Nakajima A6M2-N

Nakajima · Japan · first flew 1941 · fighter

The Nakajima A6M2-N, codenamed 'Rufe' by the Allies, was a single-float fighter seaplane derived from the famous Mitsubishi A6M Zero. It was developed to provide local air defence for Japanese island bases that lacked conventional runways.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	Large central float under fuselage with wing-tip stabilising floats
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Japanese WWII floatplane fighter based on the A6M Zero
Large central float under fuselage with wing-tip stabilising floats
Allied reporting name 'Rufe'

Recognisable by the large central main float and twin underwing stabiliser floats, combined with the distinctive elliptical-tapered wing of the A6M Zero; the radial engine and round cowling are unchanged from the landplane.

Specifications

The Nakajima A6M2-N has a length of 10.1 m (33 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12 m (39 ft).
Its maximum speed is 435 km/h (270 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in December 1941, the A6M2-N entered service in 1942 and saw action throughout the Pacific theatre. Although hampered by the drag of its large central float, it remained a capable opponent for Allied floatplanes and was faster than many expected.

Variants

Based on the A6M2 Zero airframe; later A6M3-derived float fighter projects were considered but not pursued in quantity.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service at numerous Pacific island bases and seaplane tenders until 1945.

Related aircraft

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