Difference between revisions of "A6M6c"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=a6m6c
 
|code=a6m6c
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
|market=id50144_a6m6c_japan
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Red Skies"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season IV, "Fearless Voltigeur"]].
+
The '''A6M6 mod. 53''', designated as the '''Type 0 Carrier-based Fighter Model 53 ({{Annotation|零式艦上戦闘機五三型|Rei Shiki Kanjō Sentōki, Go San Gata}})''', was a prototype on the [[A6M5 Hei|A6M5 mod. 52C (Hei)]] developed to carry the Sakae 31a engine, featuring a water-methanol engine boost which slightly improves engine power but during testing proved unsatisfactory due to the unreliability of the prototype engine. It also includes fuel tanks that were made self-sealing.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced during [[Update "Red Skies"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season IV, "Fearless Voltigeur"]]. Essentially the "black sheep" of the Zero family together with the [[A6M5 Hei|A6M5 mod.52 Hei]], the A6M6 sacrifices manoeuvrability for more armament, ordnance, and survivability, though at a much larger degree. While it is noticeably less capable in dogfighting compared to its peers, the A6M6's improved protection means that it can afford to take punishment, making it very forgiving to fly. The plane's reinforced airframe also makes the A6M6 highly capable at boom-and-zoom tactics and high speed dogfights, especially when using snap turns to catch the enemy off-guard. It is also capable of ground attacking due to the generous amount of machine gun rounds and payload.
 +
 
 +
;Nicknames
 +
* IJN Pilot nickname: ''Reisen'' (零戦) / ''Zerosen'' (ゼロ戦) <small>(Abbreviation of 0 - {{Annotation|戦|Fight(er aircraft)}})</small>.
 +
* Allied reporting name: ''Zeke / Zero''.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 17: Line 24:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
Due to the weight of the self-sealing fuel tanks, 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 A6M6c can feel quite sluggish as it cannot turn as well as other planes in the A6M 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.
 
  
−
On top of that with the new Sakae 31a engine, the A6M6c has a water-methanol injection that makes the WEP slightly stronger and doesn't overheat the engine as much in trade-off having only limited WEP.
+
With the new Sakae 31a engine, the A6M6c has a water-methanol injection that makes the engine less vulnerable to overheating under WEP. The main flaw of this engine is that once the water-methanol mixture runs out, WEP cannot be utilized anymore. The [[B7A2]] also shares this similar flaw with the A6M6c. The WEP lasts for a total of 8 minutes, so it's recommended to conserve it once cruising altitude is reached. Saving a few minutes of WEP for a dogfight can make a vital difference in combat effectiveness. In total, the WEP setting adds 136 additional horsepower compared to 100% throttle setting.
 +
 
 +
The general flight performance of this Zero will match the traditional expectations. It is relatively light and nimble, it has an excellent turn rate, and it has great low altitude performance. However, when compared with other late war Zeros such as the [[A6M5]] [[A6M5 Ko|Ko]]/[[A6M5 otsu|Otsu]], it feels much heavier and more sluggish due to reinforced airframe, which results poor rate of climb but significantly improves its high-speed handling (especially in a dive), this means boom-and-zoom and dive attack can be performed with ease, a feat that other Zeros would struggle to execute otherwise. It behaves similarly to the [[A6M5 Hei]], and if the pilot is familiar with the Hei, the pilot can master the A6M6.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,500 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,400 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 398 || 369 || 220 || ~14 || ~6
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| 740 <!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 398 || 369 || 220 || ~14 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
The A6M6c has self-sealing fuel tanks and has three armoured components:
+
The A6M6c boasts pilot armour, armoured glass, and self-sealing fuel tanks, elements missing on earlier models of the A6M. It has increased survivability because of these bonus features. However, it isn't as tough as a P-51, as it is still a Zero, and the wings are vulnerable to incendiary rounds. The armour will save you, but you should not rely on it as your primary advantage.
−
 
 
−
*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 A6M6c 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. The self-sealing fuel tanks allow you to put out wing fires.
 
