On February 4, it was the 90th anniversary of the world’s first carrier-based monoplane fighter, the A5M Claude

On February 4, it marked the 90th anniversary of the world’s first carrier-based monoplane fighter, the A5M Claude, developed by the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. On this day in 1935, the first prototype, known as Ka-14, took its maiden flight. The production fighters were officially designated as Type 96 in the Imperial Japanese Navy.

This all-metal aircraft was distinguished by its lightweight construction. For its time, it had excellent performance characteristics, particularly outstanding maneuverability. Mass production of the A5M began in late 1936, and a total of 1,094 units were built across six main variants.

The most advanced version, the A5M4, was equipped with a Nakajima Kotobuki 41 air-cooled radial engine producing 710 horsepower at takeoff. The fighter measured 7.56 meters in length, had a wingspan of 11 meters, and a takeoff weight of 1,700 kg. It could reach a maximum speed of 435 km/h and had a range of over 1,200 km. Its armament consisted of two synchronized 7.7mm machine guns, with provisions for two 30-kg bombs.

The A5M made its combat debut during the Second Sino-Japanese War. On September 4, 1937, a pair of fighters from the aircraft carrier Kaga engaged in battle with Hawk III biplanes of the Republic of China. Japanese pilots claimed three enemy aircraft shot down. However, according to Chinese records, only one Hawk was confirmed destroyed, while another was heavily damaged.

The most formidable opponent for the A5M in that war was the Soviet-built I-16 fighter, which was flown by both Chinese and Soviet pilots. In battles between these relatively equal aircraft, pilot skill often determined the outcome.

By December 1941, when Japan entered World War II, the Type 96 fighters were already outdated. However, they continued to be used in frontline service until mid-1942, when they were finally replaced on carrier decks by their legendary successor, the A6M Zero. In the final stages of the war, surviving A5Ms were repurposed as kamikaze aircraft.