A6M5 Hei

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VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
This page is about the Japanese fighter A6M5 Hei. For other versions, see A6M (Family).
A6M5 Hei
a6m5hei.png
GarageImage A6M5 Hei.jpg
ArtImage A6M5 Hei.png
A6M5 Hei
Research:27 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
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Description

The A6M5 mod. 52 Hei, designated as the Type 0 Carrier-based Fighter Model 52C (零式艦上戦闘機五二型丙), was the third and last minor modification of the A6M5. It offers the most firepower of the A6M series, with the inclusion of a Type 3 (13.2 mm) HMG in each wing and 4 rocket racks underneath, and on top of that, the last Type 97 (7.7 mm) was removed. Next to armament changes, it also increases the survivability of the plane with thicker wing armour, and armour was installed behind the pilot seat. Because of the gain in weight, this variant was used mainly for intercepting B-29s and special attacks.

It was introduced in Update "Ixwa Strike". Together with the A6M6 mod.53, the A6M5 mod. 52C is a heavy interceptor attacker variant of the A6M which deplete their manoeuvrability for more armament, ordnance and survivability. This A6M shouldn't be conventionally used like its previous models, being far heavier and less manoeuvrable leaves it to be forced in Boom-N-Zoom approaches, bomber interception and potentially ground attacking.

Nicknames
  • IJN Pilot nickname: Reisen (零戦) / Zerosen (ゼロ戦) (Abbreviation of 0 - ).
  • Allied reporting name: Zeke / Zero.

General info

Flight performance

A6M5 Hei cruising at tree top level
Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 6 000 m540 km/h
Turn time20 s
Max altitude10 900 m
EngineNakajima Sakae 21
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight3 t

Due to the weight of the armour protecting the pilot and the additional heavy machine guns, the climb rate of this plane is rather poor for its BR. The engine won't overheat under combat conditions. The A6M5 Hei can feel quite sluggish as it cannot turn as well as other planes in the A6M5 family. While the plane's turning ability is hampered by the extra weight, players will still be able to out-turn every other plane.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 519 503 10900 20.9 21.6 8.1 8.1 300
Upgraded 563 540 19.1 20.0 14.7 11.1

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
740 300 397 368 220 ~14 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 280 < 420 < 410 > 335
A6M5 Hei cockpit and controls

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear300 km/h

The A6M5 hei has three armoured components:

  • 45 mm bulletproof glass in front of the pilot, angled at 68°
  • 55 mm bulletproof glass behind the pilot, angled at 12°
  • 8 mm of steel behind the pilot, angled at 12°

This armour is enough to survive light machine gun fire and light AA fire. However, the A6M5 Hei is still very fragile: don't rely solely on this armour, because the guns you will be facing at its battle rating will not be stopped by it.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 470 → 3 144 Sl icon.png
RB5 820 → 7 408 Sl icon.png
SB8 192 → 10 428 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications46 800 Rp icon.png
85 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 500 Ge icon.png
Crew training52 000 Sl icon.png
Experts185 000 Sl icon.png
Aces940 Ge icon.png
Research Aces480 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 210 / 440 % Sl icon.png
166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type3_belt_pack
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
type99mk2_belt_pack
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type3_new_gun
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
9 in (mod30)
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type99mk2_new_gun
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
12 in (mod30)
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition250 rounds
Fire rate490 shots/min
Ammunition710 rounds
Fire rate798 shots/min

The A6M5 Hei is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
  • 2 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine guns, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 480 total)
  • 1 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun, nose-mounted (230 rpg)
The A6M5 Hei is capable of carrying up to ten rockets

Suspended armament

List of setups (4)
Setup 12 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bomb
Setup 21 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb
Setup 310 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
Setup 42 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets

The A6M5 Hei can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)
  • 1 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb (250 kg total)
  • 10 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
  • 2 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
The A6M5 Hei cruises over Seversk 13, a map introduced in the same patch as the plane

Usage in battles

Realistic Battles

In Air RB, your primary focus is to engage fighters. Do not bring any payload options for this plane, as it will weigh you down significantly. Select 400 m for the gun convergence, use the Ground Targets belt for your 13 mm guns, and the Universal or Tracers belts for your 20 mm cannons. Climb at a 15° angle and you may want to try a slight side climb on smaller maps. Try climbing and staying with your team. You will be outclassed by many fighters, so play to your strengths. Engage targets that have low energy states, and try to dogfight them. Do not engage in head-ons or high altitude fighting and stay close to your allied aircraft, as the A6M5 hei works well when an enemy is overfocused on an allied plane. Try not to stall out in this plane, as your weight is increased and the relatively weak engine won't allow you to recover from stalls easily.

Arcade Battles

In Air Arcade, this plane is extremely versatile: it can engage enemy ground units with rockets, intercept bombers and hunt enemy fighters. Engage in turnfights to reduce your exposure to enemy fire and play with caution, as this plane is fragile.

Mixed Battles (Ground/Naval)

In mixed battles, the 250 kg bomb is your best option. You can fly extremely low to the ground thanks to the plane's superb manoeuvrability. Set a 1.5 second fuse on the bomb and drop it really close to the target. Once you have spent all ordnance, you can either take on fighter duties or return to the airfield and rearm.

