Difference between revisions of "A6M2"

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(Survivability and armour: Was copied over from A6M2-N)
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{{Specs-Card|code=a6m2_zero}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
Line 7: Line 6:
 
| usage-2 = other versions
 
| usage-2 = other versions
 
| link-2 = A6M (Family)
 
| link-2 = A6M (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=a6m2_zero
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
Line 23: Line 24:
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,400 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,400 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 491 || 477 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.7 || 18.1 || 10.2 || 10.2 || 175
+
! Stock
 +
| 491 || 475 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.7 || 18.2 || 10.2 || 10.2 || rowspan="2" | 175
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
|-
+
| 532 || 510 || 16.8 || 17.0 || 17.4 || 13.3
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,400 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
| 531 || 510 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.8 || 17.0 || 17.4 || 13.3 || 175
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flaps
 
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
|{{Specs|destruction|body}}||{{Specs|destruction|gear}}|| 510 || ~12 || ~7
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 484 || 451 || 280 || ~13 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 270 || < 420 || < 410 || > 324
 
| < 270 || < 420 || < 410 || > 324
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|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
=== Survivability and armour ===
|-
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
|-
+
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
+
* No armour protection
|-
+
* Not self-sealing fuel tanks
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| 3,400 m || 950 hp || 1,075 hp
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
=== Survivability and armour ===
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
<!--''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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
* No Armor Protection
+
The low top speed is a severe issue when stock. ''Compressor'' and ''New Engine'' greatly help. Having access to new 20 mm belts is helpful as well.
* Not Self-Sealing Fuel Tanks
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
{{main|Type 99 Model 1 navy (20 mm)|Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 navy cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
+
* 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)
 
* 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (680 rpg = 1,360 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)}}
 
{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)}}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
The A6M2 Reisen is a very manoeuvrable plane, so note that when battling it, do not engage in low manoeuvres. Try to force it into high-speed manoeuvres, as it's prone to ripping/compressing at high speeds. Apply boom and zoom tactics on this plane as it will be easily cornered.
 
The A6M2 Reisen is a very manoeuvrable plane, so note that when battling it, do not engage in low manoeuvres. Try to force it into high-speed manoeuvres, as it's prone to ripping/compressing at high speeds. Apply boom and zoom tactics on this plane as it will be easily cornered.
 +
 +
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.
 +
 +
=== Realistic Battles ===
 +
The A6M2 is the most fragile version of the Zero, with a long wingspan and light construction. It is the slowest and worst rolling Zero of all the Zero family. It also can rip in extremely high G turns (13+ G). Furthermore, this Zero has trouble with energy retention and high speed dives, and also has poor armament and low ammo count.
 +
 +
;Turn & Burn
 +
 +
The Zero will engage targets in all sorts of ways, and is capable of wiggling out of sticky situations time and time again. The Zero excels and destroying planes with a low energy state, planes in a climb, and planes currently in an inward turn towards the Zero. All of these targets won't have gun solutions on the Zero because they are distracted. To destroy these targets, fire your 7.7 mm machine guns at 600 m away, and then engage with your cannons at 400 m or less. These targets shouldn't be a problem.
 +
 +
;Evading and engaging diving enemies
 +
 +
An enemy diving on a Zero is one of the most dangerous scenarios for the Zero. If you are above 2 km, dive at a medium angle (40 degrees). When the enemy is in gun range, make an extremely hard turn towards the enemy, and wiggle around its gunsights. DO NOT cross within the plane's line of fire. Now, the enemy will make a key move that determines if you will be able to engage. If the enemy decides to turn after the climb, give chase and complete an inner loop and finish the enemy. The enemy will lose a lot of speed if they decide to turnfight you. HOWEVER, If the enemy decides to climb away with the excess energy, pull another hard turn to get one good burst with your machine guns. DO NOT stall out while trying to climb with the enemy. Make sure to stop climbing for the enemy and turn away and begin to dive again. The enemy WILL attempt another dive attack. Dive to the deck if you have lost altitude and if you are below 1.5 km. Get really close to the ground, and if there are cliffs to hide in, fly between them. When the enemy dives, keep turning to avoid their bullets, and STAY LOW and FAST. This will put the enemy in a tough situation, as you are so close to the ground that they need to pull up extremely early due to their high speed dive. If the enemy gets too greedy, they might try to engage you but end up crashing into the ground.
 +
 +
;Head-on engagements
 +
 +
Going head on in a Zero is the worst thing possible to execute. As such, you need to take precaution. Face head on with the enemy, but just as they fire, wiggle around their bullets by waving your cursor around their target marker. "Make a square." After they pass, turn around immediately, and if you are in firing range of cannons and machine guns, fire away.
 +
 +
;Armament tactics
 +
 +
A Zero has little ammo for its cannons. To make the best of your cannons, fire while an enemy is turning, aiming for the wings. If the enemy is further than 400 m, don't use your cannons. Instead, use your machine guns to scare the enemy into turning around to engage.
 +
 +
;Ammo selection
 +
 +
The belts for the 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons are fairly poor. The Universal belt is recommended for the cannons. The tracer belt may look appealing, however they contain barely half the explosive mass as a shell in the Universal belt. They may both be HEF, but HEF-T has less explosive mass than plain HEF. For the 7.7 mm machine guns, Stealth or Universal will be your best bet. Set your guns targeting to NO MORE than 400 meters. Turn on vertical targeting to ensure your shots line up.
 +
 +
=== Simulator Battles ===
 +
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 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 ground pounding with bombs, look for tanks and pillboxes. First you need some separation between you and the target so you have enough time to line-up the drop. Dive at the target at a rather shallow angle, and release the 60 kg bombs when you are very close, with the target below the gunsight and filling up around half of it. If you only use 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-61C-1|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.
 +
* [[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.
 +
 +
=== Countering the Zero ===
 +
The Zero is a vulnerable aircraft when you expose its weaknesses. It can be set ablaze with just one .50 calibre round, and it has poor energy retention, and horrendous dive speed. To counter the Zero, use energy fighting tactics ONLY. Do not turn with a Zero. Engage with lighting fast dive attacks. Don't turn around when you have a Zero on your tail. Instead, outrun it. ignore its 7.7 mm machine guns, as they do negligible damage.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
! Water
 
