Best WW2 Seafire vs. best A6M Zero

[Admiral Beez]

The Seafire Mk.XV was the last variant to see operational service in WW2. Powered by a 1,850 hp hp RR Griffon driving a four blade prop the Mk.XV was a high performance machine, but keeping if not exacerbating the takeoff and landing challenges of earlier Seafire variants. Had the RN encountered an IJN CBG fielding A6M5 or A6M8 Zeros, how do they do? The latter only saw a few prototypes, but given its more powerful engine it's worth comparing.

 

[Barrett]

The Fleet Air Arm issued Tactical Notes detailing best ways to counter likely opponents. In one of the Seafire's (Mk III?) biggest combats, 1945, the notes were cited by at least one pilot who made an impression on A6M5s. Probably in the relevant Osprey volume.

FWIW: assuming I had that much horsepower in my left hand, I'd go vertical against the bandit...

 

[Reluctant Poster]

The Seafire Mk.XV was the last variant to see operational service in WW2. Powered by a 1,850 hp hp RR Griffon driving a four blade prop the Mk.XV was a high performance machine, but keeping if not exacerbating the takeoff and landing challenges of earlier Seafire variants. Had the RN encountered an IJN CBG fielding A6M5 or A6M8 Zeros, how do they do? The latter only saw a few prototypes, but given its more powerful engine it's worth comparing.

I don't believe the Mk XV actually flew on operations.

 

[Admiral Beez]

I don't believe the Mk XV actually flew on operations.

Hmm…. I think you're right. Of course neither did the re-engined A6M8. Perhaps the better comparison is Seafire Mk.3 vs A6M5.

 

[Shortround6]

Hmm…. I think you're right. Of course neither did the re-engined A6M8. Perhaps the better comparison is Seafire Mk.3 vs A6M5.

Which A6M5?

 

[Admiral Beez]

Which A6M5?

Take your pick, here's Wikipedia's list of sub-variants.

 

[Shortround6]

the A6M5 covers about 2 years, with different degrees of protection and rather different armament and since the engine stayed just about the same you get more firepower and somewhat better (not a lot) protection for less speed, climb, and turn with the later versions.

 

[EwenS]

The Seafire Mk.XV was the last variant to see operational service in WW2. Powered by a 1,850 hp hp RR Griffon driving a four blade prop the Mk.XV was a high performance machine, but keeping if not exacerbating the takeoff and landing challenges of earlier Seafire variants. Had the RN encountered an IJN CBG fielding A6M5 or A6M8 Zeros, how do they do? The latter only saw a few prototypes, but given its more powerful engine it's worth comparing.

The first front line squadron to receive the Seafire XV was 802 in Britain in Aug 1945. Sept 1945 saw 801 squadron receiving them in Australia. Neither saw combat with them.

Had the war gone on and Operation Olympic gone ahead, it is possible that the Mk.XV might have seen combat. That is if enough of them could have been assembled in Australia in time.

 

[Admiral Beez]

the A6M5 covers about 2 years, with different degrees of protection and rather different armament and since the engine stayed just about the same you get more firepower and somewhat better (not a lot) protection for less speed, climb, and turn with the later versions.

Well, what we're trying to compare here is the best wartime Seafire to the best wartime A6M. So, we want the best A6M5 subvariant.

 

[Shortround6]

Well, what we're trying to compare here is the best wartime Seafire to the best wartime A6M. So, we want the best A6M5 subvariant.

Best at what?
The best armed and best protected A6M5 was around 20mph slower than early A6M5s. The Early A5M5s may have been very close to the speed of the Seafire MK III.

I have not found good sources for the increase in weight for the different A6M5 models. But adding a pair of 13.2mm guns with 240rpg(?) is about the same adding two guns to the F4F or P-40s. Addition of armor glass and seat back armor was not huge but it was there. The A6M5c got self sealing on the tanks, how effective it was and how much it weighed I don't know.
An A6M5 from late 1943 might have had the performance to deal with Seafire one on one. But in groups the additional firepower of the Seafire allowed for more combat duration.
The A6M5a got belt fed 20mms with more ammo (125 rpg vs the 120 in the Spits) and then they changed out one 7.7 gun for one 13.2mm gun. The A6M5C with two 20mm and three 13.2mm guns had very good armament but it was the slowest and worst climb.