Cub Driver wrote in message . ..
On 12 Nov 2003 11:43:44 -0800, (N-6)
wrote:

This cannot be correct... I believe you have mistaken which Zero
variant I was asking about (the A6M3 Model 22a)

Production began in December 1942. Note that production of the 22
followed that of the 32, because Mitsubishi was reverting to the
airframe of the 21 while retaining the more powerful engine of the 32.

Not only did the 22 revert back to the folding wingtips/original
wingspan of the A6M2-21, it added extra fuel tanks in the wings to
cure the A6M3-32's inadequate range characteristics.

(The name is really Two Two, not Twenty-two, with the first number
refering to airframe modifications and the second to the engine.)

I don't know where "a" (otsu?) comes into this.

The aircraft was known as the Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter Model 22A
when long-barreled 20-mm Type 99 Model 2 Mk 3 cannon were installed
(Joe Baugher).

Thanks for the info on the book. I will look into it...

all the best -- Dan Ford
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