The Mitsubishi A7M Reppu, meaning Strong Wind and code-named Sam by the Allies, was designed as the successor to the Imperial Japanese Navy A6M Zero, with development starting in 1942 to a 16-Shi specification. It was meant to beat the Zero in speed, climb, diving, armament and manoeuvrability, aims that were met by the end of development in 1945. The first prototype, the A7M1 with a Nakajima Homare engine, flew on 6 May 1944 and was underpowered, so the A7M2 took a Mitsubishi Ha-43 engine of about 1,600 kilowatts and reached 627 to 628 km/h. Limits on Japanese industry, an earthquake in December 1944 and bombing of Nagoya in 1945 stopped it ever entering mass production or active service.
Facts
Engine Class Top Speed (km/h) Comparison
Body StyleAircraft (no road body style) 1 Connections
Exemplifies
Source Mitsubishi A7M Reppu (Wikipedia)
Of Make
Source Mitsubishi A7M Reppu (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Mitsubishi A7M Reppu (Wikipedia)
Lead
was designed as the successor to the Imperial Japanese Navy's A6M Zero
Design and development, first flight
officially flew for the first time on 6 May 1944
Lead, status
prevented the A7M from ever entering mass production or being deployed for active duty
Specifications, maximum speed
Maximum speed: 628 km/h (390 mph, 339 kn) at 6,600 m (21,700 ft)
Specifications, empty weight
Empty weight: 3,226 kg (7,112 lb)
Specifications, powerplant
1,600 kW (2,200 hp)
Specifications, powerplant, engine class
18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine
Design and development
Towards the end of 1940, the Imperial Japanese Navy asked Mitsubishi to start design on a carrier-based fighter
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