Difference between revisions of "A6M2 (USA)"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. A captured Japanese [[A6M2]], this vehicle performs identical to its origin counterpart.
+
The Japanese [[A6M2|A6M2 "Zero"]] was perhaps one of the most capable fighter aircraft in the Pacific Theater, and while some Allied aircraft and tactics allow pilots to reach a parity to contest the Zero, there was an effort to understand the aircraft in order to devise better countermeasures to destroy them. This moment came in July 1942 when the Americans discovered a crashed, but intact A6M2 in Alaska during Japanese operations in the area in June. The recovered A6M2, which would become known as the "Akutan Zero", was sent back to the United States mainland, repainted and repaired, then began to be tested to find weaknesses that the Allies can exploit. The Akutan Zero would continue to serve with the USA until a training accident in February 1945 caused a [[SB2C-1C|SB2C Helldiver]] to crash into the Zero.
  
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', present since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, is identical performance-wise to the A6M2 in the Japanese tech tree. The main differences are cosmetic, with a similar color scheme to other American naval fighters. The A6M2's fame in manoeuvrability can be utilized to dance around opponents while getting a good aiming solution to destroy the target. Unlike the usual American aircraft with a large reserve of heavy machine gun rounds, A6M2 players must express good trigger discipline as there are only 120 rounds of 20 mm cannon ammo to use, or only 60 rounds per gun. The different capabilities the A6M2 introduces can allow players to experience a whole new type of gameplay while staying in the American tech tree.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 510 || 510 || 280 || ~12 || ~7
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 484 || 451 || 280 || ~13 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 92: Line 93:
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
* No armour protection
 
* No armour protection
−
* Non-self-sealing fuel tanks
+
* No self-sealing fuel tanks
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 117: Line 118:
 
* In Simulator, the A6M Zero is overall a great plane to fly. Its advantages include the extremely smooth handling, impressive turn rate, low stall speed, the ability to not enter spins in extreme manoeuvres, and decent rear visibility. It is able to pull really tight turns or barrel rolls without losing control or going into a spin, allowing the player to use this stability to their advantage. Its disadvantages, however, are the fragile protection, wing-mounted guns with very little ammo, and the cockpit scattered with frames. Although not thick, these frames can still be obstructions in a fight. Also the gunsight is small and mounted very low, resulting in inadequate visibility over the nose. This can limit the player's ability to see the target in a turn fight since to lead the target, the player must cut inside its turn, meaning the nose will now block the target. The A6M can perform dogfighting, some ground pounding and some intercepting.
 
* In Simulator, the A6M Zero is overall a great plane to fly. Its advantages include the extremely smooth handling, impressive turn rate, low stall speed, the ability to not enter spins in extreme manoeuvres, and decent rear visibility. It is able to pull really tight turns or barrel rolls without losing control or going into a spin, allowing the player to use this stability to their advantage. Its disadvantages, however, are the fragile protection, wing-mounted guns with very little ammo, and the cockpit scattered with frames. Although not thick, these frames can still be obstructions in a fight. Also the gunsight is small and mounted very low, resulting in inadequate visibility over the nose. This can limit the player's ability to see the target in a turn fight since to lead the target, the player must cut inside its turn, meaning the nose will now block the target. The A6M can perform dogfighting, some ground pounding and some intercepting.
 
* You can bring the minimum amount of fuel (29 minutes) since this model of the Zero only has a 60-round drum per cannon, as a result you might need to constantly return to airfield to reload so there is no need to bring more fuel. Set the convergence to 150-300 m. When taking off, the A6M will shift severely to the left so it is best to set separate keybind for left and right brakes to counter the torque.
 
