War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Sd.Kfz. 6/2

2022-06-04T07:21:35Z

U116465435:

{{Specs-Card
|code=germ_sdkfz_6_2_flak36
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Sd.Kfz.62.jpg|ArtImage_Sd.Kfz. 6-2.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before [[Update 1.41]].

The 3.7-cm Flak 36 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz 6/2, or just Sd.Kfz 6/2 for short, with its 3.7 cm autocannon can easily dispatch any aircraft given the circumstances. However, its gun (with APHE ammo) can also make it a very good improvised anti-tank vehicle if push comes to shove against an enemy armoured vehicle.

Because it is based on an artillery tug half-track, it has no armour anywhere so even machine guns can knock out the driver. The crew manning the turret is completely exposed aside from the gun shield. The Sd.Kfz 6/2 can be surprisingly durable at times, however. Inexperienced players may try attacking it with AP/APCR ammo, and often targeting all the wrong places like the engine, driver cabin, or edges of the gun shield. The chances are worse if the enemy decides to sling over a chemical round for the explosion to do its deed. HE or HEAT shells can knock out the entire crew, even just by hitting the ground around the vehicle.

The mobility is comparable to somewhere between a light and medium tank, and the chassis produces a favorable cross-country performance, so this can be used to get out of an area if spotted or being pursued.

Being an SPAA, this vehicle's main purpose is to shoot down aeroplanes. It was originally designed to follow alongside convoys to protect them from attacking Allied aircraft. Its gun has a relatively low rate of fire for an SPAA but its shells pack a huge punch. Being a 37mm cannon with a good HE round, should it get a good hit, it will likely down the plane or cause significant damage. It also gets access to AP belts, which can be used against tanks. It can penetrate any medium or light tank of its rank (from the side/rear usually), but will flat out be out of luck against heavier opponents like the [[KV-1 (Family)|KV-1]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

'''Armour type:'''

*Structural Steel
*Rolled homogeneous armour (Gun shield)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 3 mm (3-9°) ''Grille'' <br> 3 mm (83-84°) ''Front hood'' || 3 mm || 3 mm || 3 mm
|-
| Gun Shield || 7 mm (25-33°) || 10 mm || N/A || N/A
|}
'''Notes:'''

* There is practically no armour on this vehicle aside from the gun shield which can protect from some light machine gun fire and shrapnel from nearby explosions

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=163|rbMinHp=102}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|FlaK36 (37 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[FlaK36 (37 mm)|37 mm FlaK36]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 318 (6) || rowspan="2" | 160 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 30.82 || 42.66 || 51.80 || 57.28 || 60.94 || rowspan="2" | 0.49 || rowspan="2" | 0.43 || rowspan="2" | 0.40 || rowspan="2" | 0.38
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 20.83 || 24.50 || 29.75 || 32.90 || 35.00
|-
|}

The driving compartment at the front of the vehicle creates a dead zone for the gun, that means that when an enemy is straight ahead you'll have to manoeuvre to get the gun on target. Take this into account when positioning your vehicle.

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APHE|Armour-piercing high-explosive}}{{-}}{{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}} - This belt can fulfill both roles (anti-aircraft and anti-tank) only at the cost of a halved rate of fire for effective shells against a specific target (especially for the anti-tank role) until dedicated belts are available.
* '''Sprgr. 18:''' {{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}} - This belt is adapted to the anti-air role as it contains only incendiary rounds. It will deal good damage to aircraft but will deal next to no damage to ground vehicles.
* '''PzGr:''' {{Annotation|APHE|Armour-piercing high-explosive}} - This belt deals decent damage against lightly armoured vehicles and planes but excels against tanks. When targeting ground vehicles, aim for weak spots.
* '''M.Gr.18:''' {{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}} - This belt excels in the anti-air role: with an increased muzzle velocity and a larger explosive filler, it deals heavier damage to airplanes than the "Sprgr. 18" belt. It will deal next to no damage to ground vehicles.

