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About the J2M3 Raiden
The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Thunderbolt) land-based fighter used by the Japanese
Navy was the first Japanese fighter to be designed from the outset for the
interception role, with emphasis being placed on speed and climb rather than on
maneuverability. Its good performance, powerful armament, and adequate armor
protection made it perhaps the most effective bomber destroyer used against the
B-29 by the Japanese during the Pacific War. However, the Raiden was
persistently plagued by technical difficulties and production snags throughout
its entire life, and only 476 of these excellent interceptors were built, too
few and too late to affect the outcome of the war. More about the J2M Raiden's history
The design process
To develop the model design I did extensive research on the Internet and found several good sources of
information, including drawings, photos and text. I always begin my design by either working with a good
three view and/or profile drawings. In the case of this model took available resources and developed my
own three view drawings. I also use available profile images and images captured from the IL2 Simulator by
UBISoft.
I imported these drawing into my CAD software (AutoCAD) and traced over the sketches making adjustments
for different views as I went. Once the three views were finished I scaled them to the desired wing span for this
model. CLICK HERE to view the
3-view drawing I developed for this model.
Once the accurate 3-view drawing has been developed I work to develope the structure of the model. Wing ribs
are generated using my Airfoil Design Workshop software The airfoils
are imported into AutoCAD as a dXF. Fuselage bulkheads, formers, horizontal and vertical stabilizer are
designed for interlocking parts or sheet balsa depending on the construction of the original aircraft
and the intended model finish. Laser cutting templates are developed from the CAD parts.
CLICK HERE for a sample of the laser cut parts developed for this model.
CAD drawing under development in AutoCAD
Tracing the top view over an accurate flight model from UBISoft's - Pacific Fighters
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