The Nakajima A6M2-N, often referred to by its Allied reporting name “Rufe,” was a floatplane fighter derivative of the famous Mitsubishi A6M Zero. Developed by Nakajima Aircraft Company under the designation of the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service, it was designed to operate from remote island bases or from seaplane tenders where traditional land-based fighters could not be deployed. The A6M2-N retained much of the Zero’s streamlined shape and well-known maneuverability but incorporated a large central float and two smaller wing-mounted stabilizing floats for water landings and takeoffs. Despite the added weight and drag of these floats, the aircraft maintained a respectable level of performance, which contributed to its effectiveness in defending remote outposts in the Pacific theatre.
Operationally, the A6M2-N served in a variety of roles throughout World War II. It provided local air defence for Japanese seaplane bases, escorted reconnaissance seaplanes, and offered limited fighter support to remote garrisons. While its float design reduced speed and agility compared to its land-based Zero counterparts, the A6M2-N proved quite useful in areas where conventional airfields were scarce or absent, particularly in the early stages of the war. However, as the Allies gained momentum in the Pacific and Japanese air superiority began to wane, the relatively lightly armed and less robust floatplane fighters suffered increasing losses. Even so, the Nakajima A6M2-N left a notable mark in aviation history as one of the few purpose-built floatplane fighters to see extensive service.
This model depicts a “Rufe” that was captured by the British, most likely in Surabaya, Indonesia, sometime after the Japanese surrender in August 1945. After its capture, the aircraft was transported to Malaya (now part of Malaysia) for evaluation by the British. The British Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit – South East Asia (TAIU-SEA) likely conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft to assess its technical specifications, performance, and any unique features of the floatplane variant of the Zero.
In September 1945, the British transferred the captured “Rufe” to the French forces in Indochina. The French were in the process of re-establishing their presence in the region after the war and were likely interested in utilizing any available aircraft. Tragically, on February 19, 1946, the Rufe crashed on its first mission with the French. This was attributed to the aircraft’s poor maintenance.
Build Process
Project Inventory
| Kit | Box | Scale | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eduard Rufe Limited Edition / Dual Combo / A6M2-N Zero |  | 1/48 | 11171 |
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