Nakajima A6M2-N "Rufe" Floatplane

The A6M2-N was the seaplane version of the famous Zero fighter.
It was the first seaplane designed as a pure fighter.
Although it was about 60 mph (53 knots) slower than the land version, it was surprisingly maneuverable despite the drag of its large floats.
Codenamed "Rufe" by the Americans, this type was a successful fighter.
It was designed to provide cover for fighters in areas where there were no runways, such as over invasion beaches, very small islands and atolls, or in places where the terrain did not allow the construction of an airfield. When it first entered service, it scored several aerial victories, but as the Allies developed increasingly advanced fighters, it became easy prey for the Allies later in the war. At the end of 1944, it was replaced as a seaplane by the N1K1 Kyofu (codename "Rex") and used for pilot training for this more advanced fighter. In the final, desperate months of the war, remaining examples often flew from Lake Biwa.

Plastic model kit

• with photo-etched parts

Scale 1:24

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included