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Modules ===
+
The propeller pitch should be kept at 98% when climbing, and 92% when at max speed. Keep both radiators at 14-19%. Adjust the mixture at the following ranges:
{| class="wikitable"
 
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
|
 
| Offensive 7 mm
 
|
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| New 7 mm MGs
 
| 9 in (mod30)
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
|
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
|
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| New 20 mm cannons
 
|
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
* The low top speed is a severe issue when stock. ''Compressor'' and ''New Engine'' greatly help. Having access to new 20 mm belts is helpful as well.
+
* Sea Level: 103%
 +
* 2 km: 75%
 +
* 4 km: 60%
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Excellent turn rate
+
* '''A'''6M for Carrier-based fighter:
* Excellent roll rate
+
** Strictly air-to-air role
* Superior climb rate up to 4,500 m
+
*** Gets 2x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Type 97 No.6 Land Bomb (60kg)]], but strongly ill-advised for air-battles
* Decent cannon armament
+
** Decent cannon armament
* Nimble, your opponents will have a hard time hitting you
+
** Extremely manoeuvrable
* Extremely manoeuvrable
+
*** Excellent turn rate
* Very good at catching enemies off guard
+
*** Excellent roll rate
* Can out turn most enemies at its BR range
+
** Very short takeoff distance
* Tailhook enables it to land on carriers
+
 
* Very short takeoff distance
+
* 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 ammo
+
** 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]]
* Guns have different trajectories, you need to get really close to targets to be effective
+
*** Very low muzzle velocity
* Attacking bombers is one of the worst jobs for the Zero, as it is easily damaged by their gunners
+
** Fragile, little armour, and no self-sealing fuel tanks
* Although it can carry bombs, it's just absurd to equip them to the Zero
 
* Slow
 
* 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 death 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
 
* Prone to ripping at high-speed manoeuvres
 
  
 
== 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 1937, the Imperial Japanese Navy's Koku Hombu (Aviation Bureau) issued the "Planning Requirements for the Prototype 12-shi Carrier Fighter" to the Mitsubishi Kokuki K.K. (Mitsubishi Aircraft Company Ltd.) and the Nakajima Hikooki K.K. (Nakajima Aeroplane Company Ltd.), requiring designs for a new fighter to replace the Mitsubishi Type 96 Carrier Fighter (A5M). The requirements were extremely challenging: manoeuvrability equal to or better than the Type 96 fighter, heavier armament including 20 mm cannons, exceptional rate-of-climb to intercept bombers, a range of at least 1,010 miles with a normal fuel load to escort bombers, a take-off distance of less than 230 ft into a 30 mph wind, landing speed of less than 67 mph, and a top speed better than 310 mph.
 
