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Mitsubishi A5M2 Ko (九六式二号一型艦上戦闘機)
The Mitsubishi A5M2 Ko is a Japanese carrier-based fighter developed as an improvement on the A5M1 fighter. This version was created at the beginning of 1937 and was produced from the spring of 1937 to the end of 1937. 37 Mitsubishi A5M2 Ko fighters were built.
History
Japanese naval commanders, immediately after the adoption of the Mitsubishi A5M1 aircraft in 1936, ordered the creation of a new version of the fighter with a more powerful engine. At the Mitsubishi plant, under the leadership of Jiro Horikoshi, work began on the improved A5M. It was decided that the aircraft would be powered by a Nakajima Kotobuki 2 KAI 3 Ko or Otsu engine with a take-off power of 449 kW (610 hp). The modified aircraft was created in the spring of 1937 and was sent to the Navy for testing. The plane was designated Mitsubishi A5M2 and was faster than its predecessor, but a little less maneuverable. The Japanese Navy accepted this compromise and introduced it into service. These A5M2 aircraft were produced from spring to the end of 1937. In October 1937, the A5M2 aircraft was given the new designation A5M2 Ko, due to the introduction of the A5M2 Otsu aircraft with a covered cabin. During production, the A5M2 Ko aircraft saw an improvement in the dorsal fin, which allowed for the removal of the safety rod and improved the safety of the pilot. Mitsubishi A5M2 Ko aircraft took part in the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War and took part in the fighting. These aircraft were quickly replaced by A5M2 Otsu fighters. 36 Mitsubishi A5M2 Ko fighters were produced.
Mitsubishi A5M2 Ko pictures
Construction description
The Mitsubishi A5M2 Ko is similar to the Mitsubishi A5M1 aircraft, but there are differences between them, which I will describe here.
- Changed the engine of Nakajima Kotobuki 2 Kai Ko with take-off power of 427 kW (580 hp) to the engine of Nakajima Kotobuki 2 KAI 3 Ko or Otsu with a take-off power of 449 kW (610 hp)
- Replaced a two-bladed metal propeller with a diameter of 2,690 mm with a three-bladed metal propeller with a diameter of 2,980 mm.
- Added two small air inlets to the engine at the top of the engine cover.
- Cockpit glazing has been increased to provide better protection from the wind.
- The engine frame has been shortened by 165mm
- Later, the dorsal fin was modified, which improved the safety of the pilot.
Comparison of early and late A5M2 Ko
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 7,540 m
- Wingspan: 11 m
- Height: 3,2 m
- Wing area: 17,80 m2
- Empty weight: 1184 kg
- Gross weight: 1609 kg
- Powerplant: 1 × Nakajima Kotobuki 2 KAI 3 Ko or Otsu, air-cooled nine-cylinder radial engine with take-off power of 449 kW (610 hp)
- Propellers: Three-bladed metal propeller with a diameter of 2,980 mm.
Performance
- Maximum speed: 426 km/h
- Cruising speed: 345 km/h (?)
- Range: 705 km
- Maximum Range: 1030 km
- Service ceiling: 9600 m
- Climb Rate: ?
- Time to Climb to: 8,0 min to 5000 m
Armament
- Guns:
- 2 x Type 89 7.7mm Machine Guns in the nose (500 rounds per rifle)
- Bombs:
- 2 x 30 kg bombs (under the wings)
Special thanks
Summary
The Mitsubishi A5M2 Ko is an interesting aircraft for Japan in War Thunder. This aircraft would be a useful fighter of the lowest era, which would be a good complement to the Mitsubishi A5M4. This aircraft could also become a Premium or Event aircraft. I encourage you to discuss in the comments and to share your own knowledge on this subject.
Finally, I apologize for the linguistic and logical errors because unfortunately English is not my main language and I had to use google translator.
Internet sources
九六式艦上戦闘機 - Wikipedia
Mitsubishi A5M - Wikipedia
Airplanes in the skies + FAF history: Mitsubishi A5M
Warplanes of Japan: Mitsubishi A5M
Mitsubishi A5M CLAUDE - fighter
Mitsubishi A5M ‘Claude’
Micubiši A5M2a [Claude] : Micubiši
Mitsubishi A5M
Mitsubishi A5M
Уголок неба ¦ Mitsubishi A5M
Mitsubishi A5M Fighter
三菱 九六式二号艦上戦闘機
Book sources
- Japanese Aircraft of Wolrld War II : 1937-1945 ,Thomas Newdick, Edition 2 2017, page 57-59
- Yellow Mushroom Mitsubishi A5M Claude
Yellow Mushroom Mitsubishi A5M Claude (2003) | PDF - Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War page 342-349
- Japońskie Samoloty Marynarki 1912-45 (Japanese naval aircraft 1912-45) page 69-76
Japońskie Samoloty Marynarki 1912-45 | PDF
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