I know the Model 52 from Mitsubish and Nakajima factories were used on the most carriers during the Leyte Gulf engagement but was the A6M5a, Model 52甲, A6M5 Kō, A6M5 Kou (modification with updated larger drum feed with more ammo) ever used on Imperial Japanese Navy carriers or only used by land based air groups and if it was used on carriers which was it used on ?
The A6M5a did serve on IJN carriers, firstly at the Battle of the Philippine Sea. There were 53 A6M5as serving on the Shokaku-class fleet carriers Shokaku and Zuikaku, and 54 on the converted carriers Junyo and Hiyo. Also present were A6M5bs on the light carriers Chitose, Chiyoda, and Zuiho.