FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

Introduced in September 1944, the A6M5c Model 52 Hei (allied code name “Zeke”) was yet another refinement of the venerable Zero. The armor plating was improved, but the main changes were to its armament. Two 50 cailber machine guns were added to the wings outboard of the 20 mm cannons and the port-side fuselage-mounted 30 caliber machine was removed. This gave the Zero some serious firepower. It was also fitted with bomb and rocket racks so it could serve as a fighter-bomber. The A6M5 is considered the definitive version of the Zero and was the best all-around fighter in the A6M series. Although it was designed by Mitsubishi, most the A6M5 aircraft were made by Nakajima and a total of 391 Model 52 aircraft were built. The A6M5's main adversary in late 1943 was the U.S. Navy's Grumman F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair. The A6M5 was only slightly more maneuverable than these two U.S. aircraft and it was far more vunerable to their heavy firepower. By the end of the war, most A6M5s were either being used to escort kamikaze aircraft or were used themselves for kamikaze missions. Here's a video clip of me flying the A6M5 Model 52 against a Corsair (you're all just waiting for me to lose, I know).

MITSUBISHI A6M5c Model 52 Hei "Zeke"

 

 

 Class: Fighter

 Crew: 1

 Engine: Nakajima NK1F Sakae-21 14-cylinder twin-row radial (1,130 hp)

 Max Speed: 348 mph at 19,685 ft

 Climb Rate:  2,828 ft/min

 Service Ceiling: 36,255 ft

 Range: 1314 miles

 Armament:  1 x .303 inch machine gun (fuselage mount)
                        2 x .50 inch machine gun (wing mount)
                        2 x 20 mm cannon (wing mount)
                        

 

  Model Scale:  1:87



















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