The summer of 1942 saw the introduction of the A6M3 Model 32, which was powered by a Sakae 21 engine and featured an 11m wingspan with clipped wingtips. Although top speed increased, its range reduced drastically, therefore the A6M3 Model 22 was rushed into development in order to correct this shortcoming. The 12m wingspan and folding wingtips were reintroduced to regain maneuverability and new wing fuel tanks restored range to 2,560km. The A6M3a Model 22 variation was fitted with long-barreled cannons. Deployed from early 1943, these Zeroes battled U.S. fighters until the end of the war.