Thursday 11 May 2017

Flashing Lightning Indeed


In 1942, the Japanese Naval Air Force issued new requirements (known internally as Shizaku 17-Shi Otsu) for a new high speed fighter capable of attacking heavy four-engine bomber aircraft at their operational altitude and a successor to the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden. Sometime in 1944, Mitsubishi began working on their project for a new single-engine high-speed interceptor fighter, a full-metal low wing, which had a horizontal tail between the two gondola hulls, with power coming from a pushing propeller.

However, as impressive as the design looked on paper, it didn't advance beyond the wind tunnel stage. Showing poor aerodynamic results, prototype engine manufacturing delays and difficulties and the Mitsubishi design team quite literally being overworked, the project stalled. Seeing better success coming from Kyushu, through the development of their J7W1 (also a pusher propeller design), won the production contract and Mitsubishi continued to work on improving their existing A7M line.

Despite the secrecy of the project, details were leaked out and it was assign the Allied call-sign "Luke."


In the right hands, the J4M (also know as the "Jammer" among a certain few) in World of Warplanes is a very capable aircraft, breaking the low operational altitude/turn and burn stigma associated with Japanese planes. Although a little weak in a steep climb, the engine does recover power fairly quickly and the cannons hit with force with a low rate of fire.

The following video is a good example of how NOT to fly this premium tier VII Multirole. Take a look and see why....

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