Since every FI-T bullet contains a tracer, it helps aiming at aircraft but detectability is also greatly increased.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Default || 49 || 46 || 33 || 22 || 14 || 10
|-
| Sprgr. 18 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3
|-
| PzGr || 49 || 46 || 33 || 22 || 14 || 10
|-
| M.Gr.18 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Belt details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| Sprgr. 18 || FI-T || 820 || 0.62 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 49.3 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| PzGr || APHE || 770 || 0.69 || 1.2 || 9 || 22.1 || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| M.Gr.18 || FI-T || 914 || 0.55 || 0 || 0.1 || 108 || 47° || 56° || 65°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_Sd.Kfz.62.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full<br>ammo
! 1st<br>rack empty
! 2nd<br>rack empty
! 3rd<br>rack empty
! 4th<br>rack empty
|-
| '''53''' || 50 ''(+3)'' || 46 ''(+7)'' || 43 ''(+10)'' || 39 ''(+14)''
|-
! 5th<br>rack empty
! 6th<br>rack empty
! 7th<br>rack empty
! 8th<br>rack empty
! Visual<br>discrepancy
|-
| 36 ''(+17)'' || 29 ''(+24)'' || 18 ''(+35)'' || 0 ''(+53)''|| Yes
|-
|}
There are 15 ammunition boxes strung about the bed of the truck. Two under the loader, three sitting on the tailgate, and the rest under the benches behind the driver. Most tankers won't bother trying to ammo rack you thanks to your exposed crew members, so bring as much as you want. However, near misses from aircraft and tanks alike could set off a box since they are kind of everywhere if you do take a full load, so follow alternate recommendation if one has concerns for this.

'''Notes''':

* Take a full loadout (53 clips of 6 rounds) if the battle might last.
* Alternately, pack only 36 clips in order to keep all ammo boxes under the bed bench for shorter battles like AB.

== Usage in battles ==

To use this machine to its fullest capabilities, stay away from areas of heavy combat, as you can be taken out very easily, especially by machine gun fire and HE shells. You should always stay behind friendly troops, but don't stay at spawn as it is most likely the first place enemy planes will go to drop bombs.

If you want to fight with the tanks, you'll definitely need to research APHE-only belts. However, the APHE's lacklustre penetration means this option is extremely limited and highly discouraged for a Sd.Kfz. 6/2 user. This is a tactic that should only be used as a last-stand measure against a flanking enemy that is unaware of the Sd.Kfz. 6/2's position. Avoid any open terrain, watch the battlefield situation carefully and wait, or use your speed to get out of any unfavourable battle condition. When the suitable target is spotted and in-range, it is a good idea is to reverse around the corner turned sideways, with your gun aiming at the expected enemy direction. This manoeuvre exposes only half of your turret and makes it possible to very quickly hide again behind the corner when needed. Your driver, engine and more than half of the vehicle remain hidden the whole time, meaning the damage from kinetic shell would be reduced, but chemical shells would still finish off the tank upon contact. This kind of positioning also significantly shortening the exposure time and lowering the chance of being immobilised. When targeting tanks, aim at side armour of the hull and/or turret, or just hit any weak spots. Make sure the enemy is close by, generally less than 400 m, as the aim dispersion and massive recoil of the gun can cause the shells to spray everywhere, a bad idea if wanting to take out the enemy as quick and precise as possible.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 37 mm capable of dealing heavy damage to planes upon contact
* Deadly against light tanks and lightly-armoured tank destroyers
* Decently fast (50 km/h top speed)
* Very short reloading time
* Losing 1 or 2 crew members have no noticeable effect on vehicle performance (apart from temporary immobilisation for example)
* Having no armour is also an advantage - AP/APCR Rounds that most players use often just harmlessly pass through the vehicle without doing any damage
* Difficult to destroy in one shot unless using pure HE rounds as APHE rounds will often just pass through without detonation
* Some players don't recognize this vehicle as any kind of threat, and carelessly show their sides that just might be able to be penetrated with the 37 mm AP
* Friendly tanks around you often have higher priority for all enemies, meaning you can often escape from combat unharmed, or surprise unsuspecting enemies

'''Cons:'''

* No armour - single HE shell from anything will usually knock out the vehicle
* Very vulnerable to damage from overpressure: artillery strikes, even being 20 m away from you, will destroy the vehicle
* Entire crew vulnerable to being strafed by planes and tank machine gun fire
* Slow rate of fire can make shooting down faster planes difficult
* Gun goes up when it is traversing over the driver, preventing you from firing ahead of your vehicle
* Ammo can run out if not careful
* Gun recoil is ridiculous, making continuous fire useless against any decently armoured target
* Knocked out easily if rammed by an aeroplane (no longer an issue in AB)
* AP shell has less penetration than predecessors' 20 mm APCR

== History ==

===The gun===
The 3.7 cm FlaK cannon was an anti-aircraft gun capable of fully automatic fire at a rate of 150 rounds per minute and is able to fire onto Allied aircraft up to four kilometres away. Multiple variants were made for the FlaK cannon from the 3.7 cm FlaK 18/36/37/43. The FlaK 18 was the initial variant with a dual-axle mount. The Flak 36 was a simplified variant with a lighter single-axle mount, the FlaK 37 has a simplified sighting system, and the FlaK 42 was the variant made for the German Kriegsmarine for their surface ships and U-boats. Of the variants, the FlaK 36 and 37 were the most produced guns

===The vehicle===
The Sd.Kfz.6 was a half-track designed in 1934 for the purpose of towing the 10.5 cm leFH 18 howitzer or 11 men in the back of the half-track, which could be covered by a canvas structure to protect the crew from the elements of nature. The vehicle was powered by a Maybach HL 54TUKRM 6-cylinder engine with 115 hp. Along with its use as a tractor for the 10.5 leFH 18 howitzer and other artillery pieces, the vehicle was to be used to tow heavy equipment for engineer units. Production was carried out by both Büssing-NAG and Daimler-Benz corporations. About 750 units were made during its production life until 1942.

