Nakajima A6M2-N

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A6M2-N
A6M2-N Rufe.jpg
A6M2-N
RoleInterceptor/fighter-bomber floatplane
National originJapan
Manufacturer Nakajima Aircraft Company
First flight7 December 1941
Introduction1942
Primary user Imperial Japanese Navy
Number built327
Developed from Mitsubishi A6M Zero

The Nakajima A6M2-N (Navy Type 2 Interceptor/Fighter-Bomber) was a single-crew floatplane based on the Mitsubishi A6M Zero Model 11. The Allied reporting name for the aircraft was Rufe.

Contents

Design and development

The A6M2-N floatplane was developed from the Mitsubishi A6M Type 0, mainly to support amphibious operations and defend remote bases. It was based on the A6M-2 Model 11 fuselage, with a modified tail and added floats. A total of 327 were built, including the original prototype.

Operational history

The aircraft was deployed in 1942, referred to as the "Suisen 2" ("Hydro fighter type 2"), and was only utilized in defensive actions in the Aleutians and Solomon Islands operations. Such seaplanes were effective in harassing American PT boats at night. They could also drop flares to illuminate the PTs which were vulnerable to destroyer gunfire, and depended on cover of darkness.

A6M2-Ns at Holtz Bay in Attu Island, Alaska A6M2-N Rufe at Attu NAN15Apr43.jpg
A6M2-Ns at Holtz Bay in Attu Island, Alaska

The seaplane also served as an interceptor for protecting fueling depots in Balikpapan and Avon Bases (Dutch East Indies) and reinforced the Shumushu base (North Kuriles) in the same period. Such fighters served aboard seaplane carriers Kamikawa Maru in the Solomons and Kuriles areas and aboard Japanese raiders Hokoku Maru and Aikoku Maru in Indian Ocean raids. In the Aleutian Campaign this fighter engaged with RCAF Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighters and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers.[ citation needed ] The aircraft was used for interceptor, fighter-bomber, and short reconnaissance support for amphibious landings, among other uses.

A6m2-Ns lined up along a beach. A6M2-N anchorage-common.jpg
A6m2-Ns lined up along a beach.

Later in the conflict the Otsu Air Group utilized the A6M2-N as an interceptor alongside Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu ("Rex") aircraft based in Biwa lake in the Honshū area.

The last A6M2-N in military service was a single example recovered by the French forces in Indochina after the end of World War II. It crashed shortly after being overhauled. [1]

Operators

Japanese pilots at an A6M2-N plane anchorage. Two Rufe planes are visible in the background. A6M2-N Pilots.jpg
Japanese pilots at an A6M2-N plane anchorage. Two Rufe planes are visible in the background.
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
Flag of France.svg  France

Specifications (Nakajima A6M2-N)

3-view drawing of the Nakajima A6M2-N Nakajima A6M2-N 3-view line drawing.png
3-view drawing of the Nakajima A6M2-N

Data fromJapanese Aircraft of the Pacific War [2]

General characteristics

950 hp (710 kW) at 4,200 m (13,800 ft)

Performance

Armament

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

  1. Dorr and Bishop 1996, p. 249.
  2. Francillon 1970, p.428.

Bibliography

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