Nakajima A6M2-N Rufe
The Nakajima A6M2-N Rufe was a single-seat floatplane interceptor developed as a stopgap to protect remote island bases and amphibious forces while purpose-built float fighters were pending. It was essentially a Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero (Model 11) modified with a central float and wingtip stabilizer floats. First flown on 7 Dec 1941, it entered service in 1942 and 327 were built. Compared to the land-based Zero, the Rufe was heavier and slower (max speed ~435 km/h vs ~533 km/h), but retained much of the Zero’s agility. It carried the same basic armament (2×20 mm cannons, 2×7.7 mm MGs) and could carry small bombs or rockets. Rufe units primarily served in the Solomon Islands, Aleutians, Dutch East Indies and home waters, operating from seaplane bases and tenders. Early on, many Rufes were lost in the Solomons (e.g. Tulagi, Aug 1942); they saw action intercepting US bombers (B‑17s, B‑24s) and defending island convoys. By 1944 they were outmatched by modern fighters, and production ceased Sept 1943.