===Anti-aircraft mount===
As World War II progressed, the need for a mobile air defence capable of engaging low flying targets became urgent. German engineers attempted to fill this need by modifying vehicles to fit an anti-aircraft gun. The Sd.kfz.6 half-track was modified with a new superstructure on the back, removing the backseats where the passengers would be. The superstructure allows the installation of a traversable anti-aircraft gun. The gun of choice for the Sd.kfz.6 was the 3.7 cm FlaK 36, the conversion for the vehicle was designated the 3.7 cm Flak 36 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz.6/2.

The Sd.Kfz.6/2 has the FlaK cannon mounted on the back, however, there is no gun shield for the crew to provide small arms protection from the ground. Thus, the ground support role for the vehicle was not a recommended role and is more best against flying targets. However, a modification on the vehicle by the crew to give protection against small arms and shrapnel. Ammunition for the gun was towed on a separate trailer towed by the half-track.

Modifications on the Sd.Kfz.6 into the Sd.Kfz.6/2 was carried out from 1941 to 1943, whereof the 750 of the Sd.Kfz.6, 339 were converted into the anti-aircraft variant. As the war progressed, the Sd.Kfz.6/2 were supplemented with the more numerous Sd.Kfz.7 half-track.

=== In-game description ===
To fight against enemy aircraft, German designers developed a new AA gun based on the 5-ton Sd.Kfz. 6 produced by the company Bussing-NAG. The new AA vehicle had a 37 mm 3,7 cm FlaK 36 L/98 anti-aircraft gun with a 98-calibre long barrel placed on a rotating carriage. The vehicle carried 120 shells, towed by a Sonderanhänger Sd.Ah. 57 trailer. The anti-aircraft gun traveled with spare barrels. The 10.4 ton setup supported a crew of 5 to calculate the gun's trajectory.

The anti-aircraft gun's effective rate of fire was 120 rounds per minute. The gun could fire at targets up to an altitude of 4,800 m. In stowed position, the sides of the towing vehicle were raised, and in combat situations they were reclined to facilitate a circular range of fire. The vehicle could reach a speed of 50 km/h and had a maximum range of 317 km.

The AA vehicle was produced by the companies Bussing-Nag, Daimler Benz, Böhmisch-Mährischen Maschinenfabrik, and Praga from 1941 to 1943. A total of 339 were built. During production, the gun was fitted with a shield to protect those performing the calculations from bullets and shrapnel. Shield construction varied.

At least 200 Sd.Kfz. 6/2 anti-aircraft guns entered the service of the Luftwaffe, and the rest joined the Wehrmacht's anti-aircraft divisions. An anti-aircraft division consisted of 9 AA vehicles. This vehicle was used in combat on all fronts.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_sdkfz_6_2_flak36 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|naeDoEwZ5Pg|'''German SPAAs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:45 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|UItw1051OWA|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}

== See also ==


;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[ZiS-43]]
* [[CCKW 353 AA]]
* [[Lvtdgb m/40]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}
[[Category:Half-tracks]]

A6M5 Hei

2022-05-24T15:16:03Z

U116465435: /* Flight performance */

{{About
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = A6M (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a6m5hei
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]]. The A6M5 Hei offers a good offensive armament as well as various payload options. The plane also has armor, granting better durability. It retains the good flight performance of the Zero family, with a turn time short enough to outmaneuver enemy fighters, although it can feel a little sluggish to players who used to early variants. Pilots will also generally notice a reduced rate of climb and poor acceleration.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
[[File:A6M51.png|thumb|A6M5 Hei cruising at tree top level]]
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

Due to the weight of the armor protecting the pilot and the additional heavy machine guns, the climb rate of this plane is rather poor for its BR. The engine won't overheat under combat conditions. The A6M5 Hei can feel quite sluggish as it cannot turn as well as other planes in the A6M5 family. While the plane's turning ability is hampered by the extra weight, players will still be able to out-turn every other plane.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 519 || 503 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 21.6 || 8.1 || 8.1 || rowspan="2" | 300
|-
! Upgraded
| 563 || 540 || 19.1 || 20.0 || 14.7 || 11.1
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 397 || 368 || 220 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 420 || < 410 || > 335
|-
|}