In 1937, the Imperial Japanese Navy's Koku Hombu (Aviation Bureau) issued the "Planning Requirements for the Prototype 12-shi Carrier Fighter" to the Mitsubishi Kokuki K.K. (Mitsubishi Aircraft Company Ltd.) and the Nakajima Hikooki K.K. (Nakajima Aeroplane Company Ltd.), requiring designs for a new fighter to replace the Mitsubishi Type 96 Carrier Fighter (A5M). The requirements were extremely challenging: manoeuvrability equal to or better than the Type 96 fighter, heavier armament including 20 mm cannons, exceptional rate-of-climb to intercept bombers, a range of at least 1,010 miles with a normal fuel load to escort bombers, a take-off distance of less than 230 ft into a 30 mph wind, landing speed of less than 67 mph, and a top speed better than 310 mph.
  
Nakajima soon bowed out in the face of such seemingly impossible requirements, but Jiro Horikoshi, who had previously designed the A5M, and his design team at Mitsubishi were undeterred. In addition to the already demanding requirements of the IJN, Horikoshi was also limited by the relatively weak engines that the Japanese aviation industry had to offer at the time. Selecting the lighter but less powerful Mitsubishi Zuisei-13 ("Holy Star"), which had a rating of less than 900 hp, the Mitsubishi team strove to design the lightest possible airframe around the engine, but that was still strong enough to withstand carrier operations and carry enough fuel and weapons to be an effective fighter. To this end, they were fortunate that the Sumitomo Metal Company had just finished developing a new strong zinc-aluminium alloy known as Extra Super Duralumin (ESD), allowing thinner sheets to be used for the skin of the fighter without loss of strength. However, they also had to dispense with self-sealing fuel tanks and any sort of armour for the pilot. The relatively light but less powerful Oerlikon FF 20 mm cannon was chosen as the fighter's main armament, produced in Japan as the 20 mm Type 99. A large wing ensured a low wing loading to ensure maneuverability but limited the diving and level speeds.
+
Nakajima soon bowed out in the face of such seemingly impossible requirements, but Jiro Horikoshi, who had previously designed the A5M, and his design team at Mitsubishi were undeterred. In addition to the already demanding requirements of the IJN, Horikoshi was also limited by the relatively weak engines that the Japanese aviation industry had to offer at the time. Selecting the lighter but less powerful Mitsubishi Zuisei-13 ("Holy Star"), which had a rating of less than 900 hp, the Mitsubishi team strove to design the lightest possible airframe around the engine, but that was still strong enough to withstand carrier operations and carry enough fuel and weapons to be an effective fighter. To this end, they were fortunate that the Sumitomo Metal Company had just finished developing a new strong zinc-aluminium alloy known as Extra Super Duralumin (ESD), allowing thinner sheets to be used for the skin of the fighter without loss of strength. However, they also had to dispense with self-sealing fuel tanks and any sort of armour for the pilot. The relatively light but less powerful Oerlikon FF 20 mm cannon was chosen as the fighter's main armament, produced in Japan as the 20 mm Type 99. A large wing ensured a low wing loading to ensure manoeuvrability but limited the diving and level speeds.
  
 
The first flight of the Prototype 12-shi carrier fighter (later designated A6M1) took place on 1 April 1939. The next month, the IJNAF expressed its intentions to switch from the Zuisei-13 to the more powerful Nakajima Sakae-12 ("Prosperity") 14-cylinder radial engine, and it was first installed on the third prototype. This prototype would be designated as the A6M2, and it was with the Sakae radial engine that almost every model of the A6M fighter family would go to war. Testing of the first three A6M prototypes took place later that year. The A6M1 was able to meet all but the maximum speed requirements, but the Sakae-equipped A6M2 exceeded them at 331 mph. On 31 July 1940, the Mitsubishi A6M2 was formally accepted by the IJNAF as the Type 0 Carrier Fighter Model 11.
 
The first flight of the Prototype 12-shi carrier fighter (later designated A6M1) took place on 1 April 1939. The next month, the IJNAF expressed its intentions to switch from the Zuisei-13 to the more powerful Nakajima Sakae-12 ("Prosperity") 14-cylinder radial engine, and it was first installed on the third prototype. This prototype would be designated as the A6M2, and it was with the Sakae radial engine that almost every model of the A6M fighter family would go to war. Testing of the first three A6M prototypes took place later that year. The A6M1 was able to meet all but the maximum speed requirements, but the Sakae-equipped A6M2 exceeded them at 331 mph. On 31 July 1940, the Mitsubishi A6M2 was formally accepted by the IJNAF as the Type 0 Carrier Fighter Model 11.
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=== Notable pilots ===
 
=== Notable pilots ===
 +
[[File:Tetsuzo_Iwamoto_Profile.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Iwamoto_Tetsuzō|[[User:U64962917#Iwamoto_Tetsuzō|Iwamoto]] flew sorties throughout the Pacific Theater in a ''{{PAGENAME}}''.]]
  