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
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* 1 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun, nose-mounted (230 rpg)
 
* 1 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun, nose-mounted (230 rpg)
 
* 2 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine guns, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 480 total)
 
* 2 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine guns, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 480 total)
 +
 +
The A6M6c features two 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 autocannons mounted on the wings, and three 13.2 mm Type 3 machine guns with two on the wings and one on the nose. Both guns are mostly accurate and hard-hitting, and has enough ammo to take down a handful of aircraft and soft ground targets.
 +
 +
As all ammo belt options were unlocked by default, the A6M6c offers handy choices depending on your preference. For the 20 mm, the "tracer" belt are the most reliable option, as it is consisted entirely of an HEF-T rounds with good filler and is capable of dealing consistent damage, though the "universal" and "stealth" options features HEF shell that sacrifice tracer properties for twice the filler of the HEF-T, making it capable of dealing a lot of damage. Meanwhile, the 13.2 mm has a choice between a "ground targets" and "stealth" belts with focus on API and API-T rounds that can easily light up the enemy planes on fire, or the "universal" belt with more IAI rounds for dealing structural damage.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
;Realistic Battles
+
The A6M6c sacrifice some of its manoeuvrability and climb rate in favor of reinforced airframe, improved protection, and high-speed handling. Due to this, the A6M6c is less specialized in dogfight compared to the other Zeros, but is generally more versatile and forgiving than the its peer. The plane is capable of executing high-speed manoeuvres and diving attacks, and is capable of taking damage. Though, being a Zero, it also inherit weakness from the other Zeros such as slow speed and volatile fuel tanks.
  
−
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 A6M6c 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.
+
To master the A6M6c in the air, the pilot needs to channel all of the Zero's strengths and exploit them against the enemy. The primary goal is to set up a turning engagement and open fire roughly 300 m from the target in a turn. The Zero is vulnerable to energy fighting, and as such it doesn't perform well in a prolonged dogfight. As the A6M6c has a poor climb rate, it is recommended to side climb slightly and engage targets that are low in energy and altitude. While side climbing, the most optimal angle to do so is at 20° maximum. This will allow you to climb without stalling your engines. When attacking bombers, your fighter cannot take much punishment so make sure to only pick targets that you can kill easily. An experienced bomber gunner can obliterate you out of the sky due to how relatively frail the Zero's airframe is.
−
 
 
−
;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.
 
−
 
 
−
;Specific enemies worth noting
 
−
 
 
−
*P-51 (Family): as always, anything with 0.50 cal Brownings is a threat to the A6M6c. 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 ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
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.
+
 
 +
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. The Mixture can be kept at 60% percent for all altitudes.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 157: Line 150:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* '''A'''6M as a carrier-based fighter:
+
* Powerful armament with good ammo count, the 13 mm MGs are effective
−
** Arrestor hook
+
* Retains some of the famous manoeuvrability of the A6M series, makes for a capable dogfighter
−
** Strictly air-to-air role
+
* Reinforced airframe improves its high speed handling, thus allowing the plane to do boom-and-zoom and dive attacks
−
*** 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
+
* Has some armour, combined with better guns it makes the plane capable for bomber hunting
−
** Decent cannon armament
+
* Somewhat more durable airframe than other Zeros with self-sealing fuel tanks, capable of taking hits unlike the other Zeros
−
** Extremely manoeuvrable
+
* Can carry effective rockets
−
*** Excellent turn rate
 
−
*** Excellent roll rate
 
−
** Very short takeoff distance
 
  
−
* Common Navy plane construction:
+
'''Cons:'''
−
** 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:
+
* Heavier than other zeros, does not handle as well
−
** Can mount a bomb rack for a single 250 kg bomb, still strongly ill-advised for air-battles
+
* Mediocre climb rate, needs to side climb in order to gain altitude
 +
* Vulnerable to incendiary rounds
 +
* Very poor top speed
 +
* Not potent at high altitude
 +
* Limited WEP mode (only 8 minutes)
  
−
* '''A6M6c''' specific:
+
== History ==
−
** Gets rid of the 7.7 mm's and has 2 x [[Type 3 (13.2 mm)]] in the wings and 1 x in the nose
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
** Gets air-to-air time fused rockets
+
In late 1944 into early 1945, the skies over the Pacific Ocean were ruled by US military aviation. The Japanese Empire was forced to deploy the already obsolete Zero against up-to-date Corsairs and Hellcats, because the development of new models of carrier-based fighter aircraft was delayed, and new Japanese army fighters often lacked range to win a tactical initiative. The design team of Mitsubishi did everything possible in an attempt to bring the Zero to the level of modern Allied combat aviation.
−
** Up-armored compared to its previous variants
 
