IJN
381st Kokutai
S-602 Hikotai
February 20, 1945
1945 via Robert Rocker
Aircraft History
Previously been attached to the 381 Kokutai, S-602 Hikotai with the unit tail code unknown (over painted). Flown in defense of Manila. This aircraft also may have been flown by 332nd Kokutai pilots as well.
Capture & Evaluation
Captured intact at Dewey Boulevard Strip, hidden under trees on February 20, 1945. When found, it had no tail number and the propeller was removed. The same report lists J2M3 3013 was captured on the same date.
This aircraft was taken to Clark FIeld for evaluation, and stripped to bare metal, and US markings applied: star & bar and a red and white striped tail with S 12 Tech Air Intel Unit - S.W.P.A. on the tail.
It made two test flights at Clark, on the second flight its engine was damaged. Later, it was destroyed on the ground when a B-25 collided with it.
References
JAMPM Report No.74 Appendix A mentions this aircraft's capture. Thanks to Tony Feredo and J-Aircraft J2M FAQ
Thanks to Jim Long for "Technical Air Intelligence Center Summary #34, entitled "Miscellaneous Aircraft and Equipment."
Jack
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