A6M3

[USBP1969]

Howdy - I really enjoyed flying the A6M3 in Fighter Ace Realistic (As I remember) and Warbirds back when, and I was quite happy when I saw it appear some years ago in AH. The joy was short lived, however, because the AH A6M3's roll rate was the same as the A6M2 and the A6M5. In AH it does exhibit a faster climb rate than it's brothers and there must be some reason for that, but I didn't see it mentioned in my search for the improved roll rate.

With it's clipped wings it displayed a faster roll rate in the other Combat Flight Sims than it's brothers. I have done some research over the years and encountered several sources that mentioned that the A6M3 had an improved roll rate, but did not perform as well as it's brothers at high altitude and, for some reason, had a shorter range.(?)

It was however, a real joy to fly.

[Oldman731]

It was however, a real joy to fly.

Still is!  I consider it a rare treat.

- oldman

[FLS]

There are two A6m3 models. We have the model 32. 

I expect the desired improvement in roll rate would be in high speed roll since that's where they were deficient.

[USBP1969]

The best comparative parallel flight models would be the Spit -XIV / VIII / IX verses the Spit XVI.

[Saxman]

There are two A6m3 models. We have the model 32. 

I expect the desired improvement in roll rate would be in high speed roll since that's where they were deficient.

Model 32 was the clipped-wing Zeke. If our A6M3 has full-span wings it's the Model 22.

[Vraciu]

Howdy - I really enjoyed flying the A6M3 in Fighter Ace Realistic (As I remember) and Warbirds back when, and I was quite happy when I saw it appear some years ago in AH. The joy was short lived, however, because the AH A6M3's roll rate was the same as the A6M2 and the A6M5. In AH it does exhibit a faster climb rate than it's brothers and there must be some reason for that, but I didn't see it mentioned in my search for the improved roll rate.

With it's clipped wings it displayed a faster roll rate in the other Combat Flight Sims than it's brothers. I have done some research over the years and encountered several sources that mentioned that the A6M3 had an improved roll rate, but did not perform as well as it's brothers at high altitude and, for some reason, had a shorter range.(?)

It was however, a real joy to fly.

Generally speaking a lower aspect ratio wing is less efficient for purposes of range, climb, ceiling, etc..    That's where some performance loss with a clipped wing will be manifest.   Again, speaking in generalities here.

[whiteman]

Maybe a candidate for a new version.

[FLS]

Model 32 was the clipped-wing Zeke. If our A6M3 has full-span wings it's the Model 22.

As I said in the other thread. You can look at it in the hanger and see that the wings are shorter than the A6M2. You can also see where it says A6M3 Model 32 in the description. And, if you're ambitious, you can compare the roll rates of all three models.

[USBP1969]

Yes sir, I did at 200 MPH and at 250MPH and they are identical.

[FLS]

How are they at high speed?

By high speed I mean the speeds where the US fighters can out roll them.

In case you missed my point. I'm not saying you're wrong. My point is that the Zekes didn't need to improve their roll rate at cruising speeds. The USN tactic was to use their superior high speed roll rate to out maneuver the aircraft that they couldn't out turn at lower speeds.

Also it's helpful if you post the roll rate you measure for each of the aircraft.

[icepac]

In game, the original A6M3 had some overperforming issues...............if you were inclined to explore and find them.