What floatplane fighter was derived from the Zero?

Short answer

It was the Nakajima A6M2-N, codenamed "Rufe." It was built by the Nakajima Aircraft Company based on the Mitsubishi A6M Zero Model 11, with a slightly modified tail. It was a single-seat floatplane classified as an interceptor and fighter-bomber. According to Francillon, 327 were built.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

What floatplane fighter was derived from the Zero?

Zero Akagi Dec1941

The Zero on floats

The floatplane version of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero was designated A6M2-N and given the Allied codename "Rufe." It was based on the A6M Model 11, with a slightly modified tail. It was a single-seat floatplane, classified as an interceptor and fighter-bomber.

Built by Nakajima

Construction was undertaken by the Nakajima Aircraft Company, working from the Mitsubishi A6M Zero Model 11. The A6M2-N is listed as one of two Model 21 versions built in small numbers, notable for being a floatplane derived from the Model 11.

How many were built

In the Zero production count attributed to Francillon, A6M2-N aircraft total 327 within an overall figure of 11,291 aircraft, which also includes 10,449 A6M, 508 A6M2-K, and 7 A6M5-K. That proportion fits the description of the "Rufe" as a variant built in small numbers compared with the fighter's overall production.