[[File:A6M56.png|thumb|A6M5 Hei cockpit and controls]]

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The A6M5 hei has three armoured components:

* 45 mm bulletproof glass in front of the pilot, angled at 68°
* 55 mm bulletproof glass behind the pilot, angled at 12°
* 8 mm of steel behind the pilot, angled at 12°

This armour is enough to survive light machine gun fire and light AA fire. However, the A6M5 Hei is still very fragile: don't rely solely on this armour, because the guns you will be facing at its battle rating will not be stopped by it.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|Type 3 (13.2 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
* 2 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine guns, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 480 total)
* 1 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun, nose-mounted (230 rpg)

[[File:A6M55.png|thumb|The A6M5 Hei is capable of carrying up to ten rockets]]

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 (250 kg)|Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1|Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb (250 kg total)
* 10 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
* 2 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets

[[File:A6M52.png|thumb|The A6M5 Hei cruises over Seversk 13, a map introduced in the same patch as the plane]]

== Usage in battles ==


;Realistic Battles

In Air RB, your primary focus is to engage fighters. Do not bring any payload options for this plane, as it will weigh you down significantly. Select 400 m for the gun convergence, use the Ground Targets belt for your 13 mm guns, and the Universal or Tracers belts for your 20 mm cannons. Climb at a 15° angle and you may want to try a slight side climb on smaller maps. Try climbing and staying with your team. You will be outclassed by many fighters, so play to your strengths. Engage targets that have low energy states, and try to dogfight them. Do not engage in head-ons or high altitude fighting and stay close to your allied aircraft, as the A6M5 hei works well when an enemy is overfocused on an allied plane. Try not to stall out in this plane, as your weight is increased and the relatively weak engine won't allow you to recover from stalls easily.

;Arcade Battles

In Air Arcade, this plane is extremely versatile: it can engage enemy ground units with rockets, intercept bombers and hunt enemy fighters. Engage in turnfights to reduce your exposure to enemy fire and play with caution, as this plane is fragile.

;Mixed Battles (Ground/Naval)

In mixed battles, the 250 kg bomb is your best option. You can fly extremely low to the ground thanks to the plane's superb manoeuvrability. Set a 1.5 second fuse on the bomb and drop it really close to the target. Once you have spent all ordnance, you can either take on fighter duties or return to the airfield and rearm.

;[[File:A6M57.png|thumb|A6M5 Hei from a scenic view]]Specific enemies worth noting

* P-51 (Family): as always, anything with 0.50 cal Brownings is a threat to the A6M5 hei. These planes will always try to boom and zoom and light you an fire. These planes will usually have an altitude advantage, thanks to their amazing climb rate. To engage these fighters, make sure you have a good speed and room to dodge attacks. Try to bait a P-51 to lower altitudes or close to friendly fighters. The best way to kill an energy fighter is when it is low and slow.
* Bf 109 (Family): this planes' superb climb and energy retention allow them to make multiple boom and zoom attacks on you. Dodge these by making evasive loops to throw off the pilot and make them overshoot. Do not engage in head-ons with a Bf 109.
* XP-55: the XP-55 outperforms you in every way possible. Play smart when facing these planes, and stick with your team.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}
The Zero's manual engine controls are simple to learn. The propeller pitch should be kept at 95% at all times. The radiators both should be kept between 5 and 15% depending if you are on a hot or cold map. The second supercharger gear should be activated at 3,500 m and above.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* '''A'''6M as a carrier-based fighter:
** Arrestor hook
*** Gets 2 x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|60 kg Type 97 No. 6 Land Bombs]], though strongly ill-advised for air battles
** Decent cannon armament
** Extremely manoeuvrable
*** Excellent turn rate
*** Excellent roll rate
** Very short takeoff distance

* Common Navy plane construction:
** Decent offensive armament: [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 2 Cannon]]
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
::* ''Ground targets'': Great for Ground battles
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
:::* AP-I:
::::* Shreds soft targets, and can weaken/destroy tanks with weak top armour, especially engine decks
::::* Easily sets fire to air targets
:::* HEF(T):
::::* Tracer can help you aim on target
::::* The few rounds in the belt can still wreck havoc on enemy planes with their HE filler
</div></div>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
::* ''Stealth'': Great for Air battles
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
:::* No tracers
:::* HEF:
::::* Near full HE belt
::::* Wrecks havoc on enemy planes with HE filler
:::* AP-I:
::::* Easily sets fire to air targets
</div></div>

:* Excellent manoeuvrability
:* Little radiator drag

* '''A6M5''' specific:
** Can mount a bomb rack for a single 250 kg bomb, still strongly ill-advised for air-battles

