J2M Raiden and N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai Aces
Although seen as a replacement for the A6M Zero-sen carrier-based fighter, the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was actually designed as a land-based naval interceptor optimized for speed rather than maneuverability. Engine cooling problems for its Mitsubishi Kasai 23 engine and airflow and flight control issues plagued the Raiden's development, but despite these production delays, aces Sadaaki Akamatsu Yoshihiro Aoki, Susumu Ito and Susumu Ishihara all claimed significant scores in the Raiden.

Kawanishi's N1K family of fighters were privately developed by the manufacturer from the N1K Kyofu floatplane fighter. Again plagued by structural and engine maladies, the N1K1-J Shiden eventually entered front line service in time to see considerable action in the doomed defense of the Philippines in October 1944. Despite suffering heavy losses, the units equipped with new fighter proved that the N1K could more than hold its own against P-38s and F6Fs. The improved N1K2-J Shiden-KAI started to reach the front line by late 1944—in time to defend the Home Islands. Here, it proved to be the best IJN fighter of the war.

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J2M Raiden and N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai Aces
Although seen as a replacement for the A6M Zero-sen carrier-based fighter, the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was actually designed as a land-based naval interceptor optimized for speed rather than maneuverability. Engine cooling problems for its Mitsubishi Kasai 23 engine and airflow and flight control issues plagued the Raiden's development, but despite these production delays, aces Sadaaki Akamatsu Yoshihiro Aoki, Susumu Ito and Susumu Ishihara all claimed significant scores in the Raiden.

Kawanishi's N1K family of fighters were privately developed by the manufacturer from the N1K Kyofu floatplane fighter. Again plagued by structural and engine maladies, the N1K1-J Shiden eventually entered front line service in time to see considerable action in the doomed defense of the Philippines in October 1944. Despite suffering heavy losses, the units equipped with new fighter proved that the N1K could more than hold its own against P-38s and F6Fs. The improved N1K2-J Shiden-KAI started to reach the front line by late 1944—in time to defend the Home Islands. Here, it proved to be the best IJN fighter of the war.

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J2M Raiden and N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai Aces

J2M Raiden and N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai Aces

J2M Raiden and N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai Aces

J2M Raiden and N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai Aces

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Overview

Although seen as a replacement for the A6M Zero-sen carrier-based fighter, the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden was actually designed as a land-based naval interceptor optimized for speed rather than maneuverability. Engine cooling problems for its Mitsubishi Kasai 23 engine and airflow and flight control issues plagued the Raiden's development, but despite these production delays, aces Sadaaki Akamatsu Yoshihiro Aoki, Susumu Ito and Susumu Ishihara all claimed significant scores in the Raiden.

Kawanishi's N1K family of fighters were privately developed by the manufacturer from the N1K Kyofu floatplane fighter. Again plagued by structural and engine maladies, the N1K1-J Shiden eventually entered front line service in time to see considerable action in the doomed defense of the Philippines in October 1944. Despite suffering heavy losses, the units equipped with new fighter proved that the N1K could more than hold its own against P-38s and F6Fs. The improved N1K2-J Shiden-KAI started to reach the front line by late 1944—in time to defend the Home Islands. Here, it proved to be the best IJN fighter of the war.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781472812612
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publication date: 04/19/2016
Series: Aircraft of the Aces , #129
Pages: 96
Sales rank: 498,759
Product dimensions: 7.20(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Yasuho Izawa is an ophthalmic optician whose past works include co-authoring Japanese Army Air Force Fighter Units and their Aces 1931-45, Japanese Naval Air Force Fighter Units and their Aces 1932-45, and Bloody Shambles--Volumes 1 and 2. He lives in Tokyo.

Jim Laurier, a New England native and lifelong artist, has produced some of the finest artwork seen in Osprey's books on aviation.

Table of Contents

The Need for Interceptors /Kawanishi Fighters /N1K1 Kyofu and J2M Raiden in Combat /N1K1-J Shiden in Combat /N1K2-J Shiden-Kai in Combat /Appendices /Colour Plates Commentary /Index
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