Difference between revisions of "A6M3"

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{{Specs-Card|code=a6m3_zero}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=a6m3_zero}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
|about=aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
|usage=other uses
+
| usage = other versions
−
|link=A6M (Family)
+
| link = A6M (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft 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.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''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.'' -->
 +
As an upgrade of the already formidable [[A6M2 mod. 11]], the A6M3 is not to be underestimated. Its clipped wings trade off some agility for extra dive speed (~40 km/h (25 mph) more) and a slightly faster roll rate. The extra 40 km/h provides a bit more freedom of engagement and acts as a surprise element as no one expects a Zero to be able to travel at ~700 km/h without ripping. This can come in handy when facing the Soviet Yak family since they compress and eventually rip slightly earlier than the A6M3. The nimble fighter also maintains its elevator authority until rather late in a dive (around the 550-600 km/h mark) and can withstand some serious wing load (14G at a time) which allows it to pull off risky manoeuvres and surprise opponents with very tight turns which can put it on their sixes in a matter of seconds. But all of this comes at the cost of massive energy bleeding so be wary of your surroundings when pulling such stunts. All in all its best use is as a turnfighter.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
 
! 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
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
! Stock
 +
| 537 || 522 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.6 || 17.1 || 10.1 || 10.1 || rowspan="2" | 288
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
−
|-
+
| 578 || 556 || 15.8 || 16.0 || 18.2 || 13.8
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
Line 72: Line 46:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| 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 flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ??? || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 420 || 420 || 220 || ~14 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 90: Line 63:
 
{| 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)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 280 || < 420 || < 410 || > 335
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 111: Line 81:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 1,850 m || 1,105 hp || 1,235 hp
 
|-
 
|-
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
+
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
Line 119: Line 89:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 5,000 m || 985 hp || 1,101 hp
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 137: Line 99:
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
<!-- ''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 cannons, wing-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)
 
* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons, wing-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)
−
* 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 machine guns, nose-mounted (700 rpg = 1,400 total)
+
* 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (700 rpg = 1,400 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
<!-- ''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)}}
  
−
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bombs (120 kg total)
+
* Without load
 +
* 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles 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 Zero is a extremely effective dogfighter with a very tight turn. Head on engagements should not be taken with any plane, especially Americans such as the F6F and the P51, as the Zero is very fragile. Any hit can be lethal. The engine is very weak and fuel tanks can easily catch ablaze. At the start of the match, try climbing to be able to dive on unaware opponents. The plane can exceed 700 km/h allowing it to commit to very steep or long dives with slight stiffening. The biggest threats to the plane are American planes due to their potent and numerous guns, but any plane can be taken in a turn-fight victoriously.
 +
 
 +
In offence, aim to begin turn-fights with your opponents as you will outclass them, but take very careful shots. The guns are the weakest aspect of the plane and must be used with precision. Always aim for the fuel tanks or pilot as those are the most effective ways to take down enemy aircraft. Make sure to tail burning aircraft loosely as most fuel tanks are self-sealing. Bomber and other heavier planes should not be taken on as the guns are very ineffective. Only careful pilot snipes should be taken, otherwise conserve ammo for future engagements.
 +
 
 +
To defend yourself from the rear, perform a split S, which consists of rolling and turning downwards in the opposite direction, and turn to the enemy to begin engaging them. Planes will quickly overshoot and will have difficulty regaining dominance. If caught in a head-on situation, roll and dive downwards towards the enemy, make sure to have no commitment.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
−
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
−
|  
+
|
 
| Offensive 7 mm
 
| Offensive 7 mm
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
Line 195: Line 162:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
−
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
−
|  
+
|
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|  
+
|
−
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
 
| New 20 mm cannons
 
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Extremely fast turn time
 +
* Respectable climb
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Extremely fragile
 +
* Ineffective guns
  
 
== 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 big, 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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 ===
 
