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Japan's Mitsubishi A6M2-K, A6M5-K trainers1
A6M2 Type 0 Training Fighter Model 112
Type Zero Training Fighter Model 111
Design
Originally some A6M2s in the field were converted in 1942 to two seaters to be used for reconnaissance and command duties.1
Specifications for a dedicated trainer was given in 1943.1 Dai-Nijuichi Kaigun Kokoshu (21st Naval Air Depot) designed the A6M2-K.1
The instructor was behind the student.1 The trainer's seat was where the radio and other equipment was located.1,2 The student's part of the cockpit was permanently open.1
Dual controls were installed.1 The fixed tailwheel was larger than the A6M fighters.1,2 Wheel covers and the wing cannons were removed to save weight.1,2
A stability fin was added just in front of the horizontal stabilizer.2
Production
The first A6M2-K was completed in November 1943.1
The first A6M5-K was flown in March 1945.1
Variants
- A6M2-K
- A6M5-K: Shorter wing.1
Usage
The A6M2-K first entered service in early 1944.1
Some ended up being used as Kamikaze planes.1,2
| Mitsubishi A6M2-K1 | Mitsubishi A6M5-K1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Advanced trainer1 | Advanced trainer1 |
| Crew | 21 | 21 |
| Engine (Type) | Nakajima N1KC Sakae 121 | Nakajima NK1F Sakae 211 |
| Cylinders | Radial 141 | |
| Cooling | ||
| Net HP | 9501 | 1,1301 |
| Propeller blades | 31 | 31 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Span | 39' 4.5"1 12 m1 |
36' 1"1 11 m1 |
| Length | 30' 0.25"1 9.15 m1 |
|
| Height | 11' 7.25"1 3.53 m1 |
|
| Wing area | ||
| Weight | ||
| Empty | 4,010 lb1 1,819 kg1 |
|
| Loaded | 5,146 lb1 2,334 kg1 |
|
| Maximum load | 5,792 lb1 2,627 kg1 |
|
| Performance | ||
| Speed @ 13,125' / 4,000 m |
296 mph1 476 kph1 |
|
| Cruising speed | 214 mph1 344 kph1 |
|
| Climb to 19,685' / 6,000 m |
7.9 minutes1 | |
| Service ceiling | 33,400'1 10,180 m1 |
|
| Range | 857 miles1 1,380 km1 |
|
| Armament | ||
| Nose | 2: 7.7 mm MG1 | |
| Bombs - under wings | 2: 132 lb1 2: 60 kg1 |
|
| OR | ||
| Bomb - under fuselage | 1: 551 lb1 1: 250 kg1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- A6M Zero in Action, Shigeru Nohara, 1983
