Changes

The '''Mitsubishi A7M2 ''Reppū '''''(''Strong Gale'', Allied reporting name "Sam") was a naval fighter plane developed as a successor to the infamous Type Zero carrier-based fighter.  

The '''Mitsubishi A7M2 ''Reppū '''''(''Strong Gale'', Allied reporting name "Sam") was a naval fighter plane developed as a successor to the infamous Type Zero carrier-based fighter.  

The result of the 17-shi carrier-based fighter specifcation, the Zero's sucessor (then referred to as ''Navy Experimental Type 17 Type A'') was expected to be able to climb to 6,000m in less than 6 minutes and then fly above that altitude at 639km/h, all while carrying two 20mm cannons and two 13mm machine guns ''and'' retaining the A6M3 Zero's (Type 32) impressive manueverability.

The result of the 17-shi carrier-based fighter specifcation, the Zero's sucessor (then referred to as ''Navy Experimental Type 17 Type A'') was expected to be able to climb to 6,000m in less than 6 minutes and then fly above that altitude at 639km/h, all while carrying two 20mm cannons and two 13mm machine guns ''and'' retaining the A6M3 Zero Model 32's impressive manueverability.

Engine selection was a primary problem - meeting the specifications required a 2,000hp powerplant, of which all available options - the Nakajima NK9 and the more powerful Mitsubishi MK9 - were still in development.

Engine selection was a primary problem - meeting the specifications required a 2,000hp powerplant, of which all available options - the Nakajima ''NK9'' and the more powerful Mitsubishi ''MK9'' - were still in development.

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.