<div><ul>
 
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Tetsuzo_Iwamoto_Profile.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Iwamoto_Tetsuzō|[[User:U64962917#Iwamoto_Tetsuzō|Iwamoto]] flew sorties throughout the Pacific Theater in a ''{{PAGENAME}}''.]] </li><!--
 
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|200px|"Image Description"]] </li>
 
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|200px|"Image Description"]] </li>
 
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|250px|"Image Description"]] </li>-->
 
</ul></div>
 
 
== 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=japan&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=a6m2_zero A6M2] in Warthunder Live.
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a6m2_zero Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''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;''
 
* ''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
 
 
 
* [[Template:AirManufacturer Mitsubishi|Mitsubishi]] [[A6M2 mod. 11]] <small>(previous model)</small>
 
* [[Template:AirManufacturer Mitsubishi|Mitsubishi]] [[A6M3|A6M3 mod. 32]] <small>(following model)</small>
 
  
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  
*Brewster [[F2A (Family)|F2A]] Buffalo
 
*Vought [[F4U (Family)|F4U]] Corsair
 
 
*Grumman [[F4F (Family)|F4F]] Wildcat
 
*Grumman [[F4F (Family)|F4F]] Wildcat
*Grumman [[F6F (Family)|F6F]] Hellcat
 
 
*Reggiane [[Re.2001 (Family)|Re.2001]]
 
*Reggiane [[Re.2001 (Family)|Re.2001]]
*[[IAR-81C|IAR-81]]
+
*[[Template:AirManufacturer Nakajima|Nakajima]] [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]] Hayabusa (▃ Oscar)
*Macchi [[C.202 (Family)|C.202]]
+
*Supermarine [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]]
*[[Template:AirManufacturer Nakajima|Nakajima]] [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]] Hayabusa (▃Oscar)
 
*Supermarine [[Spitfire (Family)|Seafire]]
 
 
*Hawker [[Hurricane (Family)|Sea Hurricane]]
 
*Hawker [[Hurricane (Family)|Sea Hurricane]]
  
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
* [[Wikipedia:Mitsubishi_A6M_Zero#A6M2a_Type_0_Model_11|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> A6M2a Type 0 Model 11]]
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/293774-mitsubishi-a6m2-mod-21/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
* [[Wikipedia:Mitsubishi_A6M_Zero#A6M2a_Type_0_Model_11|[Wikipedia] A6M2a Type 0 Model 11]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
 
{{Japan fighters}}
 
{{Japan fighters}}

Revision as of 09:16, 13 June 2021

VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
This page is about the Japanese fighter A6M2. For the American version, see A6M2 (USA). For other versions, see A6M (Family).
a6m2_zero.png
GarageImage A6M2.jpg
A6M2
Research:5 600 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The A6M2 Reisen is a rank II Japanese fighter with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB/RB) and 3.3 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

One thing many players note when fighting the Zero is its immense manoeuvrability and turn rate. It is incredibly nimble and has an amazing climb rate, which allows you to run literal rings around many opponents. Even fighters renowned for manoeuvrability, like the mighty Spitfire, will think twice before engaging in a turn fight with the Zero. A deadly addition of two 20 mm cannons and two 7.7 mm machine guns mean that you can compete with other fighters.

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.

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 491 475 10300 17.7 18.2 10.2 10.2 175
Upgraded 532 510 16.8 17.0 17.4 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 + -
660 310 484 451 280 ~13 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 270 < 420 < 410 > 324

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural660 km/h
Gear310 km/h
  • No armour protection
  • Not self-sealing fuel tanks

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB644 → 815 Sl icon.png
RB1 383 → 1 750 Sl icon.png
SB1 949 → 2 467 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 300 Rp icon.png
13 910 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 90 / 200 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type89_belt_pack
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type97_new_gun
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
9 in (mod30)
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type99mk1_belt_pack
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type99mk1_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png

The low top speed is a severe issue when stock. Compressor and New Engine greatly help. Having access to new 20 mm belts is helpful as well.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition120 rounds
Fire rate516 shots/min
Ammunition1 360 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min

The A6M2 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)

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bomb

The A6M2 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)

Usage in battles

The A6M2 Reisen is a very manoeuvrable plane, so note that when battling it, do not engage in low manoeuvres. Try to force it into high-speed manoeuvres, as it's prone to ripping/compressing at high speeds. Apply boom and zoom tactics on this plane as it will be easily cornered.