* '''A6M5 Hei''' specific:
** Gets rid of the 7.7 mm MG and has 2 x [[Type 3 (13.2 mm)|13.2 mm cannons]] in the wings and 1 x in the nose
** Gets air-to-air time fused rockets
** Up-armoured compared to its previous variants

'''Cons:'''

* '''A'''6M as a carrier-based fighter:
** Mainly air-to-air role
** Limited ammo
** Slow
** Low dive speed, and compresses easily in a dive

* Common Navy plane construction:
** Poor offensive armament when stock: [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 2 Cannon]]
*** No HE filler
*** T & FI rounds usually do nothing

* '''A6M5 Hei''' specific:
** Heavier than your average A6M
*** Turns slightly longer
*** Slightly worse climb rate

== History ==


In 1944, the A6M5 Otsu failed to meet the expectations of Japanese military leaders, turning out to be just a half-measure in an attempt of aircraft engineers to modernize the A6M fighter. Furthermore Japan was in a situation where no replacement for the outdated Zero had been found yet, with the aircraft that have been designed as replacements continuously suffered setbacks and engine deficits while the war situation continued to worsen for Japan.

Faced with the increasing threat of American high-altitude bombing raids, Japanese engineers had little choice but to further modify the A6M, despite knowing it was vastly inferior to the latest aircraft flown by the Allies. As a result, in September 1944, Mitsubishi rolled out the A6M5 Hei; a modification of the late war 'Zero' design, but outfitted with a stronger weapons arsenal, including an expanded range of secondary weapons the aircraft could carry.

Tests of the aircraft revealed substantially degraded performance characteristics over previous variants due to weight increases. As fitting the aircraft with a different, more powerful engine, wasn't possible, the A6M5 Hei was accepted into service nonetheless, despite its worse performance. However, as the A6M5 Hei entered production in the last stages of WWII, its production numbers remained low, chiefly due to the decreasing Japanese industrial capacity in the final months of the war. In total, over 90 units of the A6M5 Hei were produced by Mitsubishi alone by the end of WWII, with no available production data from Nakajima.

''-From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/7072-development-a6m5-hei-the-up-gunned-samurai-en Devblog]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a6m5hei Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7072-development-a6m5-hei-the-up-gunned-samurai-en|[Devblog] A6M5 Hei: The Up-Gunned Samurai]]

{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
{{Japan fighters}}

A6M5 Hei

2022-05-24T15:15:40Z

U116465435: /* Flight performance */

{{About
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = A6M (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a6m5hei
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]]. The A6M5 Hei offers a good offensive armament as well as various payload options. The plane also has armor, granting better durability. It retains the good flight performance of the Zero family, with a turn time short enough to outmaneuver enemy fighters, although it can feel a little sluggish to players who used to early variants. Pilots will also generally notice a reduced rate of climb and poor acceleration.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
[[File:A6M51.png|thumb|A6M5 Hei cruising at tree top level]]
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

Due to the weight of armor protecting the pilot and the additional heavy machine guns, the climb rate of this plane is rather poor for its BR. The engine won't overheat under combat conditions. The A6M5 Hei can feel quite sluggish as it cannot turn as well as other planes in the A6M5 family. While the plane's turning ability is hampered by the extra weight, players will still be able to out-turn every other plane.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 519 || 503 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 21.6 || 8.1 || 8.1 || rowspan="2" | 300
|-
! Upgraded
| 563 || 540 || 19.1 || 20.0 || 14.7 || 11.1
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 397 || 368 || 220 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 420 || < 410 || > 335
|-
|}

[[File:A6M56.png|thumb|A6M5 Hei cockpit and controls]]

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The A6M5 hei has three armoured components:

* 45 mm bulletproof glass in front of the pilot, angled at 68°
* 55 mm bulletproof glass behind the pilot, angled at 12°
* 8 mm of steel behind the pilot, angled at 12°

This armour is enough to survive light machine gun fire and light AA fire. However, the A6M5 Hei is still very fragile: don't rely solely on this armour, because the guns you will be facing at its battle rating will not be stopped by it.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|Type 3 (13.2 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
* 2 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine guns, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 480 total)
* 1 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun, nose-mounted (230 rpg)

[[File:A6M55.png|thumb|The A6M5 Hei is capable of carrying up to ten rockets]]

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 (250 kg)|Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1|Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb (250 kg total)
* 10 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
* 2 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets

[[File:A6M52.png|thumb|The A6M5 Hei cruises over Seversk 13, a map introduced in the same patch as the plane]]

== Usage in battles ==


;Realistic Battles

In Air RB, your primary focus is to engage fighters. Do not bring any payload options for this plane, as it will weigh you down significantly. Select 400 m for the gun convergence, use the Ground Targets belt for your 13 mm guns, and the Universal or Tracers belts for your 20 mm cannons. Climb at a 15° angle and you may want to try a slight side climb on smaller maps. Try climbing and staying with your team. You will be outclassed by many fighters, so play to your strengths. Engage targets that have low energy states, and try to dogfight them. Do not engage in head-ons or high altitude fighting and stay close to your allied aircraft, as the A6M5 hei works well when an enemy is overfocused on an allied plane. Try not to stall out in this plane, as your weight is increased and the relatively weak engine won't allow you to recover from stalls easily.

