Variation of Zero fighter

The purpose of this part is to pick up details and other things, which most people do not care, about Zero at random.
Sources we refer are books, magazines, and information on Internet. Naturally, we have to make some assumption to write our articles. If you notice some thing with our articles or you have some information, please let us know it. We are very pleased to receive your advice or information for our improvement.

Part1
Variation of Mitsubishi made Type 52 (A6M5) *Not including A6M5a, b, c.

On the contrary to our impression, there are several varieties of Mitsubishi made Type 52 (A6M5). In this short article, 4 types of Mitsubishi made Type 52 will be described. From their appearance, types are divided into 1) Earliest type, 2) Earlier type, 3) Later type, and 4) Latest type. Unfortunately, it is still difficult to specify when characteristics of each type appeared. Because of this, it is possible to assume that more varieties had existed.

Earliest type (Serial No.: 3904 to 4103)

This type had conventional exhaust manifolds. On the Internet, it was announced that first 200 of type 52 were this type. This "200" sounds to us too many, however, when number of existing pictures from mid-43 is considered, it could be said reasonable number.

This one is considered to belong to 204-ku at Rabaul. From the impression in the movie film, this drawing applies blown on propeller blades and a spinner. However, when this 52 was rolled out, its spinner and propeller blades should have had natural metal surface. Therefore, the propeller blades of this 52 were probably replaced some time around January 1944 and spinner was possibly painted in green.

Characteristics
1 Ordinary type exhaust manifolds.
2 A6M3 type air intake.
3 Natural metal spinner and propeller blades. Caution mark on each propeller blade is one red line.

Description
About the air intake, there is a possibility that some of Earliest type had standard A6M5 type air intake. A6M3 type intake is, however, mentioned as a characteristic of the Earliest type since only this type has been confirmed by photos so far.
Regarding the color of spinner and propeller blades, natural metal with one red line caution mark on the tip of each blade was standard from July 1943 to December 1943. (Note: Natural metal in this article means not only real metal surface but also painted color. Spinners and propeller blades may be painted in silver.) Accordingly, the Earliest type has natural metal spinner and propeller blades when they were rolled out from the factories.
For your information, Zero's spinners and propeller blades were painted in different way time to time. Firstly, from the beginning of the war to around July 1943, spinners and propeller blades had natural metal surface with 2 red caution lines on the tip of each blade. Secondly, around July 1943 to around December 1943, spinners and propeller blades still had natural metal surface but with one red caution line. Finally, around December 1943 to the end of the war, spinners and propeller blades were painted in blown with one yellow caution line. This change can be observed among the other Navy airplanes. In short, by spinners and propeller blades, it is possible to guess approximately when the picture was taken or when the airplane was made.

Next type of Type 52 is that had separated exhaust pipes. Here, Earlier type and Later type will be described.

Earlier type (Serial No. 4104 to around 4300)

This type had separated exhaust pipes. Around 200 of Type 52, which were manufactured until December 1943, could be this type.

This Zero was at Toyohashi air base and believed to belong to 381-ku.

Characteristics
1 Separated exhaust pipes.
2 No anti-heat patches. (Heat insulators)
3 Natural metal spinner and propeller blades. Caution line on the tip of blade is single red line.

Later type (Serial No.: around 4104 to 4550)

From this type, anti-heat patches (Heat insulators) were added and the color of propeller was changed. About 250 of Type 52 could be this type.

This Zero was captured at Saipan. It belonged to 261-ku.

Characteristics
1 Anti-heat patches (Heat insulators): Smaller type.
2 Blown colored spinner and propeller blades.

Description
Earlier type, which has no anti-heat patches(Heat insulators), could be controversial. There are some pictures showing us no sign of anti-heat patches even though paint around anti-heat patches was removed. Also, other pictures show plain surface of this area and no sign of anti-heat patches. Because of these, it is assumed that certain number of Type 52 did not have anti-heat patches (Heat insulators). Most difficult point for us to confirm this assumption is that Mitsubishi's patch was smaller and well mended so that it is very difficult to find out their existence even though they were actually there.

About the anti-heat patches, as mentioned above, Mitsubishi type was smaller than that of Nakajima. Recently, some photos of Mitsubishi made type 52 (including sub types) were published in "Tatakau Zero-sen" and also in the other books. Those photos reveal that most of Mitsubishi made Type 52 had smaller anti-heat patches. From this facts, it could be reasonable to say that smaller anti heat patch was standard for Mitsubishi made Type 52.

The time, when the Later type having anti-heat patches was in production, is currently assumed to be around when the color of spinners and propeller blades was changed. However, supporting evidence is scarce and it is possible that anti-heat patches were applied much earlier or later. This is the reason why both Earlier and Later types of Type 52 is described at same time here.

Latest type (from serial No. 4551 to No. 4650)

4 exhaust pipes of under fuselage were shortened by 80mm. Last 100 of Type 52 had this characteristic.
* Click the magnifying glass,displayed in detail. *

Characteristics
1 4 of shorter exhaust pipes

Finally, all characteristics in the engine section were settled. Probably, the engine section was kept unchanged up to type 52 Otsu (A6M5b).
In the drawing, insignias are also described. Arrow marks on the spinner could give your models a good accent. Besides these, a data plats and serial numbers are put on under surface of both ailerons, under surface of both elevators, and right hand side of a rudder.
Two white lines on the engine cowling for synchronizing machineguns were not drawn yet. They were put from the spring of 1944 so that all Mitsubishi made type 52 did not have those lines when they rolled out from the factories.

Summary
Summary sheet below shows characteristics of Mitsubishi made type 52.

	Manufacturing period	Serial No.	Number of airplanes		Exhaust maniholds	Separated exhaust pipes	Anti-heat patches	4 shorter exhaust pipes
Earliest Type	Beg. of Aug. 1943	3904	200
	End of Oct. 1943	4103
Earlier Type	End of Oct. 1943	4104	Approx. 200	Total 447
	Beg. of Dec. 1943?	Around 4300？
Later Type	Beg. of Dec. 1943?	Around 4300？	Approx. 250
	Beg. of Feb.1944	4551
Latest Type	Beg. of Feb.1944	4551	100
	Beg. of Mar. 1944	4650

　Still, there are a lot of points to be clarified. Please give us your comments or information to improve our research.

Books mainly referred:
Gakken Reishiki Kanjo Senntouki 2, Shashinnsyu Reisen, Tatakau Zero sen, World Famous Air Planes, Reisen Hiroku

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