A6M5 otsu

A6M5 otsu

A6M5

A6M5 Hei

A6M5 otsu

A6M5

A6M5 Hei

Japan

IV Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
5.0	5.3	5.0

Class:

Fighter

Naval aircraft

Research:46 000

Purchase:155 000

Show in game

Description

The A6M5 otsu is a Rank III Japanese naval fighter with a battle rating of 4.7 (AB/RB) and 5.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.37.

Being the last version in-game of the famed A6M "Zero" this aircraft is not only a continuation of the classic series but also a major improvement. It differs from other versions of the A6M in several ways - for one, this is the first version with armor in both the pilot's seat and the windscreen. In turn, this version of the A6M is inherently heavier, making the aircraft more sluggish in turns and maneuvers. Another major upgrade from past A6M models is a 13.2mm Type 3 Browning-derived machine gun placed on the right side of the engine cowling. This gives the A6M5 otsu a fighting chance if its cannon ammunition is expended. Also featuring a pair of Type 99 mk 2 cannons and a 7.7 Type 97 machine gun, the A6M5 otsu is heavily armed for a fighter its size.

The A6M5 otsu's armament is an upgrade from previous "Zeroes". It features two Type 99 mk 2 20mm cannons with 125 RPG along with 7.7mm and 13.2mm machine guns. Gun convergence is best set at 400 meters or less, as most engagements are in very close quarters. Stealth is easily the best belt for the 20mm cannons as it is composed of high explosive rounds and API shells. Universal works If you have trouble leading the shots. Stealth or Universal belts work for both the 7.7mm and 13.2mm machine guns. If attacking armored targets such as landing craft, use ground targets belts.

General info

Flight Performance

Stat card

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
541	529	10,900	16.8	17.2	9.8	12.1	190
Upgraded
Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
___	___	10,900	__.__	__.__	__.__	__.__	190

Details

Features
Combat flap	Take-off flap	Landing flap	Air brakes	Arrestor gear
✓	✓	✓	X	✓

Limits
Wing-break speed (km/h)	Gear limit (km/h)	Combat flap (km/h)	Max Static G
			+	-
740	300	420	~18	~7

Optimal velocities
Ailerons (km/h)	Rudder (km/h)	Elevators (km/h)	Radiator (km/h)
< 280	< 420	< 410	> 335

Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
2,500 m	1,095 hp	1,226 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
5,000 m	965 hp	1,081 hp

Engine performance

Engine
Engine Name			Number present
Nakajima Sakae 21 14-cylinder			1
Engine characteristics
Weight (each)		Type	Cooling
533 kg		Radial	Air
Engine power (Stock)
Mode	Max		Take-off
Arcade	908 hp		1,038 hp
Realistic/Simulator	897 hp		1,028 hp
Engine power (Upgraded)
Mode	Max		Take-off
Arcade	1,106 hp		____ hp
Realistic/Simulator	995 hp		____ hp

WEP Duration
Arcade		Realistic/Simulator
25 seconds		Infinite

Survivability and armour

• 45 mm Bulletproof glass in front
• 13 mm Steel plate behind pilot

Armaments

Offensive armament

The A6M5 otsu is armed with:

• 2 × 20 mm Type 99 Mk 2 cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
• 1 × 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun, nose-mounted (230 rpg)
• 1 × 7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun, nose-mounted (700 rpg)

Suspended armament

• Without load
• 2 × 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bombs
• 1 × 250 kg Navy Type 98 bomb

Usage in the battles

Similar to past "Zeroes" the A6M5 otsu is a proficient dogfighter. With a turn time rivaling biplanes this aircraft is more than capable of winning any standard turning fight. It encounters problems at both high speeds and high altitudes, where its foes excel at. Generally speaking, the A6M5 otsu is best utilized as a low-altitude low-speed dogfighter. It can be a great addition to a team especially if paired with higher speed Japanese aircraft such as the Ki-61-I hei Hien or J2M3 Raiden. When flying the A6M5 otsu, remember to keep your speed low and to never engage in head on attacks. Although the aircraft has a 45mm armored glass plate in the windscreen, its main armament is not centrally located in the nose and thus will be at a significant disadvantage. "Bait" enemies by making them think they have a successful shot on you and then dart away to a lower altitude. This will most often result in either kind of scissors or a standard turn fight, where the A6M5 otsu excels. Once able to be destroyed, get as close as possible to the enemy aircraft and fire in short bursts. This way, ammunition will be conserved and the enemy surely destroyed. Be careful not to go too fast, as the A6M5 otsu's control surfaces lock up making it incredibly difficult to maneuver.

Specific enemies worth noting

Although the A6M5 otsu is a fantastic fighter as far as maneuverability goes, its speed is not on par with the enemy aircraft it faces. Both the P-51 and the F4U can outrun the A6M5 otsu. In a situation where one is being "boom and zoomed" (enemy aircraft is using superior speed and dive attacks) call upon teammates for assistance. There is little an A6M5 otsu pilot can do against an enemy with superior speed. The A6M5 otsu is best used as a support aircraft as it is generally unable to destroy some of the aircraft it faces. Staying with other teammates is a sure tactic and will net you the best results. A "Zero" pilot must always recognize the need for teamwork and communication. One can also play the A6M5 series as a light boom and zoom aircraft, using the climb rate to get above the competition, and the improved dive capabilities over the M2/3s to swoop down onto enemies from above, but be mindful of your speed.

Modules

The A6M5 otsu's biggest downfall is its speed. Start by unlocking performance upgrades as the stock armament options are easily workable and viable. Unlocking performance modules such as Engine and Engine Injection will also shorten turn time. Once all the performance modules have been unlocked obtaining the rest of the modules is fairly easy.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer	Pitch	Radiator			Supercharger	Turbocharger
		Oil	Water	Type
Controllable	Controllable No automatic pitch	Controllable	Controllable	Separate	Controllable	Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

• 13.2 mm machine gun, which is powerful for its size
• Decent energy retention
• 13 mm of armor in pilot's seat and 45 mm armored glass plate in windscreen
• Impressive maneuverability
• Low stall speed
• Effective armament

Cons:

• Turn rate is slower than past A6Ms
• Low top speed
• Locks up at high speeds
• Mediocre roll rate, gets worse as speed increases
• Limited ammunition for all weapons
• Lack of protection around fuel tanks

History

The A6M5 otsu was a modification of the earlier A6M5 series. It utilized the A6M5 Ko's Type 99 mk 2 cannon modification as well as thicker wing skinning, allowing for higher dive speeds. The A6M5 otsu was the first variant of the A6M series to utilize armor protection. It was produced from April 1944 through October 1944.

Media

Skins and camouflages for the A6M5 from live.warthunder.com.

Read 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.

ETC.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

• topic on the official game forum;
• page on aircraft encyclopedia;
• other literature.