Nakajima A6M2-N

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An A6M2-N Rufe.

A6M2-N pilots at the plane anchorage.

The Nakajima A6M2-N "Rufe" Interceptor/Fighter-Bomber is a single-crew seaplane based on the Mitsubishi A6M Zero Model 11.

[edit] History

This seaplane was developed from the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero", for the purpose of supporting amphibian operations and defending remote bases. It was based on the A6M-2 Model 11 fuselage, with a modified tail and floats. This aircraft was the brainchild of Shinobu Mitsutake, Nakajima's Chief Engineer, and Atsushi Tajima, one of the company's designers. A total of 327 were built, including the original prototype.

The plane 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. It 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. During fighting in the Solomon Islands, the Navy "Rufe" air aces Master Sergeant Kawai and Master Sergeant Maruyama shot down four American Grumman F4F Wildcat fighters. In the Aleutian Campaign this fighter engaged with P-38 Lightning fighters and B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. This aircraft was used for interceptor, fighter-bomber, and short reconnaissance support for amphibious landings, among other uses.

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 Honshu area.

Unhappily for its pilots, the large float and wing pontoons of the A6M2-N degraded its performance by about 20%, enough that the Rufe was not usually a match for even the first generation of Allied fighters. However, the Rufe was not as ludicrous a concept as it might seem; after all, the Supermarine Spitfire was derived from a seaplane design that actually held the world air speed record for a time. However, the lighter construction of the Zero, which compensated for the relative inefficiency of the Nakajima Sakae engine compared to the Rolls-Royce Merlin, worked against the seaplane concept.

[edit] Units utilizing the A6M2-N as a main fighter

A6M2-N at a seaplane base in the south pacific.

Yokohama Air Group
Toko Air Group
Otsu Air Group
Yokosuka Air Group (technical evaluation unit)
11th Air Fleet
5th Air Fleet
36th Air Fleet
452nd Air Fleet
934th Air Fleet

[edit] Specifications

[edit] General characteristics

Length: 10.10 m
Wing Span: 22.44 m
Height: 4.30 m
Fully loaded weight: 2,880 kg
Empty weight: 1,912 kg
Engine: Nakajima NK1C Sakae 12 (940 hp (690 kW) for takeoff, 950 hp (700 kW) at 4,200 meters)