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Japan's Mitsubishi A6M6, A6M7, and A6M8 Rei-sen (zero fighter) fighter1
Navy Type 01
Allied Name: "Hamp", "Zeke"1
Design
Mitsubishi tried to improve the capabilities of the A6Ms with the A6M6, A6M7, and A6M8.1 But due to United States bombing campaign it was very difficult on industry.1
Prototype
The A6M6 Model 53c prototype first flew in November 1944.1 Due to engine failures the A6M6 was abandoned.1
The A6M7 Model 63 prototype first flew in May 1945.3
The A6M8 Model 54c first flew in April 1945.1
Production
The A6M7 entered production in May 1945.1
Variants
- A6M6: Self sealing fuel tanks.1
- A6M6 Model 53c3: Similar to the A6M5 Model 52c.1 Had a Sakae 31 engine with water methanol injection.1,3
- A6M7 Model 63: Based on the A6M6 Model 53c.1 Had bomb under the fuselage.1,3 Drop tanks (150 liter3) were under the wings.1,3 Tail section was strengthened for dive bombing.3
- A6M8: Had most powerful engine of A6M series.1 The airframe limited performance.1 The nose was altered and the cowling mounted machine gun was removed.1
- A6M8 Model 54c2: More powerful engine.2
Usage
| Mitsubishi A6M61 | Mitsubishi A6M71 | Mitsubishi A6M81 | Mitsubishi A6M8 Model 54c2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Fighter bomber1 | Fighter bomber1 | Fighter bomber1 | |
| Crew | 11 | 11 | 11 | |
| Engine (Type) | Nakajima Sakae 311 Sakae 31a3 |
Nakajima Sakae 311,3 | Mitsubishi Kinsei 621 | Mitsubishi Kinsei 622 |
| Cylinders | Radial 141 | Radial 141 | Radial 141 | |
| Cooling | ||||
| Net HP | 1,1301 | 1,1301 | 1,5601 | 1,3402 |
| Propeller blades | 31 | 31 | 31 | |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Span | 36' 11"1 11 m1 |
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| Length | 30' 3.75"1 9.24 m1 |
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| Height | 11' 11"1 3.63 m1 |
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| Wing area | ||||
| Weight | ||||
| Empty | 4,740 lb1 2,150 kg1 |
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| Loaded | 6,614 lb1 3,000 kg1 |
6,945 lb1 3,150 kg1 |
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| Performance | ||||
| Speed @ 19,685' / 6,000 m |
355 mph1 573 kph1 |
356 mph2 | ||
| Speed @ 21,000' / 6,400 m |
340 mph1 548 kph1 |
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| Climb to 19,685' / 6,000 m |
8 minutes1 | 6.8 minutes1 | ||
| Service ceiling | 33,400'1 10,180 m1 |
37,075'1 11,300 m1 |
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| Range | 945 miles1 1,520 km1 |
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| Armament | ||||
| Nose | 1: 13 mm MG1 | 1: 13 mm MG1 | ||
| Wings | 2: 13 mm MG1 2: 20 mm1 |
2: 13 mm MG1 2: 20 mm1 |
2: 13 mm MG1 2: 20 mm1 |
|
| Bomb - under fuselage | 1: 551 lb1 1: 250 kg1 |
1: 550 lb3, 551 lb1 1: 250 kg1 |
1: 551 lb1 1: 250 kg1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- Seafire vs A6M Zero Pacific Theatre, Donald Nijboer, 2009
- A6M Zero in Action, Shigeru Nohara, 1983