=== In-game description ===
−
In April of 1942, unveiled the launching of a new A6M model fighter. The main difference between the A6M3 model 32 and the A6M2 Model 21 was the new Sakae 21 engine (1130 hp), which had a two-stage supercharger making it more stable at higher altitudes and a propeller diameter of 3.05 m (150 mm greater than that of its predecessor). The engine was much heavier and longer than those used in previous models; the engine was moved closer to the cockpit to prevent displacement of the centre of gravity and reduction of the main fuel tank’s capacity from 518 to 470 litres.  
+
In April of 1942, a new A6M model fighter was launched. The main difference between the A6M3 model 32 and the A6M2 Model 21 was the new Sakae 21 engine (1130 hp), which had a two-stage supercharger making it more stable at higher altitudes and a propeller diameter of 3.05 m (150 mm greater than that of its predecessor). The engine was much heavier and longer than those used in previous models, so to prevent displacement of the center of gravity the engine was moved closer to the cockpit and the main fuel tank's capacity was reduced from 518 to 470 liters.
  
−
Also, the folding wingtips were removed, which increased the plane’s dive speed limit but reduced its manoeuvrability and range. The latter side effect was particularly significant as it made it impossible to use the A6M3 effectively during the 1942 campaign in the Solomon Islands. Type 99-I model 3s guns replaced the current 20 mm cannons, and increase in ammunition amount to 100 rounds. Also, the aircraft could carry two 60-kg bombs.
+
Also, the folding wingtips were removed, which increased the plane's dive speed limit but reduced its maneuverability and range. The latter side effect was particularly important as it made it impossible to use the A6M3 effectively during the 1942 campaign in the Solomon Islands. The 20-mm guns were replaced by Type 99-I model 3s, and their ammunition was increased to 100 rounds. Also, the aircraft could carry two 60-kg bombs.
  
 
A total of 343 A6M3 Model 32s were made for the Japanese navy.
 
A total of 343 A6M3 Model 32s were made for the Japanese navy.
 +
 +
=== Notable pilots ===
 +
<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 an '''{{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=a6m3_zero A6M3] in Warthunder Live.
+
 
 +
* Skin and Camouflages for the [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=#a6m3_zero A6M3] on War Thunder Live.
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[Template:AirManufacturer Mitsubishi|Mitsubishi]] [[A6M2|A6M2 mod.21]] <small>(previous model)</small>
 +
* [[Template:AirManufacturer Mitsubishi|Mitsubishi]] [[A6M3 mod. 22|A6M3 mod.22]] <small>(following model)</small>
 +
 
 +
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
* Brewster [[F2A (Family)|F2A]] Buffalo
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* Vought [[F4U (Family)|F4U]] Corsair
 +
* Grumman [[F4F (Family)|F4F]] Wildcat
 +
* Grumman [[F6F (Family)|F6F]] Hellcat
 +
* Reggiane [[Re.2001 (Family)|Re.2001]]
 +
* [[IAR-81C|IAR-81]]
 +
* Macchi [[C.202 (Family)|C.202]]
 +
* [[Template:AirManufacturer Nakajima|Nakajima]] [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]] Hayabusa (▃Oscar)
 +
* Supermarine [[Spitfire (Family)|Seafire]]
 +
* Hawker [[Hurricane (Family)|Sea Hurricane]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''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;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
[[Wikipedia:Mitsubishi_A6M_Zero#A6M3_Type_0_Model_32|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> A6M3 Type 0 Model 32]]
+
 
 +
* [[Wikipedia:Mitsubishi_A6M_Zero#A6M3_Type_0_Model_32|[Wikipedia] A6M3 Type 0 Model 32]]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
 
{{Japan fighters}}
 
{{Japan fighters}}

Revision as of 10:12, 7 June 2020

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
A6M3
a6m3_zero.png
A6M3
Japan flag.png Japan
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.0 3.7
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the Japanese fighter A6M3. For other versions, see A6M (Family).

