1/72 J2M2 Raiden

The Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Allied codename ‘Jack’) was a Japanese single-seat fighter aircraft developed for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. Unlike the famous A6M Zero, which was designed with an emphasis on manoeuvrability and range, the Raiden was conceived as an interceptor fighter intended primarily for rapid climb and combat against enemy bombers. This was reflected in its robust construction, powerful engine and heavy armament, which were intended to ensure the ability to rapidly reach attack altitude and engage heavy aircraft. The J2M2 version was one of the early production variants and represented an important step in the development of the entire series, although the type was plagued by engine tuning difficulties in its early days. For modellers, the Raiden is of interest due to its characteristic ‘stocky’ fuselage with a large engine and a distinctive silhouette, which differs markedly from the sleeker Japanese fighters.

The Sword 1:72 scale kit is a glue-up model supplemented with resin parts (PUR), which generally allow for a finer and more detailed finish on selected parts than is possible with standard injection-moulded plastic. The kit also includes masking sheets, which make it easier to paint transparent parts and help achieve a clean and precise finish. The kit offers two marking variants, allowing you to build the model in different colour schemes and unit affiliations.

The 1:72 scale is practical for building a comprehensive collection of aircraft, as it combines a reasonable size for the finished model with ample scope for detail. For this Japanese naval fighter, the model typically features highlighted panelling, subtle operational soiling and graduated wear and tear reflecting its intensive frontline service in the Pacific. The pack does not contain the paints or adhesives required for assembly.