;Arcade Battles

In Air Arcade, this plane is extremely versatile: it can engage enemy ground units with rockets, intercept bombers and hunt enemy fighters. Engage in turnfights to reduce your exposure to enemy fire and play with caution, as this plane is fragile.

;Mixed Battles (Ground/Naval)

In mixed battles, the 250 kg bomb is your best option. You can fly extremely low to the ground thanks to the plane's superb manoeuvrability. Set a 1.5 second fuse on the bomb and drop it really close to the target. Once you have spent all ordnance, you can either take on fighter duties or return to the airfield and rearm.

;[[File:A6M57.png|thumb|A6M5 Hei from a scenic view]]Specific enemies worth noting

* P-51 (Family): as always, anything with 0.50 cal Brownings is a threat to the A6M5 hei. These planes will always try to boom and zoom and light you an fire. These planes will usually have an altitude advantage, thanks to their amazing climb rate. To engage these fighters, make sure you have a good speed and room to dodge attacks. Try to bait a P-51 to lower altitudes or close to friendly fighters. The best way to kill an energy fighter is when it is low and slow.
* Bf 109 (Family): this planes' superb climb and energy retention allow them to make multiple boom and zoom attacks on you. Dodge these by making evasive loops to throw off the pilot and make them overshoot. Do not engage in head-ons with a Bf 109.
* XP-55: the XP-55 outperforms you in every way possible. Play smart when facing these planes, and stick with your team.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}
The Zero's manual engine controls are simple to learn. The propeller pitch should be kept at 95% at all times. The radiators both should be kept between 5 and 15% depending if you are on a hot or cold map. The second supercharger gear should be activated at 3,500 m and above.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* '''A'''6M as a carrier-based fighter:
** Arrestor hook
*** Gets 2 x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|60 kg Type 97 No. 6 Land Bombs]], though strongly ill-advised for air battles
** Decent cannon armament
** Extremely manoeuvrable
*** Excellent turn rate
*** Excellent roll rate
** Very short takeoff distance

* Common Navy plane construction:
** Decent offensive armament: [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 2 Cannon]]
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
::* ''Ground targets'': Great for Ground battles
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
:::* AP-I:
::::* Shreds soft targets, and can weaken/destroy tanks with weak top armour, especially engine decks
::::* Easily sets fire to air targets
:::* HEF(T):
::::* Tracer can help you aim on target
::::* The few rounds in the belt can still wreck havoc on enemy planes with their HE filler
</div></div>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
::* ''Stealth'': Great for Air battles
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
:::* No tracers
:::* HEF:
::::* Near full HE belt
::::* Wrecks havoc on enemy planes with HE filler
:::* AP-I:
::::* Easily sets fire to air targets
</div></div>

:* Excellent manoeuvrability
:* Little radiator drag

* '''A6M5''' specific:
** Can mount a bomb rack for a single 250 kg bomb, still strongly ill-advised for air-battles

* '''A6M5 Hei''' specific:
** Gets rid of the 7.7 mm MG and has 2 x [[Type 3 (13.2 mm)|13.2 mm cannons]] in the wings and 1 x in the nose
** Gets air-to-air time fused rockets
** Up-armoured compared to its previous variants

'''Cons:'''

* '''A'''6M as a carrier-based fighter:
** Mainly air-to-air role
** Limited ammo
** Slow
** Low dive speed, and compresses easily in a dive

* Common Navy plane construction:
** Poor offensive armament when stock: [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 2 Cannon]]
*** No HE filler
*** T & FI rounds usually do nothing

* '''A6M5 Hei''' specific:
** Heavier than your average A6M
*** Turns slightly longer
*** Slightly worse climb rate

== History ==


In 1944, the A6M5 Otsu failed to meet the expectations of Japanese military leaders, turning out to be just a half-measure in an attempt of aircraft engineers to modernize the A6M fighter. Furthermore Japan was in a situation where no replacement for the outdated Zero had been found yet, with the aircraft that have been designed as replacements continuously suffered setbacks and engine deficits while the war situation continued to worsen for Japan.

