FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

Introduced in May 1945, the A6M7 Model 62 (allied code name “Zeke”) was the final iteration of the venerable Zero. It was basically the same as the A6M5c, but with self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings, a more powerful engine, and reinforced horizontal stabilizers. However, the role of the A6M7 was that of a fighter-bomber because an attack aircraft was needed that could based on small carriers. By 1945, the Imperial Japanese Navy had lost all of their large carriers and, unfortunately for the IJN, large powerful dive bombers such as the Yokosuka D4Y "Judy" could not operate from small carriers. The A6M7 could carry a single 1,100 lb bomb or a 550 lb bomb and two external drop tanks, but it was too little, too late. By the end of the war, over 10,900 Zero aircraft (all variants) were built! Here's a video clip of me flying the A6M7 Model 63 against a P-39D Airacobra.

MITSUBISHI A6M7 Model 62 "Zeke"

 

 

 Class: Fighter-Bomber

 Crew: 1

 Engine: Nakajima NK1E Sakae-31 14-cylinder twin-row radial (1,210 hp)

 Max Speed: 337 mph at 19,685 ft

 Climb Rate:  2,6285 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)
                        1 x 550 lb or 1 x 1,100 lb bomb
                        

 

  Model Scale:  1:87



















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