The Plane That (Hypothetically) Could Have Saved Japan

The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden, nicknamed “Jack” by Allied forces, was a single-engine, land-based interceptor designed by Jiro Horikoshi, the same engineer behind the famed A6M Zero.

While it was developed too late and in insufficient numbers to significantly impact the course of World War II, one can speculate how the Raiden, deployed earlier and in greater quantities, might have altered Japan’s defensive strategy and potentially influenced the war’s outcome.

Design and Capabilities

The Raiden was conceived to counter high-altitude, fast-flying bombers like the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, which wreaked havoc on Japan’s cities during the latter stages of the war. Unlike the Zero, which prioritized maneuverability and range, the Raiden was built for speed, climb rate, and firepower.

Powered by the 14-cylinder Mitsubishi Kasei radial engine, the J2M could reach speeds of up to 375 mph and had an exceptional climb rate of 5,820 feet per minute. Armed with four powerful 20mm cannons, it was capable of dealing devastating damage to Allied bombers.

How It Could Have Helped Japan

If the J2M Raiden had been introduced earlier in the war, say in 1942 or 1943, and produced in significant numbers, it might have dramatically bolstered Japan’s defensive capabilities. By establishing an effective interceptor fleet, Japan could have defended its industrial centers, reducing the impact of Allied bombing raids that crippled its war economy.

For example, B-29s flying missions over Tokyo and other cities faced limited opposition from Japanese fighters, which were often outclassed in speed and altitude performance. The Raiden, with its specific design to counter such threats, could have significantly raised the attrition rates for these bombers, forcing the Allies to reconsider their bombing strategies.

The Harsh Reality

Even in this hypothetical scenario, challenges remain. Japan’s industrial base struggled to meet wartime demands, and material shortages were rampant. Producing large numbers of high-performance fighters like the Raiden would have required a complete overhaul of Japan’s production strategy, which was heavily decentralized and inefficient compared to Allied counterparts.

Additionally, the Raiden was a specialized aircraft, less versatile than the Zero. Its short range and limited operational flexibility meant it would have been effective primarily in defensive roles. Without adequate support from bombers, naval forces, and ground troops, Japan’s broader strategic problems would have persisted.