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Japanese Navy Aircraft

The focus of Japan’s aircraft industry was diverted from one project to another at the whim of Army or Navy. Production of a few aircraft with proven and accepted designs would have strengthened the air power of both services. The Army had favored the expansion of its bomber force until the mid-1930s when it switched to fighters. The Army’s prime interest in fighter types was due to its success in the Nomonghan conflict. It should be noted that the Army’s bomber force was quite remarkable in the Pacific war. The transport aircraft is another matter that the Japanese Army and Navy had shown little interest.

Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft received a designation code very similar to those used by the US Navy. The first Capital letter indicated the mission of the aircraft, and the second Capital letter indicates the company responsible for the original design of the aircraft. A third, lower case letter such as the "c" in A6M5c was used to designate a minor change in the aircraft, such as armament or weaponry. The first number indicates how many different model aircraft of this mission were made. For example, the A6M2 was the sixth in the Carrier Fighter series. The second number indicates the model of the aircraft, which changes with each major change, such as engine or airframe.