Developed under the specification for the “Year 14 (Showa 14 or 1939) Land-based Fighter” the “Raiden” was an inceptor that specialized in combating bombers. While the carrier based Zero Fighter represented Plan A for offensive operations, as a local inceptor the Raiden was developed operated under Plan B for defense. With poor maneuverability it was not suited for dogfights; however it had excellent climbing performance and armament.