Mitsubishi A6M Zero variant
Mitsubishi A6M Zero A6M5c Modelo 52 Hei
Heavier, more armoured Model 52, aimed at intercepting B-29s and special-attack missions.
Image pending
- September 1, 1944
- First flight
History
The A6M5c added a 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun outboard of the cannon in each wing and deleted the 7.7 mm cowl gun, while adding four racks for rockets or small bombs outboard of the wing guns. Some sources attribute a Sakae 31 engine to this variant. A 55 mm armoured-glass headrest and 8 mm armour plate behind the seat were fitted, and the central 300 L drop-tank mount changed to a four-post design. The weight gain meant it was used mainly for intercepting B-29s and special attacks; the first example was completed in September 1944.