Was it possible for the IJN to replace aircraft and pilot losses?

[Admiral Beez]

Is is accurate that the IJNAS didn't have a dual control single engine, monoplane trainer until 1943 with the introduction of the Kyushu K10W? The IJAF had the Tachikawa Ki-55 from 1940. What was the IJNAS using to train its pilots?

 

[cherry blossom]

The Japanese Navy Air Force seems to have used 2 seat converted A5Ms and A6Ms for advanced training, although they were slow to start building 517 Zero trainers. There is an article by Rob Graham at The Imperial Japanese Navys A6M2-K Zero Trainer or Rei-Sen Ren-Sen and a photo at Mitsubishi A6M2-K two seat trainer | World War Photos.

 

[BiffF15]

The Japanese Navy Air Force seems to have used 2 seat converted A5Ms and A6Ms for advanced training, although they were slow to start building 517 Zero trainers. There is an article by Rob Graham at The Imperial Japanese Navys A6M2-K Zero Trainer or Rei-Sen Ren-Sen and a photo at Mitsubishi A6M2-K two seat trainer | World War Photos.

Interesting article. Do you or anyone else know if the Japanese fighter pilots were trained to fly instruments?

Cheers,
Biff

 

[SaparotRob]

The Japanese Navy Air Force seems to have used 2 seat converted A5Ms and A6Ms for advanced training, although they were slow to start building 517 Zero trainers. There is an article by Rob Graham at The Imperial Japanese Navys A6M2-K Zero Trainer or Rei-Sen Ren-Sen and a photo at Mitsubishi A6M2-K two seat trainer | World War Photos.

Those pictures of the Zero are great! Thanks for the post cherry blossom.

 

[ThomasP]

Hey Admiral Beez,

The IJNAF used modified A5M4 airframes (a 2-seat modification of the standard airframe) for training from late-1941.

(image from Wiki)

I have read that there were 103 conversions total (performed at the 21st Naval Air Arsenal) but have not been able to find any additional data.

 

[Shinpachi]

Interesting article. Do you or anyone else know if the Japanese fighter pilots were trained to fly instruments?

Cheers,
Biff

Yes, they were trained by a K5Y biplane.