rdfs:comment
| - The J2M was designed by Jiro Hirikoshi in 1939. 14 prototypes were built by February, 1942, and it first flew on March 20th, 1942. However, due to engine problems that had to be fixed, the Raiden didn't enter service until late 1943, and didn't see combat until 1944.
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abstract
| - The J2M was designed by Jiro Hirikoshi in 1939. 14 prototypes were built by February, 1942, and it first flew on March 20th, 1942. However, due to engine problems that had to be fixed, the Raiden didn't enter service until late 1943, and didn't see combat until 1944. The J2M was used as a land-based interceptor to counteract the Allied bombings of the Japanese islands. It was highly effective against the B-29 Superfortress with its 20 mm cannons and high climbing speed. Several were also deployed to the Philippines. A total of 476 were built, but that wasn't enough to stop the attacks against the Japanese Empire. The J2M was retired in August, 1945, after a cease fire between Allied and Japanese forces. A few were captured by British and American forces, and only one - J2M3 serial 3014, captured by US forces at Atsugi - has survived to the present day. It is currently on display at the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California, in the markings of the 302nd Kokutai.
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