A6M5 Hei from a scenic view
Specific enemies worth noting
  • P-51 (Family): as always, anything with 0.50 cal Brownings is a threat to the A6M5 hei. These planes will always try to boom and zoom and light you an fire. These planes will usually have an altitude advantage, thanks to their amazing climb rate. To engage these fighters, make sure you have a good speed and room to dodge attacks. Try to bait a P-51 to lower altitudes or close to friendly fighters. The best way to kill an energy fighter is when it is low and slow.
  • Bf 109 (Family): this planes' superb climb and energy retention allow them to make multiple boom and zoom attacks on you. Dodge these by making evasive loops to throw off the pilot and make them overshoot. Do not engage in head-ons with a Bf 109.
  • XP-55: the XP-55 outperforms you in every way possible. Play smart when facing these planes, and stick with your team.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Not auto controlled
Separate Controllable
2 gears
Not controllable

The Zero's manual engine controls are simple to learn. The propeller pitch should be kept at 95% at all times. The radiators both should be kept between 5 and 15% depending if you are on a hot or cold map. The second supercharger gear should be activated at 3,500 m and above.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • A6M as a carrier-based fighter:
    • Arrestor hook
    • Decent cannon armament
    • Extremely manoeuvrable
      • Excellent turn rate
      • Excellent roll rate
    • Very short takeoff distance
  • Ground targets: Great for Ground battles
  • AP-I:
  • Shreds soft targets, and can weaken/destroy tanks with weak top armour, especially engine decks
  • Easily sets fire to air targets
  • HEF(T):
  • Tracer can help you aim on target
  • The few rounds in the belt can still wreck havoc on enemy planes with their HE filler
  • Stealth: Great for Air battles
  • No tracers
  • HEF:
  • Near full HE belt
  • Wrecks havoc on enemy planes with HE filler
  • AP-I:
  • Easily sets fire to air targets
  • Excellent manoeuvrability
  • Little radiator drag
  • A6M5 specific:
    • Can mount a bomb rack for a single 250 kg bomb, still strongly ill-advised for air-battles
  • A6M5 Hei specific:
    • Gets rid of the 7.7 mm MG and has 2 x 13.2 mm cannons in the wings and 1 x in the nose
    • Gets air-to-air time fused rockets
    • Up-armoured compared to its previous variants

Cons:

  • A6M as a carrier-based fighter:
    • Mainly air-to-air role
    • Limited ammo
    • Slow
    • Low dive speed, and compresses easily in a dive
  • Common Navy plane construction:
  • A6M5 Hei specific:
    • Heavier than your average A6M
      • Turns slightly longer
      • Slightly worse climb rate

History

In 1944, the A6M5 Otsu failed to meet the expectations of Japanese military leaders, turning out to be just a half-measure in an attempt of aircraft engineers to modernize the A6M fighter. Furthermore Japan was in a situation where no replacement for the outdated Zero had been found yet, with the aircraft that have been designed as replacements continuously suffered setbacks and engine deficits while the war situation continued to worsen for Japan.

Faced with the increasing threat of American high-altitude bombing raids, Japanese engineers had little choice but to further modify the A6M, despite knowing it was vastly inferior to the latest aircraft flown by the Allies. As a result, in September 1944, Mitsubishi rolled out the A6M5 Hei; a modification of the late war 'Zero' design, but outfitted with a stronger weapons arsenal, including an expanded range of secondary weapons the aircraft could carry.

Tests of the aircraft revealed substantially degraded performance characteristics over previous variants due to weight increases. As fitting the aircraft with a different, more powerful engine, wasn't possible, the A6M5 Hei was accepted into service nonetheless, despite its worse performance. However, as the A6M5 Hei entered production in the last stages of WWII, its production numbers remained low, chiefly due to the decreasing Japanese industrial capacity in the final months of the war. In total, over 90 units of the A6M5 Hei were produced by Mitsubishi alone by the end of WWII, with no available production data from Nakajima.

-From Devblog

Media

Skins
Images

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Mitsubishi Company (三菱商会)
Fighters  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
Hydroplanes  F1M2
Interceptors  Ki-83 · Ki-109
Bombers  G4M1
  Ki-21-Ia · Ki-21-I hei · Ki-67-I Ko · Ki-67-I otsu
Jet Fighters  Ki-200
Captured  ▃A6M2 · ␗A6M2
See also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Post-War)

Japan fighters
Navy 
Carrier-based fighter 
A5M  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
A6M  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
A7He  A7He1*
A7M  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
Land-based Fighter 
J2M  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
J6K  J6K1
J7W  J7W1
N1K-J  N1K1-Ja · N1K2-J · N1K2-Ja
Fighter seaplane 
N1K  N1K1
A6M-N  A6M2-N
Army 
Ki-10  Ki-10-I · Ki-10-I C · Ki-10-II · Ki-10-II C
Ki-27  Ki-27 otsu · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
Ki-43  Ki-43-I · Ki-43-II · Ki-43-III otsu
Ki-44  Ki-44-I · Ki-44-I 34 · Ki-44-II otsu · Ki-44-II hei
Ki-61  Ki-61-I ko · Ki-61-I otsu · Ki-61-I hei · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · Ki-61-I tei · Ki-61-II Otsu Kai
Ki-84  Ki-84 ko · Ki-84 otsu · Ki-84 hei
Ki-87  Ki-87
Ki-94  Ki-94-II
Ki-100  Ki-100 · Ki-100-II
Other countries  ▅F4U-1A · ▅P-51C-11-NT · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅Fw 190 A-5
  *Imported designation of the He 112 (A6M was in development - A7M would take A7 designation after the cancelation of the A7He)