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→Historical Information
With a larger engine capable of the required output, wing-loading became an issue - the Navy had requested no more than 150kg/m², which the MK9 was expected to fulfill. Due to MK9 production delays however, the Navy instructed Mitsubishi's design team to use the Nakajima NK9.
With a larger engine capable of the required output, wing-loading became an issue - the Navy had requested no more than 150kg/m², which the MK9 was expected to fulfill. Due to MK9 production delays however, the Navy instructed Mitsubishi's design team to use the Nakajima NK9.
The Type 17 carrier fighter's development was further delayed due to production facilities prioritizing production of the A6M-series fighters and Mitsubishi's G4M bomber as well as fixing issues with A6M variants and Mitsubishi's J2M ''Raiden''. The A7M1 ''Reppū'' prototype finally flew in May 1944, demonstrating excellent handling and manueverability but could not attain its lofty 640km/h target due to the underpowered NK9 engine. The Navy ordered development stopped due to the failure, but Mitsubishi obtained permission to test the aircraft with the MK9 engine.
The ''Specification 17'' carrier fighter's development was further delayed due to production facilities prioritizing production of the A6M-series fighters and Mitsubishi's G4M bomber as well as fixing issues with A6M variants and Mitsubishi's J2M ''Raiden''. The A7M1 ''Reppū'' prototype finally flew in May 1944, demonstrating excellent handling and manueverability but could not attain its lofty 640km/h target due to the underpowered NK9 engine. The Navy ordered development stopped due to the failure, but Mitsubishi obtained permission to test the aircraft with the MK9 engine.
The A7M2 prototype flew in October 1944, achieving a top speed of 628km/h while surpassing the Zero in many performance metrics, leading the Navy to officially adopt the type.
The A7M2 prototype flew in October 1944, achieving a top speed of 628km/h while surpassing the Zero in many performance metrics, leading the Navy to officially adopt the type.