plane considerably. With 2 prototypes built, problems with the turbocharger, weight balance, and increased take-off and landing range canceled further development of a Raiden with the Kasei 23C.

It was introduced in Update 1.47 "Big Guns" as a premium vehicle purchasable in-game with Golden Eagles , but was removed from in-game sale after the 9th Anniversary Sale. It has since been made available temporarily for purchase in-game with Golden Eagles during the 2022 "Day of Japan" and 2023 "National Foundation Day in Japan" mini-events. Similar to its replacing variant, the J2M5, the J2M4 boosts its performance over its earlier predecessors by boasting a 1,854 hp engine on top of equipping a turbocharger increasing its efficiency at high altitudes.

Nicknames

• Official Designation: 雷電 (Raiden, "Lightning Bolt")
• Allied reporting name: Jack

General info

Flight performance

Details

Survivability and armour

• 70 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
• 8.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Offensive armament

The J2M4 Kai is armed with:

• 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons, wing-mounted (190 rpg = 380 total)
• 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)

Wielding four 20 mm cannons, this aircraft can cripple any enemy it encounters. However, the main advantage the Raiden has over its Allied counterparts is its climb rate. In realistic battles, the J2M4 can climb to altitude very fast, especially when given an air start. Once at a high altitude, this allows the Raiden pilot to pick and choose targets, dictating where and when he or she wants to fight. The J2M4's 20 mm cannons may seem lacklustre at first, but they have a knack for snapshots, or quick bursts of fire when manoeuvring.

Suspended armament

The J2M4 Kai can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

• Without load
• 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)

Usage in battles

Generally, the J2M4 performs similarly to the early Fw 190 A variants, having a deadly armament, good roll rate, low top speed, but higher climb rate. Use what the Raiden does best to achieve success - energy fighting. Instead of turn fighting or bleeding all built up energy or speed in turns, attack enemies from a higher altitude and then regain that altitude once the attack has been delivered. The J2M4 excels at Boom & Zoom due to its high rate of climb and deadly armament, even more so than its earlier variants, the J2M2 and J2M3.

The Raiden's main downside is its lack of manoeuvrability. Similar to its German counterpart, the Fw 190 A-8, the Raiden struggles to beat enemies in turn fights, especially Spitfires. If caught in a sticky situation, the Raiden pilot may choose to dive away or seek help from teammates. Trying to fight an enemy Spitfire in a turn battle with the J2M is a terrible idea, unless the enemy aircraft is damaged or many teammates are nearby. Moreover, the J2M's high speed manoeuvrability is poor, making the entire aircraft lock up. It can be very difficult to pull out of a dive, roll, or turn when at high speeds with the J2M. The Raiden's manoeuvrability is more or less on par with its enemies in simulator battles, for the most part.

The Raiden pilot may also find themselves outrun by high altitude aircraft such as the P-51 D-5 Mustang. All these aircraft have to do to avoid the J2M is dive away and build up speed. Fortunately, the J2M4 has a surprise - a massive ammunition pool totaling 800 rounds. That's 800 rounds of high explosive cannon ammunition that can be dispensed at will towards fleeing enemies. With good aim and practice, it is possible to "snipe" enemies from a kilometre away.

Featuring four 20 mm cannons, 2 Type 99 Mk 1 and 2 Type 99 Mk 2 cannons with plenty of ammunition, the J2M4 is capable of destroying all kinds of aircraft. Although destroying heavy bombers like the B-29 Superfortress takes a lot of ammunition, the J2M4 can afford to lose some. The "Stealth" belt has the best combination of AP/API and HEF to shred enemy aircraft, and are recommended for those who do not need a tracer shell to aim. Alternatively, for those not used to IJN 20 mm cannons, the "Universal" belt is your best bet. The "Tracer" belt is filled with HEFT shells, but they only contain half of the power of a standard HEF, and can give away your position.

Overall, the Raiden is best used as a support or surprise intercept, high altitude, high damage output interceptor (not a dedicaded fighter). While it does not excel in the speed, manoeuvrability categories or climbing, it makes up for that in armament. When flown disciplined accordingly the capabillities the succes rate will increase.

Manual Engine Control

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Good top speed
• Large ammunition pool
• Climbs very well
• Has generally good dive characteristics
• Good energy retention
• 12 mm armour plate behind windscreen
• Good roll rate at lower speeds
• Decent high altitude performance due to the turbocharger

Cons:

• Very poor high speed performance
• Prone to engine and fuel fires
• Doesn't turn well
• Elevator doesn't respond well, especially at high speeds
• Lack of armour around fuel tanks or engine
• Differing muzzle velocities between the two marks of the Type 99 cannon on the J2M4 will require you to lead much further than normal as an order to utilize the full effectiveness of the J2M4's firepower

History

Development

As the development behind the 14-Shi Interceptor (J2M2 and J2M3) were disappointing in performance and didn't achieve it's projected goal, Mitsubishi set up a new goal with the availability of newer and stronger engines, this would be called under the 14-Shi Kai Interceptor.

Jiro Horikoshi and his team redesigned the nose of the plane to hold the new Kasei 23c engine and with this prototype they achieved the requested goal, this plane would be known as the J2M4, Raiden Model 32. It solved the engine vibrations and the cooling system was more reliable compared to that of the previous models. It would still preserve the same electrical malfunctions to the landing gear which didn't get redesigned as the engine and its performance were a more pressing issue.

This progress allowed Mitsubishi to further develop the Raiden and so they would with the Kasei 26a, equipping it in the J2M5, Raiden Model 33.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the J2M4 Kai from live.warthunder.com.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

• Official data sheet - more details about the performance