Blood Red Skies: Mitsubishi J2M Raiden Squadron

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.

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.

—description from the publisher