Faced with the increasing threat of American high-altitude bombing raids, Japanese engineers had little choice but to further modify the A6M, despite knowing it was vastly inferior to the latest aircraft flown by the Allies. As a result, in September 1944, Mitsubishi rolled out the A6M5 Hei; a modification of the late war 'Zero' design, but outfitted with a stronger weapons arsenal, including an expanded range of secondary weapons the aircraft could carry.

Tests of the aircraft revealed substantially degraded performance characteristics over previous variants due to weight increases. As fitting the aircraft with a different, more powerful engine, wasn't possible, the A6M5 Hei was accepted into service nonetheless, despite its worse performance. However, as the A6M5 Hei entered production in the last stages of WWII, its production numbers remained low, chiefly due to the decreasing Japanese industrial capacity in the final months of the war. In total, over 90 units of the A6M5 Hei were produced by Mitsubishi alone by the end of WWII, with no available production data from Nakajima.

''-From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/7072-development-a6m5-hei-the-up-gunned-samurai-en Devblog]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a6m5hei Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7072-development-a6m5-hei-the-up-gunned-samurai-en|[Devblog] A6M5 Hei: The Up-Gunned Samurai]]

{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
{{Japan fighters}}

A6M5 Hei

2022-05-24T15:14:17Z

U116465435: /* Description */

{{About
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = A6M (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a6m5hei
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]]. The A6M5 Hei offers a good offensive armament as well as various payload options. The plane also has armor, granting better durability. It retains the good flight performance of the Zero family, with a turn time short enough to outmaneuver enemy fighters, although it can feel a little sluggish to players who used to early variants. Pilots will also generally notice a reduced rate of climb and poor acceleration.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
[[File:A6M51.png|thumb|A6M5 Hei cruising at tree top level]]
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

Due to the weight of pilot armour and the additional heavy machine guns, the climb rate on this plane is rather poor for its BR. The engine won't overheat under combat conditions. The A6M5 Hei can feel quite sluggish as it cannot turn as well as other planes in the A6M5 family. However, while the plane's turning ability is hampered by the extra weight, you will still be able to out-turn every other plane.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 519 || 503 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 21.6 || 8.1 || 8.1 || rowspan="2" | 300
|-
! Upgraded
| 563 || 540 || 19.1 || 20.0 || 14.7 || 11.1
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 397 || 368 || 220 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 420 || < 410 || > 335
|-
|}

[[File:A6M56.png|thumb|A6M5 Hei cockpit and controls]]

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The A6M5 hei has three armoured components:

* 45 mm bulletproof glass in front of the pilot, angled at 68°
* 55 mm bulletproof glass behind the pilot, angled at 12°
* 8 mm of steel behind the pilot, angled at 12°

This armour is enough to survive light machine gun fire and light AA fire. However, the A6M5 Hei is still very fragile: don't rely solely on this armour, because the guns you will be facing at its battle rating will not be stopped by it.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|Type 3 (13.2 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
* 2 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine guns, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 480 total)
* 1 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun, nose-mounted (230 rpg)

[[File:A6M55.png|thumb|The A6M5 Hei is capable of carrying up to ten rockets]]

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 (250 kg)|Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1|Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb (250 kg total)
* 10 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
* 2 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets

[[File:A6M52.png|thumb|The A6M5 Hei cruises over Seversk 13, a map introduced in the same patch as the plane]]

== Usage in battles ==


;Realistic Battles

In Air RB, your primary focus is to engage fighters. Do not bring any payload options for this plane, as it will weigh you down significantly. Select 400 m for the gun convergence, use the Ground Targets belt for your 13 mm guns, and the Universal or Tracers belts for your 20 mm cannons. Climb at a 15° angle and you may want to try a slight side climb on smaller maps. Try climbing and staying with your team. You will be outclassed by many fighters, so play to your strengths. Engage targets that have low energy states, and try to dogfight them. Do not engage in head-ons or high altitude fighting and stay close to your allied aircraft, as the A6M5 hei works well when an enemy is overfocused on an allied plane. Try not to stall out in this plane, as your weight is increased and the relatively weak engine won't allow you to recover from stalls easily.

;Arcade Battles

In Air Arcade, this plane is extremely versatile: it can engage enemy ground units with rockets, intercept bombers and hunt enemy fighters. Engage in turnfights to reduce your exposure to enemy fire and play with caution, as this plane is fragile.

;Mixed Battles (Ground/Naval)

In mixed battles, the 250 kg bomb is your best option. You can fly extremely low to the ground thanks to the plane's superb manoeuvrability. Set a 1.5 second fuse on the bomb and drop it really close to the target. Once you have spent all ordnance, you can either take on fighter duties or return to the airfield and rearm.

