A6m5

[Saxman]

It had a few mph on the M2, but mostly because the removed wingtips. It's really like comparing the Spit8/Spit16 in-game, one had rounded tips, one square, but in the zero comparison the fuel tanks were reverted to normal (pilots didn't like the reduced range) so both ended up having the same range.

The less drag from the wingtips was countered out by the re-addition of the fuel tank, so climb rates were about even as well!


As far as dive speed, I'd have to re-check, but I'm pretty sure they didn't thicken the skin until the M5 model, so stresses and dive tolerances should be fairly close.

Krusty,

There were two A6M3s: the Model 32 with the clipped wings, and I THINK it was the Model 22 which had full-span. Both of them could actually be nice additions (I think most of the A6M3s encountered during the Guadalcanal campaign were the Model 32) but if we're to get the A6M3 it would likely be the Model 22, unless HTC wants to do the Model 32 to have a Zeke that looks a little bit different.

[Krusty]

I think the more common (representative) is the later model. I use A6M3 for example, A6M2, to more easily differentiate the models, rather than "model 22, model 32", just as an FYI. Makes it easier for folks reading to understand.

Even if not that different from an M2, I think it still fills a part of the giant planeset gap for Japanese aircraft!

[AirFlyer]

Saxman is basically correct. There were two models of the A6M, the A6M3 Model 32 and the A6M3 Model 22. I'm not sure which saw more action where but I do know the A6M3 Model 22 has a production of about 200 more then the A6M3 Model 32 (something like 300 and 500 respectively). Both had there advantages as disadvantages but as far as the pilots were concerned of the day, the Model 22 was the fix for the deficiencies in the Model 32. I wouldn't mind seeing either added, just if I had to choose I would go with the Model 22 as is feels more like an A6M should be then the Model 32.

[oboe]

I'm travelling and don't have access to my books, but I thought I remembered reading somewhere that the A6M3 had an improved 20mm cannon with a faster rate of fire compared to the M2.   Can anyone confirm that?

[Saxman]

I think the more common (representative) is the later model. I use A6M3 for example, A6M2, to more easily differentiate the models, rather than "model 22, model 32", just as an FYI. Makes it easier for folks reading to understand.

Even if not that different from an M2, I think it still fills a part of the giant planeset gap for Japanese aircraft!

Krusty,

Our point is that there are TWO A6M3s, so you DO have to specify.

[Ack-Ack]

Krusty,

There were two A6M3s: the Model 32 with the clipped wings, and I THINK it was the Model 22 which had full-span. Both of them could actually be nice additions (I think most of the A6M3s encountered during the Guadalcanal campaign were the Model 32) but if we're to get the A6M3 it would likely be the Model 22, unless HTC wants to do the Model 32 to have a Zeke that looks a little bit different.

The Model 22 had redesigned wings that kept the clipped wings but added internal fuel tanks in the wings and attachments for drop tanks.  With the new internal wing tanks and with drop tanks, the Model 22 regained what range was lost in the Model 32.  Maneuverablity was still less than that of the A6M2 and climb rate didn't improve either.

I believe after the Model 22, all new Zero variants were built with the redesigned clipped wing.


ack-ack

[Saxman]

The Model 22 had redesigned wings that kept the clipped wings but added internal fuel tanks in the wings and attachments for drop tanks.  With the new internal wing tanks and with drop tanks, the Model 22 regained what range was lost in the Model 32.  Maneuverablity was still less than that of the A6M2 and climb rate didn't improve either.

I believe after the Model 22, all new Zero variants were built with the redesigned clipped wing.


ack-ack

Incorrect. The Model 22 restored the folding full-span wings of the A6M2, (thus the change in model number. First digit is the airframe, second is the engine. So, same airframe as the Model 21 with a different engine) but retained the upgraded engine of the Model 32. All subsequent Zeros were built with full-span wings. The A6M5 (Model 52) tips were fixed, rather than folding.

[Ack-Ack]

Incorrect. The Model 22 restored the folding full-span wings of the A6M2, (thus the change in model number. First digit is the airframe, second is the engine. So, same airframe as the Model 21 with a different engine) but retained the upgraded engine of the Model 32. All subsequent Zeros were built with full-span wings. The A6M5 (Model 52) tips were fixed, rather than folding.

Yes, you are correct.  I'm still learning how to read Kanji and misread that it was the Model 21 wings that were modified for the Model 22 and according to this document, the A6M5 Model 52 had the improved roll rate clipped wings of the Model 32 built in.


ack-ack

[Saxman]

If Wiki is to be believed, it was womething to do with the way that the exhaust stacks were routed in the Model 52 that led to the improved roll rate. I've never seen a photo of an A6M5 with clipped wings.

[froger]

I never get tired of watching zeros flaming through the sky's of AH.
Lights up an air field very nice.
like 4th of July every day