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.

Realistic Battles

The A6M2 is the most fragile version of the Zero, with a long wingspan and light construction. It is the slowest and worst rolling Zero of all the Zero family. It also can rip in extremely high G turns (13+ G). Furthermore, this Zero has trouble with energy retention and high speed dives, and also has poor armament and low ammo count.

Turn & Burn

The Zero will engage targets in all sorts of ways, and is capable of wiggling out of sticky situations time and time again. The Zero excels and destroying planes with a low energy state, planes in a climb, and planes currently in an inward turn towards the Zero. All of these targets won't have gun solutions on the Zero because they are distracted. To destroy these targets, fire your 7.7 mm machine guns at 600 m away, and then engage with your cannons at 400 m or less. These targets shouldn't be a problem.

Evading and engaging diving enemies

An enemy diving on a Zero is one of the most dangerous scenarios for the Zero. If you are above 2 km, dive at a medium angle (40 degrees). When the enemy is in gun range, make an extremely hard turn towards the enemy, and wiggle around its gunsights. DO NOT cross within the plane's line of fire. Now, the enemy will make a key move that determines if you will be able to engage. If the enemy decides to turn after the climb, give chase and complete an inner loop and finish the enemy. The enemy will lose a lot of speed if they decide to turnfight you. HOWEVER, If the enemy decides to climb away with the excess energy, pull another hard turn to get one good burst with your machine guns. DO NOT stall out while trying to climb with the enemy. Make sure to stop climbing for the enemy and turn away and begin to dive again. The enemy WILL attempt another dive attack. Dive to the deck if you have lost altitude and if you are below 1.5 km. Get really close to the ground, and if there are cliffs to hide in, fly between them. When the enemy dives, keep turning to avoid their bullets, and STAY LOW and FAST. This will put the enemy in a tough situation, as you are so close to the ground that they need to pull up extremely early due to their high speed dive. If the enemy gets too greedy, they might try to engage you but end up crashing into the ground.

Head-on engagements

Going head on in a Zero is the worst thing possible to execute. As such, you need to take precaution. Face head on with the enemy, but just as they fire, wiggle around their bullets by waving your cursor around their target marker. "Make a square." After they pass, turn around immediately, and if you are in firing range of cannons and machine guns, fire away.

Armament tactics

A Zero has little ammo for its cannons. To make the best of your cannons, fire while an enemy is turning, aiming for the wings. If the enemy is further than 400 m, don't use your cannons. Instead, use your machine guns to scare the enemy into turning around to engage.

Ammo selection

The belts for the 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons are fairly poor. The Universal belt is recommended for the cannons. The tracer belt may look appealing, however they contain barely half the explosive mass as a shell in the Universal belt. They may both be HEF, but HEF-T has less explosive mass than plain HEF. For the 7.7 mm machine guns, Stealth or Universal will be your best bet. Set your guns targeting to NO MORE than 400 meters. Turn on vertical targeting to ensure your shots line up.

Simulator Battles

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 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 ground pounding with bombs, look for tanks and pillboxes. First you need some separation between you and the target so you have enough time to line-up the drop. Dive at the target at a rather shallow angle, and release the 60 kg bombs when you are very close, with the target below the gunsight and filling up around half of it. If you only use 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-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.
  • 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.

Countering the Zero

The Zero is a vulnerable aircraft when you expose its weaknesses. It can be set ablaze with just one .50 calibre round, and it has poor energy retention, and horrendous dive speed. To counter the Zero, use energy fighting tactics ONLY. Do not turn with a Zero. Engage with lighting fast dive attacks. Don't turn around when you have a Zero on your tail. Instead, outrun it. ignore its 7.7 mm machine guns, as they do negligible damage.

