Mitsubishi A7M

A7M Reppū
A Mitsubishi A7M2 Reppū in a hangar, c. 1945
Role	Carrier-based fighter Type of aircraft
National origin	Japan
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
First flight	6 May 1944
Retired	1945
Status	Retired
Primary user	Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service
Number built	9

The Mitsubishi A7M Reppū (烈風, "Strong Wind") was designed as the successor to the Imperial Japanese Navy's A6M Zero, with development beginning in 1942. Performance objectives were to achieve superior speed, climb, diving, and armament over the Zero, as well as better maneuverability – all parameters that were ultimately achieved towards the end of its development in 1945. However, limitations on Japanese industry towards the end of the war prevented the A7M from ever entering mass production or being deployed for active duty, and it never saw active service. Its Allied reporting name was "Sam".