;[[File:A6M57.png|thumb|A6M5 Hei from a scenic view]]Specific enemies worth noting

* P-51 (Family): as always, anything with 0.50 cal Brownings is a threat to the A6M5 hei. These planes will always try to boom and zoom and light you an fire. These planes will usually have an altitude advantage, thanks to their amazing climb rate. To engage these fighters, make sure you have a good speed and room to dodge attacks. Try to bait a P-51 to lower altitudes or close to friendly fighters. The best way to kill an energy fighter is when it is low and slow.
* Bf 109 (Family): this planes' superb climb and energy retention allow them to make multiple boom and zoom attacks on you. Dodge these by making evasive loops to throw off the pilot and make them overshoot. Do not engage in head-ons with a Bf 109.
* XP-55: the XP-55 outperforms you in every way possible. Play smart when facing these planes, and stick with your team.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}
The Zero's manual engine controls are simple to learn. The propeller pitch should be kept at 95% at all times. The radiators both should be kept between 5 and 15% depending if you are on a hot or cold map. The second supercharger gear should be activated at 3,500 m and above.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* '''A'''6M as a carrier-based fighter:
** Arrestor hook
*** Gets 2 x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|60 kg Type 97 No. 6 Land Bombs]], though strongly ill-advised for air battles
** Decent cannon armament
** Extremely manoeuvrable
*** Excellent turn rate
*** Excellent roll rate
** Very short takeoff distance

* Common Navy plane construction:
** Decent offensive armament: [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 2 Cannon]]
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
::* ''Ground targets'': Great for Ground battles
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
:::* AP-I:
::::* Shreds soft targets, and can weaken/destroy tanks with weak top armour, especially engine decks
::::* Easily sets fire to air targets
:::* HEF(T):
::::* Tracer can help you aim on target
::::* The few rounds in the belt can still wreck havoc on enemy planes with their HE filler
</div></div>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
::* ''Stealth'': Great for Air battles
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
:::* No tracers
:::* HEF:
::::* Near full HE belt
::::* Wrecks havoc on enemy planes with HE filler
:::* AP-I:
::::* Easily sets fire to air targets
</div></div>

:* Excellent manoeuvrability
:* Little radiator drag

* '''A6M5''' specific:
** Can mount a bomb rack for a single 250 kg bomb, still strongly ill-advised for air-battles

* '''A6M5 Hei''' specific:
** Gets rid of the 7.7 mm MG and has 2 x [[Type 3 (13.2 mm)|13.2 mm cannons]] in the wings and 1 x in the nose
** Gets air-to-air time fused rockets
** Up-armoured compared to its previous variants

'''Cons:'''

* '''A'''6M as a carrier-based fighter:
** Mainly air-to-air role
** Limited ammo
** Slow
** Low dive speed, and compresses easily in a dive

* Common Navy plane construction:
** Poor offensive armament when stock: [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 2 Cannon]]
*** No HE filler
*** T & FI rounds usually do nothing

* '''A6M5 Hei''' specific:
** Heavier than your average A6M
*** Turns slightly longer
*** Slightly worse climb rate

== History ==


In 1944, the A6M5 Otsu failed to meet the expectations of Japanese military leaders, turning out to be just a half-measure in an attempt of aircraft engineers to modernize the A6M fighter. Furthermore Japan was in a situation where no replacement for the outdated Zero had been found yet, with the aircraft that have been designed as replacements continuously suffered setbacks and engine deficits while the war situation continued to worsen for Japan.

Faced with the increasing threat of American high-altitude bombing raids, Japanese engineers had little choice but to further modify the A6M, despite knowing it was vastly inferior to the latest aircraft flown by the Allies. As a result, in September 1944, Mitsubishi rolled out the A6M5 Hei; a modification of the late war 'Zero' design, but outfitted with a stronger weapons arsenal, including an expanded range of secondary weapons the aircraft could carry.

Tests of the aircraft revealed substantially degraded performance characteristics over previous variants due to weight increases. As fitting the aircraft with a different, more powerful engine, wasn't possible, the A6M5 Hei was accepted into service nonetheless, despite its worse performance. However, as the A6M5 Hei entered production in the last stages of WWII, its production numbers remained low, chiefly due to the decreasing Japanese industrial capacity in the final months of the war. In total, over 90 units of the A6M5 Hei were produced by Mitsubishi alone by the end of WWII, with no available production data from Nakajima.

''-From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/7072-development-a6m5-hei-the-up-gunned-samurai-en Devblog]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a6m5hei Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:A6M5 Hei WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7072-development-a6m5-hei-the-up-gunned-samurai-en|[Devblog] A6M5 Hei: The Up-Gunned Samurai]]

{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
{{Japan fighters}}