The Nakajima A6M2-N Navy Type 2 Rufe Interceptor/Fighter-Bomber is a single-crew float seaplane based on the Mitsubishi A6M Zero Model 11.
This floatplane was developed from the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero", for the purpose of supporting amphibian operations and defending remote bases. It was based on the A6M-2 Model 11 fuselage, with a modified tail and floats. This aircraft was the brainchild of Shinobu Mitsutake, Nakajima's Chief Engineer, and Atsush...
more
The Nakajima A6M2-N Navy Type 2 Rufe Interceptor/Fighter-Bomber is a single-crew float seaplane based on the Mitsubishi A6M Zero Model 11.
This floatplane was developed from the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero", for the purpose of supporting amphibian operations and defending remote bases. It was based on the A6M-2 Model 11 fuselage, with a modified tail and floats. This aircraft was the brainchild of Shinobu Mitsutake, Nakajima's Chief Engineer, and Atsushi Tajima, one of the company's designers. A total of 327 were built, including the original prototype.
The plane was deployed in 1942, referred to as the "Suisen 2" ("Hydro fighter type 2"), and was only utilized in defensive actions in the Aleutians and Solomon Islands operations. Such seaplanes were effective at night in harassing American PT boats, and they were very difficult to detect, even with primitive radar. Close misses killed officers and crew of boats such as PT 105. They would also drop flares to illuminate the PTs which were...
less