Nakajima A6M2-N "Rufe"
Unit: 11 Koku Sentai based on the Kamikawa Maru seaplane tender, Guadalcanal Oct/Nov 1942
Imperial Japan was the only country during WW2 to use floatplane fighters. The A6M2-N was quickly developed from the A6M2 Zero as a stop gap until the Kawanishi N1K1 "Rex" fighter began production. In the event the N1K1 was delayed and the Rufe was never completely replaced. They were used offensively and to defend occupied islands having no airfields. As such, it was assumed to perform well enough to be intercepting unescorted bombers and reconnaissance planes - which made sense in 1941 and 1942. But by mid 1942 at Guadalcanal and the Aleutians, it was forced to meet an enemy who were producing more, faster, better armed and more robust fighters and bombers than the Rufe was designed to fight. In spite of its slower speeds the A6M2-N was a still a threat. Its uncommon maneuverability and 20mm cannon meant no Allied pilot could take it for granted. But by 1943 it had become obsolete. Even so it was still used to defend Japan proper, operating from Lake Biwa until near the end of the war.
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Credits
Aircraft model, dp, and textures are by Captain Kurt
Aircraft virtual cockpit and 2D panel are by ACWai
The prop spinning texture is by Kelticheart.
Weapons are by Captain Kurt
Gauges were designed by Alphasim, MAPE, Aussie, and some by unknown authors
Unit: 11 Koku Sentai based on the Kamikawa Maru seaplane tender, Guadalcanal Oct/Nov 1942
Imperial Japan was the only country during WW2 to use floatplane fighters. The A6M2-N was quickly developed from the A6M2 Zero as a stop gap until the Kawanishi N1K1 "Rex" fighter began production. In the event the N1K1 was delayed and the Rufe was never completely replaced. They were used offensively and to defend occupied islands having no airfields. As such, it was assumed to perform well enough to be intercepting unescorted bombers and reconnaissance planes - which made sense in 1941 and 1942. But by mid 1942 at Guadalcanal and the Aleutians, it was forced to meet an enemy who were producing more, faster, better armed and more robust fighters and bombers than the Rufe was designed to fight. In spite of its slower speeds the A6M2-N was a still a threat. Its uncommon maneuverability and 20mm cannon meant no Allied pilot could take it for granted. But by 1943 it had become obsolete. Even so it was still used to defend Japan proper, operating from Lake Biwa until near the end of the war.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credits
Aircraft model, dp, and textures are by Captain Kurt
Aircraft virtual cockpit and 2D panel are by ACWai
The prop spinning texture is by Kelticheart.
Weapons are by Captain Kurt
Gauges were designed by Alphasim, MAPE, Aussie, and some by unknown authors
