Japanese pilot opinions on the J2M

[Graham Boak]

Not if the test pilot had been trained in the old ways (as of course they had). He would display precisely the same bias in his opinions, whatever he might express publicly that might upset the management! Something that would not concern service pilots encountering the type. It is to be expected that he would also report on the advantages of the type, but the truth is that the Raiden did not have so good a view as earlier IJN fighters, and wasn't as agile either. The emphasis placed on the importance of these matters compared with its advantages (when the engine was working properly) is something for the type's supporters to stress, but with all the advantages of distance we should be able to recognise both sides of the matter.