[DavidIsby]

FROM: Japanese Aircraft Combat Performance: Excerpts from Aircraft Action Reports and Battle Narratives, February-May 1044, Air Intelligence Group, Division of Naval Intelligence, Office of the CNO, Op-Nav-16-V-#E-3110, July 1944
Operations against Kavieng, 20 Mar 1944 Task Group 36.3, USS Natoma Bay, CO H.L. Meadow, Capt
FM2s vs. Tony
“The most effective angles of attack on the Tony were high-side runs from either quarter. Tony’s best defense was the use of violent skids and turns just over the surface of the water. The final attack was successful because the Jap pulled up into a climb to the left, giving both FM2s a wide-open chance for good shots,
Jap Tactics
“The Jap pilot apparently thought he was fighting F4Fs, and that he had a vastly superior edge in speed as well as maneuverability. In the tail chase he gave no indication of concern over his ability to out-run his pursuers, maintaining his original course of 035 degrees, and only when the FM2s began closing at sea-level did he drop his wing-tank and commence evasive tactics.
Tony’s Performance
“After dropping his wing-tank Tony appeared to slow up rather than increase speed, the cause unknown, although black smoke trails from his engine indicated a very rich gas mixture. Tony … dropped what seemed to be magnesium streamers, which left cylindrical smoke trails.
“Tony may have had armor around pilot as 50 cal hits in the cockpit splintered the enclosure, and caused engine to smoke. But the pilot apparently was not hit.
Comparative Plane performance
”FM2 is considerably more maneuverable than FM1, but still not as maneuverable as Tony
VC-63 Pilot’s Report: Fifty-Mile Chase to Catch Tony
After the bombardment, during the retirement of the task force, the four FM2s on combat air patrol were vectored out to intercept a bogey reported 45 miles ahead. Planes flew at 180 knots, climbing to 9500 feet. A Tony was sighted and overhauled after a 50-mile chase. Using full throttle, the FM2s descended from 9500 feet to 400 feet in a shallow dive at 330 knots. Closing was gradually made at sea level at indicated air speed of 275 to 280 knots., The Tony made extremely sharp turns at full speed, turning inside the FM2s and leaving distinct vapor trails in turns at all altitude. The Jap was bracketed by the fighters which made passes and head-on runs. Two more FM2s approached from above and behind and fired on his tail. Practically on the water by this time, the Tony made a turn to the left and received hits on the engine from the FM2 on the starboard quarters. The Jap then pulled up into a climb to the left and was finished off in a final attack which sent him spinning into the water in flames.