Making its combat debut in June 1944 the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden, with IJNAF ACE Yozo Tsuboi, is on its way for Blood Red Skies!
Mitsubishi J2M ‘Raiden’
After a year correcting serious engine problems, the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (“Thunderbolt”) known by the Allied forces as “Jack”, finally arrived in front line squadrons February 1944.
J2M3 ‘Raiden’ of the 302nd Kokutai taking off from its base at Yokosuka
Primarily designed to defend against the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, and still handicapped by poor engine performance, pilots would use its four-cannon armament and dive and zoom tactics to great effect.
J2Ms operated from Guam and Saipan and a small number of aircraft were deployed to the Philippines. Some Raiden’s were based in Chosen airfields, Genzan (Wonsan), Ranan (Nanam), Funei (Nuren), Rashin (Najin)to fight against Soviet Naval Aviation units.
ACE Yozo Tsuboi
Mitsubishi J2M Raiden Ace Yozo Tsuboi
Yozo Tsuboi, was Japans only Raiden Ace claiming 5.5 victories in this aircraft whilst serving with the 302nd Kokutai (302nd Naval Air Group). He lost his last battle when taking on a formidably armed F-13A reconnaissance aircraft, (a redesignated version of the B-29 bomber) 1st April 1945.
302nd Kokutai – ‘Thunderbolt’ over Japan
Four Raiden’s, accompanied by eight A6M Zeros, all belonging to the 302nd Kokutai, intercepted a formation of US Navy F6F Hellcats from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10).
In the engagement, that took place only two hours before Japan officially announced its surrender, four Hellcats were lost along with two Raiden’s and two Zeros.
Set contains:
- 1x Squadron Box of 6x metal Mitsubishi J2M Raiden aircraft
- 1x metal ACE Mitsubishi J2M Raiden aircraft
- Generic IJNAF Decals Sheet
- Aircraft Cards
- Aircraft Trait cards
- Pilot skill discs
- Advantage Flying bases
Tom Mecredy