* You can bring the minimum amount of fuel (29 minutes) since this model of the Zero only has a 60-round drum per cannon, as a result you might need to constantly return to airfield to reload so there is no need to bring more fuel. Set the convergence to 150-300 m. When taking off, the A6M will shift severely to the left so it is best to set separate keybind for left and right brakes to counter the torque.
−
* For dogfighting, it is better to engage with an altitude advantage so climb to around 2,500 m. Track the opponent using lead or pure pursuit, as with lag pursuit you will eventually end up at the 6'o clock of the target aircraft whose fuselage will soak up most of your MG bullets, and your wing mounted cannons will become really awkward to aim. With the amazing stableness the aim should be easy. Target their wings or nose and avoid the back half of the fuselage as there is usually nothing in there. You can turn with most planes with your combat/takeoff flaps deployed. Note that it is best to fire in 5-round/half-second bursts to avoid wasting cannon rounds. Once the cannons are out, the leftover 7.7 mm MGs can only effectively damage single engine fighters.
+
* For dogfighting, it is better to engage with an altitude advantage so climb to around 2,500 m. Track the opponent using lead or pure pursuit, as with lag pursuit you will eventually end up at the 6'o clock of the target aircraft whose fuselage will soak up most of your MG bullets, and your wing mounted cannons will become really awkward to aim. With the amazing stability the aim should be easy. Target their wings or nose and avoid the back half of the fuselage as there is usually nothing in there. You can turn with most planes with your combat/takeoff flaps deployed. Note that it is best to fire in 5-round/half-second bursts to avoid wasting cannon rounds. Once the cannons are out, the leftover 7.7 mm MGs can only effectively damage single engine fighters.
 
* The American Zero does not have access to any bombs so the ability is greatly limited. However the 2x 7.7mm MGs have plenty of ammo. For ground pounding with the MGs, your targets are trucks, AAA and howitzers. Dive at it and stabilise the plane so the gunsight stays overall still at the target. Then, once the target fills out around 1/6 of the gunsight, open fire. If your aim is accurate you can destroy one target in a single pass. However, it is very recommended to set keybind for firing MG only as you can definitely not waste the valuable cannon rounds. Save them for any unexpected dogfights.
 
* The American Zero does not have access to any bombs so the ability is greatly limited. However the 2x 7.7mm MGs have plenty of ammo. For ground pounding with the MGs, your targets are trucks, AAA and howitzers. Dive at it and stabilise the plane so the gunsight stays overall still at the target. Then, once the target fills out around 1/6 of the gunsight, open fire. If your aim is accurate you can destroy one target in a single pass. However, it is very recommended to set keybind for firing MG only as you can definitely not waste the valuable cannon rounds. Save them for any unexpected dogfights.
 
* Landing is easy thanks to the low stall speed and lovely handling. Line up and approach the airstrip at treetop, decrease speed to at most 210 km/h and deploy combat, takeoff and landing flaps in order. Further decelerate so the touchdown speed is no more than 180 km/h to avoid bouncing up. Keep braking until the plane reaches a full stop, you don't have to worry about the nose dipping down and causing a propeller strike.
 
* Landing is easy thanks to the low stall speed and lovely handling. Line up and approach the airstrip at treetop, decrease speed to at most 210 km/h and deploy combat, takeoff and landing flaps in order. Further decelerate so the touchdown speed is no more than 180 km/h to avoid bouncing up. Keep braking until the plane reaches a full stop, you don't have to worry about the nose dipping down and causing a propeller strike.
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'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
  