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

The propeller pitch should be kept at 98% when climbing, and 92% when at max speed. Keep both radiators at 14-19%. Adjust the mixture at the following ranges:

  • Sea Level: 103%
  • 2 km: 75%
  • 4 km: 60%

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

In 1937, the Imperial Japanese Navy's Koku Hombu (Aviation Bureau) issued the "Planning Requirements for the Prototype 12-shi Carrier Fighter" to the Mitsubishi Kokuki K.K. (Mitsubishi Aircraft Company Ltd.) and the Nakajima Hikooki K.K. (Nakajima Aeroplane Company Ltd.), requiring designs for a new fighter to replace the Mitsubishi Type 96 Carrier Fighter (A5M). The requirements were extremely challenging: manoeuvrability equal to or better than the Type 96 fighter, heavier armament including 20 mm cannons, exceptional rate-of-climb to intercept bombers, a range of at least 1,010 miles with a normal fuel load to escort bombers, a take-off distance of less than 230 ft into a 30 mph wind, landing speed of less than 67 mph, and a top speed better than 310 mph.

Nakajima soon bowed out in the face of such seemingly impossible requirements, but Jiro Horikoshi, who had previously designed the A5M, and his design team at Mitsubishi were undeterred. In addition to the already demanding requirements of the IJN, Horikoshi was also limited by the relatively weak engines that the Japanese aviation industry had to offer at the time. Selecting the lighter but less powerful Mitsubishi Zuisei-13 ("Holy Star"), which had a rating of less than 900 hp, the Mitsubishi team strove to design the lightest possible airframe around the engine, but that was still strong enough to withstand carrier operations and carry enough fuel and weapons to be an effective fighter. To this end, they were fortunate that the Sumitomo Metal Company had just finished developing a new strong zinc-aluminium alloy known as Extra Super Duralumin (ESD), allowing thinner sheets to be used for the skin of the fighter without loss of strength. However, they also had to dispense with self-sealing fuel tanks and any sort of armour for the pilot. The relatively light but less powerful Oerlikon FF 20 mm cannon was chosen as the fighter's main armament, produced in Japan as the 20 mm Type 99. A large wing ensured a low wing loading to ensure manoeuvrability but limited the diving and level speeds.

The first flight of the Prototype 12-shi carrier fighter (later designated A6M1) took place on 1 April 1939. The next month, the IJNAF expressed its intentions to switch from the Zuisei-13 to the more powerful Nakajima Sakae-12 ("Prosperity") 14-cylinder radial engine, and it was first installed on the third prototype. This prototype would be designated as the A6M2, and it was with the Sakae radial engine that almost every model of the A6M fighter family would go to war. Testing of the first three A6M prototypes took place later that year. The A6M1 was able to meet all but the maximum speed requirements, but the Sakae-equipped A6M2 exceeded them at 331 mph. On 31 July 1940, the Mitsubishi A6M2 was formally accepted by the IJNAF as the Type 0 Carrier Fighter Model 11.

The A6M2 proved itself during combat in China. The aircraft also performed well during its carrier trials. One problem that did quickly arise was its ability to fit on carrier's elevators. The solution was to have the A6M2 fold its wing tips to avoid damage. This reduced the total wingspan by 20 inches. This change required it to have a new designation. The aircraft was put into production in November of 1941 and a total of 740 were constructed. This particular variant was code-named "Zeke 21" by Allies.

In-game description

At its launch, the A6M2 model 11 knew no equal.

This single-seater carrier-based fighter was designed to replace the aging A5M. To reduce its weight, duralumin was widely used, and its propeller was made of a lightweight aluminum alloy. The A6M2 did not have high survivability due to its lack of armor and self-sealing fuel tanks, but in the first half of World War II, it had a considerable advantage in maneuverability and speed when compared to the Allies (which had nothing to oppose the Zero until the arrival of aircraft such as the F4U and F6F).

The first prototype of this series, the A6M1, first flew on April 1, 1939. During the test, a more powerful engine was proposed, and the Mitsubishi Zuisei 13 (780 hp) was replaced with the Nakajima Sakae 12 (940 hp). After a successful test flight, the new engine was adopted for serial production and the plane was designated the A6M2 Model 11. Its main drawback was that it could not be used on aircraft carriers due to its large wingspan, which was not designed for carrier-based operations. To circumvent this limitation, the A6M2 model 21 was designed with folding 500 mm wing panels.

The Zero had no equal in the sky until the end of 1942, and even when it was finally made obsolete, its production continued until the end of the war, making it the most popular fighter in Japan. Like many other Japanese aircraft, the Zero was used in the last months of the war to attack bombers.

A total of 740 A6M2 model 21s were built in Mitsubishi plants; 326 were built in Nakajima plants.

Notable pilots

Iwamoto flew sorties throughout the Pacific Theater in a A6M2.

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)

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)