Japan's Mitsubishi A6M2-N, Nakajima A6M2-N fighter floatplane
Allied Code Name: Rufe
Photos
Mitsubishi A6M2-N floatplane: |
Mitsubishi A6M2-N floatplane: |
Mitsubishi A6M2-N floatplane, lower A6M2-N Model 111: |
Mitsubishi A6M2-N floatplane: Mark Holloway |
Mitsubishi A6M2-N floatplanes in Bougainville: Mark Holloway |
Design
The Mitsubishi A6M2-N resulted from a requirement for an aircraft to support amphibious operations that was given in September 1940.1,2 They were to provide air cover from lagoons and other waterways until airstrips were constructed on land.1
Nakajima was chosen to make a floatplane version of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero.1,2
The A6M2-N used a large floatplane with two outriggers.1,2 A ventral fin was added for stability.1 Additional fuel was carried in the float.1
Allow was used more in the A6M2-N as it was less corrosive.1
Prototype
The A6M2-N prototype first flew on December 8, 1941.1
Production
Production lasted until September 1943.1
- Mitsubishi / Nakajima A6M2-N: 3271,2
- Manufacturer: Nakajima1, Nakajima Hikoki K.K.2
- Production: 1941 - 19432
Variants
- Mitsubishi / Nakajima A6M2-N: Production model.1
Usage
The Imperial Japanese Navy accepted the first A6M2-N in July 1942.1
Early Campaigns
The A6M2-Ns saw action in the Solomons and the Aleutians.1
Secondary Roles
Once superior American fighters appeared the A6M2-N was relegated to secondary roles of liaison and training.1
Night Fighters
A few were equipped as night fighters to protect that Japanese home islands.1
Specifications
| Mitsubishi A6M2-N 1, Nakajima A6M2-N2 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Fighter2, Floatplane fighter1 |
| Crew | 11,2 |
| Engine (Type) | Nakajima NK1C Sakae 121,2 |
| Cylinders | Radial 141,2 |
| Cooling | Air2 |
| Net HP | 9402, 9501 |
| Propeller blades | 31 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 39' 4"1,2 12 m1 |
| Length | 33' 1.5"1, 33' 2"2 10.1 m1 |
| Height | 14' 1"2, 14' 1.25"1 4.3 m1 |
| Wing area | |
| Weight | |
| Empty | 4,215 lb1 1,912 kg1 |
| Normal load | 5,423 lb1,2 2,460 kg1 |
| Maximum load | 6,349 lb1 2,880 kg1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 16,405' / 5,000 m |
270 mph1,2 435 kph1 |
| Cruising speed | 184 mph1 296 kph1 |
| Climb to 16,405' / 5,000 m |
6.7 minutes1 |
| Service ceiling | 32,808'1, 32'810'2 10,000 m1 |
| Range | 713 miles1, 1,107 miles2 1,148 km1 |
| Range with float tank | 1,108 miles1 1,784 km1 |
| Armament | 2: 20 mm2 2: MG2 |
| Nose | 2: 7.7 mm MG1 |
| Wings | 2: 20 mm1 |
| Bombs | 264 lb2 |
| Bombs - under wings | 2: 132 lb1 2: 60 kg1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