−
* P-61: this plane is one tough nut to crack. It is quite fast, packs a fatal punch, has a searching radar, and a deadly turret on top. The turret consists of 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns that cover the upper half of the plane, and most P-61 players tend to fly low or get you into their upper half to target you with the turret. Avoid being above them at all costs, utilise the Zero's manoeuvrability and sneak under their belly. Its appearance resembles a P-38: a center fuselage with two engine nacelles extending backwards and forming the twin tail like a frame, you will know it is a Black Widow and not a Lightning when red tracer bullets start shooting out from it.
+
* [[P-61A-1]] or [[P-61C-1|C-1]]: this plane is one tough nut to crack. It is quite fast, packs a fatal punch, has a searching radar, and a deadly turret on top. The turret consists of 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns that cover the upper half of the plane, and most P-61 players tend to fly low or get you into their upper half to target you with the turret. Avoid being above them at all costs, utilise the Zero's manoeuvrability and sneak under their belly. Its appearance resembles a P-38: a center fuselage with two engine nacelles extending backwards and forming the twin tail like a frame, you will know it is a Black Widow and not a Lightning when red tracer bullets start shooting out from it.
−
* I-16: the late I-16s are equipped with ShVAK cannons that can be pretty dangerous to your fragile airframe. They can turn equally well as the Zero, have superior roll rate but the stability is so terrible that as soon as they pull a little more on the stick, they will enter spins. Therefore it is quite easy to counter them: engage a turnfight with them and turn tighter and tighter, or do a few barrel rolls. They will quickly lose control and start spinning and it is quite hard to recover. Then simply get some separation, turn around and put some solid shots into them. They have an I-15's short and fat fuselage, a flat radial engine and triangular stabilisers located right after the low-mounted mono wings, all covered in olive green paint.
+
* [[I-16 (Family)|I-16]]: the late I-16s are equipped with ShVAK cannons that can be pretty dangerous to your fragile airframe. They can turn equally well as the Zero, have superior roll rate but the stability is so terrible that as soon as they pull a little more on the stick, they will enter spins. Therefore it is quite easy to counter them: engage a turnfight with them and turn tighter and tighter, or do a few barrel rolls. They will quickly lose control and start spinning and it is quite hard to recover. Then simply get some separation, turn around and put some solid shots into them. They have an I-15's short and fat fuselage, a flat radial engine and triangular stabilisers located right after the low-mounted mono wings, all covered in olive green paint.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Excellent turn and roll rate
+
* '''A'''6M for Carrier-based fighter:
−
* Superior climb rate up to 4,500 m
+
** Strictly air-to-air role
−
* Extremely manoeuvrable
+
** Decent cannon armament
−
* Decent cannon armament
+
** Extremely manoeuvrable
−
* Very good at catching enemies off guard
+
*** Excellent turn rate
−
* Can out turn most enemies
+
*** Excellent roll rate
−
* Tailhook enables it to land on carriers
+
** Very short takeoff distance
−
* Very short takeoff distance
+
 
−
* Excellent smooth handling in simulator and great rear visibility
+
* Common Navy plane construction:
 +
** Excellent manoeuvrability
 +
** Nose mounted armament
 +
** Small radiator drag
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
* '''A'''6M for Carrier-based fighter:
 +
** Strictly air-to-air role
 +
** Limited ammo
 +
** Slow
 +
** Low dive speed, and easily compressed in a dive
  
−
* No armour and no pilot protection
+
* Common Navy plane construction:
−
* Limited 20 mm cannon ammunition, not beginner friendly
+
** Poor MG offensive armament: [[Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Type 97 MG]]
−
* 7.7 mm machine guns don't really do any significant damage
+
** Poor Cannon offensive armament: [[Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 1 Cannon]]
−
* Low cannon velocity makes leading harder
+
*** Very low muzzle velocity
−
* Guns have different trajectories, you need to targets get really close to being effective
+
** Fragile, little armour, and no self-sealing fuel tanks
−
* Attacking bombers is one of the worst jobs for the Zero, as it can easily be damaged by their gunners
 
−
* Fairly slow in level flight
 
−
* Strictly limited to the air-to-air role, although it performs exceptionally in it
 
−
* No self-sealing fuel tanks and the plane is littered with fuel tanks, will ignite and burn to smithereens quite often
 
−
* Can easily be countered by just doing simple Boom & Zoom as the Zero lacks adequate energy retention
 
−
* Low dive speed, and easily compressed in a dive
 
−
* Has lots of bars inside the cockpit, limiting visibility
 
−
* No bombloads, limiting its ground pounding capacity in some situations
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 0 Model 21 (Akutan Zero, Koga's Zero) single-engine carrier-based fighter
 
Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 0 Model 21 (Akutan Zero, Koga's Zero) single-engine carrier-based fighter
  
Line 197: Line 200:
  
 
The Akutan Zero was destroyed in February 1945 when it collided with a SB2C Helldiver dive bomber while taxiing for takeoff.
 
