The Nakajima A4N was officially displaced by the A5M, but its production and operational dates overlap the newer fighter's introduction. Even the meaning of an entry-into-service date varies: acceptance, arrival with squadrons, and formation of a complete unit can produce different dates in historical accounts. A4N pilots valued the biplane, and more than two hundred were built. Its use escorting G3M bombers in China shows why formal replacement dates can conceal a mixed operational fleet.
Chapter · 14:29-17:43
The Nakajima A4N predecessor did not vanish overnight
The A4N remained valued and useful even as the monoplane A5M entered squadron service.