Italia RM

[Geoff]

Just a thought -

In Tragerflotten the KM used license built Japanese aircraft.
What if the RM built their proposed carriers earlier with co-operation from the IJN?
My idea is for a B5N1 Kate of the RM
I am not so sure about A6M2s although they do use the seaplane version.
I also like the idea of the CR42AS and Stukas

Thoughts?

[NARSES2]

Would certainly look different and have given the Royal Navy a headache.

[jcf]

What years? The B5N1 would definitely be a possibility, the Zero not so much as
the definitive improved A6M2 Model 21 wasn't in limited service until the autumn
of 1941 and you really wouldn't want the Model 11. Amongst the improvements
made on the production line were the strengthening of the rear-spar introduced
on the 22nd airframe and the folding wingtips introduced on the 65th airframe.
Another issue would be that the IJN probably wouldn't want the Europeans to
be too aware of its capabilities.

The Nakajima A6M2-N prototype didn't make its first flight until December 8, 1941,
with limited production starting that month, with full production commencing in the
Spring of 1942 and they entered service over the Summer and Fall of 1942.

[Geoff]

What years? The B5N1 would definitely be a possibility, the Zero not so much as
the definitive improved A6M2 Model 21 wasn't in limited service until the autumn
of 1941 and you really wouldn't want the Model 11. Amongst the improvements
made on the production line were the strengthening of the rear-spar introduced
on the 22nd airframe and the folding wingtips introduced on the 65th airframe.
Another issue would be that the IJN probably wouldn't want the Europeans to
be too aware of its capabilities.

The Nakajima A6M2-N prototype didn't make its first flight until December 8, 1941,
with limited production starting that month, with full production commencing in the
Spring of 1942 and they entered service over the Summer and Fall of 1942.

Yep all valid points. Also the Zero was treated at the highest security levels so it would not get exported . My thoughts on the A6M2N was more about '44 for service entry. But in this time line Italy is not at war with the UK.