The Akutan Zero was destroyed in February 1945 when it collided with a SB2C Helldiver dive bomber while taxiing for takeoff.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
Skin and Camouflages for the [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=a6m2_zero_usa A6M2 (USA)] in Warthunder Live.
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a6m2_zero_usa Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 206: Line 212:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
 
−
;Related development
 
−
 
−
* Nakajima [[A6M2-N]]
 
−
* Mitsubishi [[A6M3]]
 
−
* Mitsubishi [[A6M5]]
 
  
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
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* Brewster [[F2A (Family)|F2A]] Buffalo
 
* Brewster [[F2A (Family)|F2A]] Buffalo
 
* Curtiss-Wright [[CW-21]]
 
* Curtiss-Wright [[CW-21]]
−
* Fiat [[G.50 (Family)|G.50]]
 
 
* Grumman [[F4F (Family)|F4F]] Wildcat
 
* Grumman [[F4F (Family)|F4F]] Wildcat
−
* Grumman [[F6F (Family)|F6F]] Hellcat
 
−
* [[IAR-81C|IAR-81]]
 
−
* Macchi [[C.200 (Family)|C.200]]
 
 
* Nakajima [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]] Oscar
 
* Nakajima [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]] Oscar
−
* Supermarine [[Spitfire (Family)|Seafire]]
+
* Supermarine [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]]
 
* Hawker [[Hurricane (Family)|Sea Hurricane]]
 
* Hawker [[Hurricane (Family)|Sea Hurricane]]
  
Line 229: Line 225:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/293774-mitsubishi-a6m2-mod-21/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
* [[Wikipedia:Akutan_Zero|[Wikipedia] Akutan Zero]]
 
* [[Wikipedia:Akutan_Zero|[Wikipedia] Akutan Zero]]
  

Latest revision as of 13:49, 19 July 2023

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the premium fighter A6M2 (USA). For other uses, see A6M (Family).
▃A6M2
a6m2_zero_usa.png
GarageImage A6M2 (USA).jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/e/e9/Cockpit_a6m2_zero_usa.jpg
▃A6M2
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.7 3.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

The Japanese A6M2 "Zero" was perhaps one of the most capable fighter aircraft in the Pacific Theater, and while some Allied aircraft and tactics allow pilots to reach a parity to contest the Zero, there was an effort to understand the aircraft in order to devise better countermeasures to destroy them. This moment came in July 1942 when the Americans discovered a crashed, but intact A6M2 in Alaska during Japanese operations in the area in June. The recovered A6M2, which would become known as the "Akutan Zero", was sent back to the United States mainland, repainted and repaired, then began to be tested to find weaknesses that the Allies can exploit. The Akutan Zero would continue to serve with the USA until a training accident in February 1945 caused a SB2C Helldiver to crash into the Zero.

The ▃A6M2 Reisen, present since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, is identical performance-wise to the A6M2 in the Japanese tech tree. The main differences are cosmetic, with a similar color scheme to other American naval fighters. The A6M2's fame in manoeuvrability can be utilized to dance around opponents while getting a good aiming solution to destroy the target. Unlike the usual American aircraft with a large reserve of heavy machine gun rounds, A6M2 players must express good trigger discipline as there are only 120 rounds of 20 mm cannon ammo to use, or only 60 rounds per gun. The different capabilities the A6M2 introduces can allow players to experience a whole new type of gameplay while staying in the American tech tree.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 4 400 m510 km/h
Turn time17 s
Max altitude10 300 m
EngineNakajima Sakae 12
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight2 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,400 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 487 477 10300 17.9 18.1 10.2 10.2 175
Upgraded 533 510 16.7 17.0 20.6 13.3

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 + -
0 310 484 451 280 ~13 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 270 < 420 < 410 > 325
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,360 m 935 hp 1,055 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear310 km/h
  • No armour protection
  • No self-sealing fuel tanks

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB965 Sl icon.png
RB5 548 Sl icon.png
SB1 721 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts67 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 60 / 220 / 270 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
type89_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type97_new_gun
Mods ammo.png
type99mk1_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type99mk1_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon
Ammunition120 rounds
Fire rate516 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun
Ammunition1 360 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main articles: Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm), Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)

The A6M2 (USA) is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (680 rpg = 1,360 total)

Usage in battles

The Zero's lightly loaded, high lift wing and low weight make it a dream to fly at speeds below 400 km/h, with an ability to execute wild gyrations and zoom climbs at the whim of the pilot. However, the Zero is hard to handle as it approaches speeds of 480 km/h.

