Minoru Genda initially praised the prototype's climb, speed, shooting, and landing qualities but doubted its rudder authority and fighting performance. Senior aviators supported giving experienced pilots a decisive voice rather than trusting design theory alone. The Navy answered the disagreement with repeated mock air battles between the new monoplane and the favored Type 95 biplane. The A5M won every round, prompting Genda to apologize for his earlier judgment and become an enthusiastic supporter. An operational trial had overturned an influential pilot's preference and carried the tested design ideas forward into the Zero.
Chapter · 34:22-37:46
Mock combat overturned Minoru Genda's doubts
Repeated mock battles showed the Type 96 defeating the favored biplane and converted an influential skeptic into a supporter.