Koga's A6M2 was the first model of the Zero that the United States had direct access to, and the insights they gained from studying it were incredibly valuable in understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of the A6M2 Type 21. As the war progressed, numerous countries and pilots tested different variants of the Zero, and it’s safe to say that no two sets of results were the same. Each version of the aircraft offered unique handling characteristics, which likely varied based on modifications, pilot skill, and operational conditions.
As for the possibility of bringing the Zero back to life in CFS2, I understand the challenges in achieving full realism in flight dynamics. The game’s virtual skies can’t perfectly replicate the real-world environment, and that gap is something we have to accept. While it may never be as realistic as one would want, I agree that having a more accurate representation of the A6M2’s flight characteristics (like the 1% version) is a step in the right direction. That said, the gameplay experience will inevitably differ from real-life flying conditions. Flying the 1% Zero can be challenging, especially in quick combat scenarios, and it might not always be the best option for scoring high in a mission. Even legendary pilots like Hiroyoshi Nishizawa would have faced difficulties in achieving an unrealistic kill count in a simulated environment, given the dynamic nature of combat and the limitations of game physics.
On the other hand, the stock CFS2 Zero, with its more forgiving flight model, might make things a bit easier for the average player. It's designed to offer a more accessible experience, which could feel quite different from the true performance of the aircraft.
While I don’t personally create my own models (due to the "no shirt, no shoes, no school" rule, so to speak), I do contribute to the community in other ways. My primary focus is on reworking and enhancing the campaign scenarios in CFS2, which I think will bring a richer experience for players. Regarding ordnance, you're correct that the 250 kg bomb, though sometimes used in Kamikaze missions, was not a standard weapon for the A6M2 Type 21. It was a more specialized loadout, not typically used for the aircraft’s regular operations.
