The Mistubishi J2M Raiden "Jack" was a land based fighter flown by the IJNAS (Imperial Japanese Naval Air Service) during the final years of The Second World War. While online intended to serve as a high altitude interceptor to counter the American B-29 threat, it was unable to carry out this task effectively due to the lack of a supercharger, among other reasons.
Despite this, the "Jack" (Allied reporting name) proved a formidable foe for the British and American pilots who faced it. The combined armament of two cannons and two machine guns made short work of any Allied plane who came within the Jack's sights. Unfortunately, this did little to stem the tide of American bombers and Japan would ultimately succumb to the power of the Allied forces.
This was not the end of the Jack however, as it was such a marvel to Allied forces (particularly the British) that captured models were studied and flown extensively. The goal being to adapt its technology to improve future RAF designs which and it certainly did so.
Our "Jack" is painted to represent the Mitsubishi J2M-3 Raiden Model 21 as flown by Lt. Yoshihiro Aoki, 352 Naval Air Group, Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service, Omura Naval AB - March, 1945.
***Disclaimer***
While the markings featured on this plane are confirmed, no photos show the aircraft in this state. Japanese aircraft were known for frequently featuring heavily chipped paint that was rarely retouched. Creative liberty was taken by our artist to paint this aircraft as well worn, as perhaps it would have been after a longer service life than it truly saw.
Product code: Mitsubishi J2M-3 Raiden "Jack" online Model 21 Built Plastic Model 1/72 Scale