A6M2-a TYPE 11

The A6M2-a Type 11 was the first production aircraft to enter service. Used experimentally in China during the autumn of 1940, the Zero quickly proved its dominance: in its first engagement, a group of 10 Zeros completely destroyed a Chinese force of 27 aircraft without suffering a single loss.

A6M2-b TYPE 21

The A6M2-b Type 21 was the most important of all, as it enabled Japan to carry out its campaign of conquests in 1941/42. It differed from the Type 11 by featuring folding wingtips, allowing a greater number of aircraft to be stored on aircraft carriers.

A6M2-K

The A6M2-K was a two-seat trainer variant of the Zero, designed to prepare new pilots for combat operations. Introduced in 1943, this model was based on the A6M2 Type 21 but featured a second cockpit for an instructor, located behind the pilot.

A6M3 TYPE 32

In May 1942, the A6M3 was officially adopted. It differed from earlier models by having its wingtips shortened by 50 centimeters. This model was specifically designed for the role of an interceptor, featuring a shorter range but a higher climb rate, thanks to the new Sakae 21 engine. Its Allied code name was “Hamp.”

A6M3 TYPE 22

Due to the unpopularity of the A6M3 Type 32 among Japanese pilots, it was decided to produce the A6M3 with the same wings as the Type 21, resulting in the Type 22. This variant was introduced in early 1943, initially equipping aircraft carriers and land-based units in the South Pacific area.

A6M5 TYPE 52

A new Zero was introduced in February 1944. A6M5: Standard armament of two 20 mm cannons and two 7.7 mm machine guns. A6M5a: Featured a new 20 mm cannon. A6M5b: Replaced the starboard 7.7 mm machine gun with a 12.7 mm machine gun. A6M5c: Removed the nose-mounted 7.7 mm machine guns in favor of 13 mm machine guns mounted on the wings.

A6M6 TYPE 53

The A6M6 Type 53 was an improved variant of the Zero introduced in late 1944. Designed to operate as both a fighter and a fighter-bomber, it could carry bombs for ground-attack missions.

A6M7 TYPE 62

The A6M7 variant featured reinforced wings and an undercarriage to support a bomb load of up to 500 kg. It also had provisions for external fuel tanks, which extended its range for kamikaze missions, a role it often fulfilled during the final months of the war.

A6M8 TYPE 64

The final Zero model, the A6M8, saw only two units produced in July 1945. It was equipped with a new engine, the 1,560 HP Kinsei 62, which greatly improved its performance, though it came too late to make a difference.