Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 32
Mitsubishi · Japan · first flew 1941 · fighter
The Model 32 is the clipped-wing Zero: Mitsubishi removed the folding wingtip panels and squared off the leading and trailing edges to stiffen the wing and improve roll rate. The result is visibly shorter-spanned than any other Zero mark.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.06 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Clipped, squared wingtips — no folded tips, noticeably shorter span than A6M2
- Enlarged Kinsei-style engine cowling compared with A6M2
- Folding wingtip deleted entirely; tips cut square at outer cannon bay
Squared-off wingtips are the instant tell. All other Zero marks have rounded or folded-rounded tips. The span looks noticeably compact compared with a Model 21 or Model 52 parked alongside.
Specifications
- The Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 32 has a length of 9.06 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 544 km/h (338 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Introduced in 1942 to address complaints about sluggish roll response from frontline pilots, the Model 32 flew with the Tainan and other veteran kokutais during the Guadalcanal campaign. Approximately 343 were built. The shorter wing traded range for agility, a trade that drew criticism once extended-range missions resumed.
Variants
Preceded by the A6M2 Model 21 (folding tips); followed by the A6M3 Model 22 which restored a slightly longer, rounded tip. The Model 32 is the only mark with fully squared tips.
Where you'll see it
IJN carrier and land-based units 1942-43. Survivors at museums include examples in Japan (Planes of Fame, Chino, has an airworthy A6M that represents the type).
Related aircraft
- Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero
- Mitsubishi Ki-57
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- G4M 'Betty'
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- Boulton Paul P.92
- Brewster SB2A Buccaneer
- Curtiss P-40 E Kittyhawk
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