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As a super-Zero concept is discussed in another topic, probably an earlier POD is required to get to that ATL Zero with a bigger engine, better armament, fuel and pilot protection etc.
https://www.alternatehistory.com/fo...r-high-protection-and-heavy-firepower.408712/

So as intermediary between the traditional lightweight japanese dogfighters, and this super-Zero, realistically how could the Ki-27 and A5M be made better and on the way to conceptually bridging the gap to the super-Zero (and presumably a super Ki-43)? We are talking about 1936. Apart from Kotobuki, at this time they have the larger Hikari engine, while the Kinsei was in prototype form, and in fact it and the Hikari were tested on some of the Mitsubishi Ka-14 (A5M prototype) apparently.

Also at this time, the very interesting Ki-12 was appearing too, first japanese fighter with retractable gear, and a HS12X engine with a 20mm axial cannon. This was preceded by the equally interesting for it's time Nakajima Ki-11.

As to the A5M and Ki-27, my idea was to have them powered from the start by the larger Hikari, and then switch them as soon as possible to Zuisei and Sakae respectively, thought still pondering with things like having retractable gear or not, and having four guns or still just 2 but eventually larger 12,7-13,2 mm ones.

Speaking of engines, as usually american engines get pointed out in such ATLs, would the R-1535 be any good if somehow the japanese manage to build their own version of it by 1936-37?

Thanks for any comments.
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