First prototype powered by a 2000 hp Nakajima Homare 22 engine, with a maximum speed of 574 km/h. The armament consisted of two 13.2 mm (.52 in) Type 3 machine guns and two 20 mm (.80 in) Type 99 cannons in the wings. While featuring excellent manoeuvrability, the A7M1's Homare engine left it underpowered which resulted in its cancellation. Eight built.