Description

GarageImage A6M3.jpg


The A6M3 Reisen is a rank III Japanese fighter with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB), 4.0 (RB), and 3.7 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

General info

Flight performance

As an upgrade of the already formidable A6M2 mod. 11, the A6M3 is not to be underestimated. Its clipped wings trade off some agility for extra dive speed (~40 km/h (25 mph) more) and a slightly faster roll rate. The extra 40 km/h provides a bit more freedom of engagement and acts as a surprise element as no one expects a Zero to be able to travel at ~700 km/h without ripping. This can come in handy when facing the Soviet Yak family since they compress and eventually rip slightly earlier than the A6M3. The nimble fighter also maintains its elevator authority until rather late in a dive (around the 550-600 km/h mark) and can withstand some serious wing load (14G at a time) which allows it to pull off risky manoeuvres and surprise opponents with very tight turns which can put it on their sixes in a matter of seconds. But all of this comes at the cost of massive energy bleeding so be wary of your surroundings when pulling such stunts. All in all its best use is as a turnfighter.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 537 522 10050 16.6 17.1 10.1 10.1 288
Upgraded 578 556 15.8 16.0 18.2 13.8

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 + -
0 290 420 420 220 ~14 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 280 < 420 < 410 > 335
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,850 m 1,105 hp 1,235 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,000 m 985 hp 1,101 hp

Survivability and armour

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.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main articles: Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm), Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)

The A6M3 is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons, wing-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (700 rpg = 1,400 total)

Suspended armament

Main article: Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)

The A6M3 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 Zero is a extremely effective dogfighter with a very tight turn. Head on engagements should not be taken with any plane, especially Americans such as the F6F and the P51, as the Zero is very fragile. Any hit can be lethal. The engine is very weak and fuel tanks can easily catch ablaze. At the start of the match, try climbing to be able to dive on unaware opponents. The plane can exceed 700 km/h allowing it to commit to very steep or long dives with slight stiffening. The biggest threats to the plane are American planes due to their potent and numerous guns, but any plane can be taken in a turn-fight victoriously.

In offence, aim to begin turn-fights with your opponents as you will outclass them, but take very careful shots. The guns are the weakest aspect of the plane and must be used with precision. Always aim for the fuel tanks or pilot as those are the most effective ways to take down enemy aircraft. Make sure to tail burning aircraft loosely as most fuel tanks are self-sealing. Bomber and other heavier planes should not be taken on as the guns are very ineffective. Only careful pilot snipes should be taken, otherwise conserve ammo for future engagements.

To defend yourself from the rear, perform a split S, which consists of rolling and turning downwards in the opposite direction, and turn to the enemy to begin engaging them. Planes will quickly overshoot and will have difficulty regaining dominance. If caught in a head-on situation, roll and dive downwards towards the enemy, make sure to have no commitment.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability 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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extremely fast turn time
  • Respectable climb

Cons:

  • Extremely fragile
  • Ineffective guns

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

In-game description

In April of 1942, a new A6M model fighter was launched. The main difference between the A6M3 model 32 and the A6M2 Model 21 was the new Sakae 21 engine (1130 hp), which had a two-stage supercharger making it more stable at higher altitudes and a propeller diameter of 3.05 m (150 mm greater than that of its predecessor). The engine was much heavier and longer than those used in previous models, so to prevent displacement of the center of gravity the engine was moved closer to the cockpit and the main fuel tank's capacity was reduced from 518 to 470 liters.

Also, the folding wingtips were removed, which increased the plane's dive speed limit but reduced its maneuverability and range. The latter side effect was particularly important as it made it impossible to use the A6M3 effectively during the 1942 campaign in the Solomon Islands. The 20-mm guns were replaced by Type 99-I model 3s, and their ammunition was increased to 100 rounds. Also, the aircraft could carry two 60-kg bombs.

A total of 343 A6M3 Model 32s were made for the Japanese navy.

Notable pilots

  • Iwamoto flew sorties throughout the Pacific Theater in an A6M3.

Media

  • Skin and Camouflages for the A6M3 on War Thunder Live.

See also

Related development
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)

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