[Coming Soon] J2M5 Raiden: “Lightning” from Above

The Big and Medium Trophies of the Aviation Campaign contains a Japanese high-altitude interceptor, the J2M5 Raiden.

Historical Note

By 1944, the Japanese Navy faced a critical issue with the Raiden interceptor: earlier models couldn't reach the high altitudes needed to effectively engage American B-29 bombers. Their answer was the J2M5 modification, which equipped the fighter with a Kasei 26a engine featuring a supercharger for improved high-altitude performance. Unfortunately, despite successful test flights in May 1944, mass production began too late to make a meaningful impact.

By 1945, as B-29 raids intensified, Japan could only produce about 50 J2M5 aircraft. Although the J2M5 outperformed its predecessors, persistent aluminum shortages and a war-torn industry prevented its mass production.

J2M5 (Rank VIII)

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: Excellent climb rate, powerful armament, and solid maneuverability.
Weaknesses: Difficult to control at high speeds.
Opportunities: Rapid altitude gain and flexible tactical use.
Threats: Highly maneuverable enemy fighters.

In battle

The J2M5 is the most advanced model in the Raiden (“Lightning”) fighter family. It stands out for its excellent high-altitude performance, powerful armament, and exceptional versatility across a wide range of combat scenarios.

One of the J2M5’s standout features is its exceptional climb rate, consistently providing a crucial altitude advantage against most adversaries and allowing it to be the first to reach high-altitude bombers. This combination of high speed, compact size, and agile maneuverability establishes the J2M5 as one of the best high-altitude fighters in the game. However, be aware that the elevators can feel heavy at high speeds, so avoid sharp maneuvers when attacking from a dive.

The J2M5 is well-armed, featuring four 20 mm cannons mounted in the wings with a generous ammunition supply. Its HE tracer shells are especially effective, often igniting enemy aircraft. While aiming wing-mounted cannons isn't as precise as nose-mounted ones, the generous ammo supply allows for sustained fire without much concern for conservation. Additionally, the J2M5 can carry a modest external load, two 60-kg bombs for limited ground attack capabilities.

In summary, the J2M5 is set to be one of the top-performing piston-engine aircraft in War Thunder Mobile. Its true potential shines in high-altitude combat, where few opponents can match its capabilities.

Premium ♠J2M5♠︎ (Rank VIII)

The Premium variant is an extra plane for your roster! The premium aircraft maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With the premium aircraft, you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

To unlock the standard aircraft, you need to collect 1,000 blueprints.

Here’s how you can get them:

In Medium Trophy: Chance to receive 700 aircraft blueprints in the jackpot, or 10 to 100 per attempt. Each attempt also grants a small chance to unlock the aircraft instantly.
In Big Trophy: Chance to receive 700 aircraft blueprints, or 80 to 200 blueprints per attempt.
Via the in-game store: Getting the Blueprints Folder for Silver Lions grants a chance to receive some blueprints for the standard variant even after the season ends.
In special offers.

As for the premium aircraft:

Every Big Trophy attempt has a minor chance to unlock the plane instantly.
By reaching the top-10 in the Aircraft Leaderboard.
You can also find this plane in some special offers.

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still a work in progress and may differ on release.

The J2M5 (Rank VIII) aircraft will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.