Force an enemy pilot into a dogfight at 370 - 400 km/h and below 6,000 meters. At this speed and altitude, no enemy fighter can out-manoeuvre or out-climb you. Jump on cruising enemy aircraft from above. Fasten onto the tail of the bandit, use your superior manoeuvrability to match his evasive moves, and put enough rounds into him to bring him down. Use your machine guns first to "bore-sight" the enemy - once you get hits on him, finish him off with your cannons. Below 480 km/h you can fling the Zero all over the sky to get on an enemy's tail or to shake off all but the most determined attacker. Climb away from most enemy aircraft, hanging on your prop in a near-vertical climb. Manoeuvres like the Immelmann are easy, and heavier fighters can't stay with you. The Zero rolls faster to the left than to the right. Roll left to tighten your turn and get onto the enemy's six. Don't dive away from attackers - your plane doesn't have the power or weight to out-run most fighters. To exploit your plane's best performance, force the enemy lower and slow down the pace of the engagement.

  • In Simulator, the A6M Zero is overall a great plane to fly. Its advantages include the extremely smooth handling, impressive turn rate, low stall speed, the ability to not enter spins in extreme manoeuvres, and decent rear visibility. It is able to pull really tight turns or barrel rolls without losing control or going into a spin, allowing the player to use this stability to their advantage. Its disadvantages, however, are the fragile protection, wing-mounted guns with very little ammo, and the cockpit scattered with frames. Although not thick, these frames can still be obstructions in a fight. Also the gunsight is small and mounted very low, resulting in inadequate visibility over the nose. This can limit the player's ability to see the target in a turn fight since to lead the target, the player must cut inside its turn, meaning the nose will now block the target. The A6M can perform dogfighting, some ground pounding and some intercepting.
  • You can bring the minimum amount of fuel (29 minutes) since this model of the Zero only has a 60-round drum per cannon, as a result you might need to constantly return to airfield to reload so there is no need to bring more fuel. Set the convergence to 150-300 m. When taking off, the A6M will shift severely to the left so it is best to set separate keybind for left and right brakes to counter the torque.
  • For dogfighting, it is better to engage with an altitude advantage so climb to around 2,500 m. Track the opponent using lead or pure pursuit, as with lag pursuit you will eventually end up at the 6'o clock of the target aircraft whose fuselage will soak up most of your MG bullets, and your wing mounted cannons will become really awkward to aim. With the amazing stability the aim should be easy. Target their wings or nose and avoid the back half of the fuselage as there is usually nothing in there. You can turn with most planes with your combat/takeoff flaps deployed. Note that it is best to fire in 5-round/half-second bursts to avoid wasting cannon rounds. Once the cannons are out, the leftover 7.7 mm MGs can only effectively damage single engine fighters.
  • The American Zero does not have access to any bombs so the ability is greatly limited. However the 2x 7.7mm MGs have plenty of ammo. For ground pounding with the MGs, your targets are trucks, AAA and howitzers. Dive at it and stabilise the plane so the gunsight stays overall still at the target. Then, once the target fills out around 1/6 of the gunsight, open fire. If your aim is accurate you can destroy one target in a single pass. However, it is very recommended to set keybind for firing MG only as you can definitely not waste the valuable cannon rounds. Save them for any unexpected dogfights.
  • Landing is easy thanks to the low stall speed and lovely handling. Line up and approach the airstrip at treetop, decrease speed to at most 210 km/h and deploy combat, takeoff and landing flaps in order. Further decelerate so the touchdown speed is no more than 180 km/h to avoid bouncing up. Keep braking until the plane reaches a full stop, you don't have to worry about the nose dipping down and causing a propeller strike.