−
** New Sakae 31a Engine
 
−
*** Slightly more HP over other previous models
 
−
*** Has more powerful WEP
 
−
 
 
−
'''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
 
  
−
* '''A6M6c''' specific:
+
One of the latest versions of the Japanese carrier-based fighter was the Model 53 hei (A6M6c), developed after the design of the previous version, the A6M5 hei. Efforts to strengthen the structure and increase firepower were also traced in the new model: the A6M6c, like its predecessor, was armed with a pair of automatic cannons and three high-caliber machine guns, and also had protected wing tanks. In addition, this modification was supposed to install a new Nakajima Sakae 31 engine with a water-methanol injection system. As tests showed, the promising afterburner proved to be very unreliable in operation, so only a few A6M6c units were produced - one prototype at the Mitsubishi plant and several units of the testing batch at the Nakajima plant.
−
** Heavier than your average A6M
 
−
*** Turns slightly longer
 
−
*** Slightly worse climb rate
 
  
−
== History ==
+
-From [[wt:en/news/7247-development-battle-pass-vehicles-a6m6c-en|Devblog]]
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a6m6c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a6m6c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|477cgrAHIQg|'''Battle Pass "Fearless Voltigeur"''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 03:23 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== 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.'' -->
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 240: Line 200:
 
* [[wt:en/news/7247-development-battle-pass-vehicles-a6m6c-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: A6M6c]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/7247-development-battle-pass-vehicles-a6m6c-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: A6M6c]]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
 
{{Japan fighters}}
 
{{Japan fighters}}
 
{{Japan premium aircraft}}
 
{{Japan premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 15:47, 6 June 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the Japanese fighter A6M6c. For other versions, see A6M (Family).
A6M6c
a6m6c.png
GarageImage A6M6c.jpg
ArtImage A6M6c.png
A6M6c
Japan flag.png Japan
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 5.0 4.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
MARKET

Description

The A6M6 mod. 53, designated as the Type 0 Carrier-based Fighter Model 53 (零式艦上戦闘機五三型), was a prototype on the A6M5 mod. 52C (Hei) developed to carry the Sakae 31a engine, featuring a water-methanol engine boost which slightly improves engine power but during testing proved unsatisfactory due to the unreliability of the prototype engine. It also includes fuel tanks that were made self-sealing.

It was introduced during Update "Red Skies" as a reward for Battle Pass: Season IV, "Fearless Voltigeur". Essentially the "black sheep" of the Zero family together with the A6M5 mod.52 Hei, the A6M6 sacrifices manoeuvrability for more armament, ordnance, and survivability, though at a much larger degree. While it is noticeably less capable in dogfighting compared to its peers, the A6M6's improved protection means that it can afford to take punishment, making it very forgiving to fly. The plane's reinforced airframe also makes the A6M6 highly capable at boom-and-zoom tactics and high speed dogfights, especially when using snap turns to catch the enemy off-guard. It is also capable of ground attacking due to the generous amount of machine gun rounds and payload.

Nicknames
  • IJN Pilot nickname: Reisen (零戦) / Zerosen (ゼロ戦) (Abbreviation of 0 - 戦).
  • Allied reporting name: Zeke / Zero.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 6 400 m543 km/h
Turn time20 s
Max altitude10 900 m
EngineNakajima Sakae 31a
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight3 t

With the new Sakae 31a engine, the A6M6c has a water-methanol injection that makes the engine less vulnerable to overheating under WEP. The main flaw of this engine is that once the water-methanol mixture runs out, WEP cannot be utilized anymore. The B7A2 also shares this similar flaw with the A6M6c. The WEP lasts for a total of 8 minutes, so it's recommended to conserve it once cruising altitude is reached. Saving a few minutes of WEP for a dogfight can make a vital difference in combat effectiveness. In total, the WEP setting adds 136 additional horsepower compared to 100% throttle setting.

