Regardless, the Ryuusei was an impressive aircraft with aerial performance akin to a fighter, superior to the [[Type 52 Zero Fighter|A6M Zero Fighter]] then in service, achieved through its advanced airframe and 1,825hp Nakajima NK9C Homare 12 engine. However, its payload capacity was no better than its predecessors. Defensive armament included twin 20mm Type 99 Model 2 front facing guns and a single 13mm rear-facing Type 2 heavy machine gun (licensed copy of German MG131). [[Ryuusei Kai (Shooting Star)|Later developments]] that never reached mass production were to use more powerful engines and were designated B7A2 (using a 2,000hp Homare 23) and B7A3 (planned to use a 2,200hp Mitsubishi MK9). | Regardless, the Ryuusei was an impressive aircraft with aerial performance akin to a fighter, superior to the [[Type 52 Zero Fighter|A6M Zero Fighter]] then in service, achieved through its advanced airframe and 1,825hp Nakajima NK9C Homare 12 engine. However, its payload capacity was no better than its predecessors. Defensive armament included twin 20mm Type 99 Model 2 front facing guns and a single 13mm rear-facing Type 2 heavy machine gun (licensed copy of German MG131). [[Ryuusei Kai (Shooting Star)|Later developments]] that never reached mass production were to use more powerful engines and were designated B7A2 (using a 2,000hp Homare 23) and B7A3 (planned to use a 2,200hp Mitsubishi MK9). |