The "Tojo" Type 2 plane, the superior Japanese fighter, (see Tactical and
Technical Trends, No. 44, p. 1) was without armor when it first appeared in
operations. The examination of recent crashes reveals two pieces, 9.5-mm (.37 in)
thick, apparently added for the pilot's protection. One measures 7.25 inches
by 9.5 inches and the other 19.5 inches by 26 inches.
Various reports are available in connection with the "Tojo's" armament. Originally
they were fitted with two 7.7-mm or 12.7-mm machine guns in the nose, and
one 7.7-mm machine gun in each wing. A recent report indicates two guns in
each wing. A 12.7-mm gun is fitted inboard and a 7.7-mm gun outboard. There is
no further information concerning the nose guns.
Two types of ammunition loading are found to be used in groups of approximately
twenty rounds. One group carries 1 explosive and 2 armor-piercing tracers, the
other 1 explosive, 1 armor-piercing tracer, and 1 incendiary.