The general flight performance of this Zero will match the traditional expectations. It is relatively light and nimble, it has an excellent turn rate, and it has great low altitude performance. However, when compared with other late war Zeros such as the A6M5 Ko/Otsu, it feels much heavier and more sluggish due to reinforced airframe, which results poor rate of climb but significantly improves its high-speed handling (especially in a dive), this means boom-and-zoom and dive attack can be performed with ease, a feat that other Zeros would struggle to execute otherwise. It behaves similarly to the A6M5 Hei, and if the pilot is familiar with the Hei, the pilot can master the A6M6.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,400 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 522 506 10900 20.9 21.7 7.8 7.8 350
Upgraded 566 543 19.1 20.0 14.4 10.7

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
740 300 398 369 220 ~14 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 280 < 420 < 410 > 336

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear300 km/h

The A6M6c boasts pilot armour, armoured glass, and self-sealing fuel tanks, elements missing on earlier models of the A6M. It has increased survivability because of these bonus features. However, it isn't as tough as a P-51, as it is still a Zero, and the wings are vulnerable to incendiary rounds. The armour will save you, but you should not rely on it as your primary advantage.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 384 Sl icon.png
RB2 972 Sl icon.png
SB4 263 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts250 000 Sl icon.png
Aces820 Ge icon.png
Research Aces870 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 80 / 190 / 400 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
type3_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
type99mk2_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type3_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
9 in (mod30)
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type99mk2_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
12 in (mod30)

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannon
Ammunition250 rounds
Fire rate490 shots/min
Weapon 23 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun
Ammunition710 rounds
Fire rate798 shots/min
Main articles: Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm), Type 3 (13.2 mm)

The A6M6c is armed with:

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

The A6M6c features two 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 autocannons mounted on the wings, and three 13.2 mm Type 3 machine guns with two on the wings and one on the nose. Both guns are mostly accurate and hard-hitting, and has enough ammo to take down a handful of aircraft and soft ground targets.

As all ammo belt options were unlocked by default, the A6M6c offers handy choices depending on your preference. For the 20 mm, the "tracer" belt are the most reliable option, as it is consisted entirely of an HEF-T rounds with good filler and is capable of dealing consistent damage, though the "universal" and "stealth" options features HEF shell that sacrifice tracer properties for twice the filler of the HEF-T, making it capable of dealing a lot of damage. Meanwhile, the 13.2 mm has a choice between a "ground targets" and "stealth" belts with focus on API and API-T rounds that can easily light up the enemy planes on fire, or the "universal" belt with more IAI rounds for dealing structural damage.

Suspended armament

List of setups (4)
Setup 12 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bomb
Setup 21 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb
Setup 310 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
Setup 42 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
Main articles: 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 A6M6c 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

Usage in battles

The A6M6c sacrifice some of its manoeuvrability and climb rate in favor of reinforced airframe, improved protection, and high-speed handling. Due to this, the A6M6c is less specialized in dogfight compared to the other Zeros, but is generally more versatile and forgiving than the its peer. The plane is capable of executing high-speed manoeuvres and diving attacks, and is capable of taking damage. Though, being a Zero, it also inherit weakness from the other Zeros such as slow speed and volatile fuel tanks.

To master the A6M6c in the air, the pilot needs to channel all of the Zero's strengths and exploit them against the enemy. The primary goal is to set up a turning engagement and open fire roughly 300 m from the target in a turn. The Zero is vulnerable to energy fighting, and as such it doesn't perform well in a prolonged dogfight. As the A6M6c has a poor climb rate, it is recommended to side climb slightly and engage targets that are low in energy and altitude. While side climbing, the most optimal angle to do so is at 20° maximum. This will allow you to climb without stalling your engines. When attacking bombers, your fighter cannot take much punishment so make sure to only pick targets that you can kill easily. An experienced bomber gunner can obliterate you out of the sky due to how relatively frail the Zero's airframe is.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
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. The Mixture can be kept at 60% percent for all altitudes.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful armament with good ammo count, the 13 mm MGs are effective
  • Retains some of the famous manoeuvrability of the A6M series, makes for a capable dogfighter
  • Reinforced airframe improves its high speed handling, thus allowing the plane to do boom-and-zoom and dive attacks
  • Has some armour, combined with better guns it makes the plane capable for bomber hunting
  • Somewhat more durable airframe than other Zeros with self-sealing fuel tanks, capable of taking hits unlike the other Zeros
  • Can carry effective rockets

