Japan's Mitsubishi A7M Reppu (hurricane) fighter

Photos

Design

The A7M was to succeed the A6M Reisen.¹ Design work started in 1940, but due to other production receiving the priority a prototype was not finished until 1944.¹ Jiro Horikoshi designed the A7M.¹

On July 6, 1942, the Navy issued another set of specifications for a carrier fighter to be able to go 400 mph at 19,500', climb to 19,500' in six minutes, have two 20 mm cannons, and be able to maneuver as well as the A6M3.¹

Jiro Horikoshi wanted the Mitsubishi MK9A (2,200 HP) engine to be used by the Navy wanted the Nakajima NK9K (2,000 HP) to be used.¹

Earthquake and Bombs

In December 1944 an earthquake and air raids at the factory delayed production.¹ Many of the prototypes were also destroyed.¹

Prototype

The A7M1 prototype first flew on May 6, 1944.¹ Work was stopped on this prototype as it didn't meet the specifications.¹ Work on the other prototypes continued.¹

On October 13, 1944, the A7M2 prototype flew and met the specifications.¹

Production

• Prototype: 9¹
• Mitsubishi A7M1: 1¹
• Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K.¹

Variants

• Mitsubishi A7M1: Prototype with Nakajima Nk9K engine.¹
• Mitsubishi A7M2: Prototype with Mitsubishi MK9A engine.¹
• Mitsubishi A7M3: Land based model.¹ None built.¹

Specifications

	Mitsubishi A7M2 Reppu1
Type	Fighter1
Crew	11
Engine (Type)	Mitsubishi MK9A1
Cylinders	Radial 181
Cooling	Air1
Net HP	2,2001
Propeller blades
Dimensions
Span	45' 11"1
Length	36' 1"1
Height	14'1
Wing area
Weight
Empty
Loaded	10,406 lb1
Performance
Speed @ 21,655'	390 mph1
Cruising speed
Climb
Service ceiling	35,760'1
Range	570 miles1
Armament	2: MG1 2: 20 mm1
Bombs	1,100 lb1