Enemies worth noting:

  • P-61A-1 or C-1: this plane is one tough nut to crack. It is quite fast, packs a fatal punch, has a searching radar, and a deadly turret on top. The turret consists of 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns that cover the upper half of the plane, and most P-61 players tend to fly low or get you into their upper half to target you with the turret. Avoid being above them at all costs, utilise the Zero's manoeuvrability and sneak under their belly. Its appearance resembles a P-38: a center fuselage with two engine nacelles extending backwards and forming the twin tail like a frame, you will know it is a Black Widow and not a Lightning when red tracer bullets start shooting out from it.
  • I-16: the late I-16s are equipped with ShVAK cannons that can be pretty dangerous to your fragile airframe. They can turn equally well as the Zero, have superior roll rate but the stability is so terrible that as soon as they pull a little more on the stick, they will enter spins. Therefore it is quite easy to counter them: engage a turnfight with them and turn tighter and tighter, or do a few barrel rolls. They will quickly lose control and start spinning and it is quite hard to recover. Then simply get some separation, turn around and put some solid shots into them. They have an I-15's short and fat fuselage, a flat radial engine and triangular stabilisers located right after the low-mounted mono wings, all covered in olive green paint.

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 Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • A6M for Carrier-based fighter:
    • Strictly air-to-air role
    • Decent cannon armament
    • Extremely manoeuvrable
      • Excellent turn rate
      • Excellent roll rate
    • Very short takeoff distance
  • Common Navy plane construction:
    • Excellent manoeuvrability
    • Nose mounted armament
    • Small radiator drag

Cons:

  • A6M for Carrier-based fighter:
    • Strictly air-to-air role
    • Limited ammo
    • Slow
    • Low dive speed, and easily compressed in a dive

History


Archive of the in-game description

Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 0 Model 21 (Akutan Zero, Koga's Zero) single-engine carrier-based fighter

A single-seat carrier-based all-metal cantilever monoplane fighter with an enclosed cockpit and a retractable landing gear system.

The aircraft was developed by the Mitsubishi Company's design bureau. A prototype model made its first flight on April 1, 1939. Full-scale production began in June 1940. The plane was accepted for service with the Imperial Japanese Navy under the designation of Navy Type 0 Model 11 Carrier Fighter.

During World War II, the first Zero captured by the Americans in flyable condition was the A6M2 (Model 21), more commonly known as the Akutan Zero (after the name of the island that the plane crash-landed on) or Koga's Zero (after the pilot's name).

In June 1942, while preparing to capture Midway Atoll, the Northern Force of the Imperial Japanese Navy was operating in the area of the Aleutian Islands. The plan was to create a diversion and attack the US Navy base at Dutch Harbor, on the island of Unalaska.

On June 4, 1942, during the raid on Dutch Harbor, the A6M2 fighter with serial number 4593 was launched from the aircraft carrier Ryujo, and its oil line was damaged in battle. Tadayoshi Koga, the Flight Petty Officer 1st Class who piloted the aircraft, attempted a forced landing on the desert island of Akutan. The pilot mistook swampy tundra for hard soil, and the plane nosed over upon landing, killing the pilot. About a month later, the plane was discovered by an American Catalina flying boat. Inspection showed that it had been minimally damaged upon landing.

The Americans transported the Akutan Zero away from the island and sent it to Naval Air Station North Island, California, where it was completely restored.

The restored Akutan Zero made its first flight from NAS North Island on September 20, 1942. The trophy was extensively tested, its weak points were revealed, and tactical manoeuvre were developed, allowing American fighters to gain an advantage over the Zero.

The Akutan Zero was subsequently used to imitate the enemy during combat training for American pilots. Some experienced pilots were given the opportunity to fly the A6M2 in order to make an objective assessment of its strong and weak points. Air duels were simulated between the Akutan Zero and main Navy fighters, such as the F6F and the F4U. Later, similar simulated air duels were performed with army fighters, such as the P-38, the P-39, the P-40, and the P-51.

The Akutan Zero was destroyed in February 1945 when it collided with a SB2C Helldiver dive bomber while taxiing for takeoff.


Media

Skins

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

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)

USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

USA premium aircraft
Fighters  Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-40C · P-43A-1
  P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55
  ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Twin-engine fighters  XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A
Strike aircraft  A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · AV-8B (NA) · A-6E TRAM · A-10A
Bombers  A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner" · PV-2D

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