Cons:

  • Heavier than other zeros, does not handle as well
  • Mediocre climb rate, needs to side climb in order to gain altitude
  • Vulnerable to incendiary rounds
  • Very poor top speed
  • Not potent at high altitude
  • Limited WEP mode (only 8 minutes)

History

In late 1944 into early 1945, the skies over the Pacific Ocean were ruled by US military aviation. The Japanese Empire was forced to deploy the already obsolete Zero against up-to-date Corsairs and Hellcats, because the development of new models of carrier-based fighter aircraft was delayed, and new Japanese army fighters often lacked range to win a tactical initiative. The design team of Mitsubishi did everything possible in an attempt to bring the Zero to the level of modern Allied combat aviation.

One of the latest versions of the Japanese carrier-based fighter was the Model 53 hei (A6M6c), developed after the design of the previous version, the A6M5 hei. Efforts to strengthen the structure and increase firepower were also traced in the new model: the A6M6c, like its predecessor, was armed with a pair of automatic cannons and three high-caliber machine guns, and also had protected wing tanks. In addition, this modification was supposed to install a new Nakajima Sakae 31 engine with a water-methanol injection system. As tests showed, the promising afterburner proved to be very unreliable in operation, so only a few A6M6c units were produced - one prototype at the Mitsubishi plant and several units of the testing batch at the Nakajima plant.

-From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
Battle Pass "Fearless Voltigeur" discusses the A6M6c at 03:23 - War Thunder Official Channel

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


Mitsubishi Company (三菱商会)
Fighters  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
Hydroplanes  F1M2
Interceptors  Ki-83 · Ki-109
Bombers  G4M1
  Ki-21-Ia · Ki-21-I hei · Ki-67-I Ko · Ki-67-I otsu
Jet Fighters  Ki-200
Captured  ▃A6M2 · ␗A6M2
See also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Post-War)

Japan fighters
Navy 
Carrier-based fighter 
A5M  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
A6M  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
A7He  A7He1*
A7M  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
Land-based Fighter 
J2M  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
J6K  J6K1
J7W  J7W1
N1K-J  N1K1-Ja · N1K2-J · N1K2-Ja
Fighter seaplane 
N1K  N1K1
A6M-N  A6M2-N
Army 
Ki-10  Ki-10-I · Ki-10-I C · Ki-10-II · Ki-10-II C
Ki-27  Ki-27 otsu · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
Ki-43  Ki-43-I · Ki-43-II · Ki-43-III otsu
Ki-44  Ki-44-I · Ki-44-I 34 · Ki-44-II otsu · Ki-44-II hei
Ki-61  Ki-61-I ko · Ki-61-I otsu · Ki-61-I hei · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · Ki-61-I tei · Ki-61-II Otsu Kai
Ki-84  Ki-84 ko · Ki-84 otsu · Ki-84 hei
Ki-87  Ki-87
Ki-94  Ki-94-II
Ki-100  Ki-100 · Ki-100-II
Other countries  ▅F4U-1A · ▅P-51C-11-NT · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅Fw 190 A-5
  *Imported designation of the He 112 (A6M was in development - A7M would take A7 designation after the cancelation of the A7He)

Japan premium aircraft
Fighters  Hagiri's A5M4 · A7He1 · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
  Ki-44-II otsu · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅F4U-1A · Ki-100-II · Ki-44-I 34
  ▅Fw 190 A-5 · A7M1 (NK9H) · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · ▅P-51C-11-NT
  J2M4 Kai · A6M5 Ko · A6M6c · J2M5 · Ki-87 · J6K1
Twin-engine fighters  Ki-96
Jet fighters  F-86F-40 JASDF▅ · T-2 Early · F-4EJ ADTW
Strike aircraft  ▄AV-8S
Bombers  Ki-21-I hei · Ki-48-II otsu · H8K3 · B7A2 (Homare 23) · ▅B-17E

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