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{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
 
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name=A6M "Zero"
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|name= A6M "Zero"
|image=A6M3 Zero N712Z 1.jpg
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|image= File:A6M3 Zero N712Z 1.jpg
|caption=Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero Model 22 (NX712Z), recovered from New Guinea in 1991 and used in the film ''Pearl Harbor''
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|long caption= Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero Model 22 (N712Z),<ref name = NX/> used (with the atypical green camouflage shown) in the film ''Pearl Harbor''
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Infobox aircraft type
 
{{Infobox aircraft type
|type=Fighter
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|type=Fighter
|manufacturer=[[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.|Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd]]
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|manufacturer=Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
  +
|national origin = Japan
|designer=
 
|first flight=1 April 1939
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|first flight=1 April 1939
|introduction=1 July 1940
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|introduction=1 July 1940
|retired=1945 (Japan)
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|retired=1945 (Japan)
|status=
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|status=
|primary user=[[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]]
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|primary user=[[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]]
|more users=[[Chinese Nationalist Air Force]]
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|more users=
|produced=1940–1945
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|produced=1940–1945
|number built=10,939
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|number built=10,939
|unit cost=
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|unit cost=
|variants with their own articles=[[Nakajima A6M2-N]]
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|variants with their own articles= [[Nakajima A6M2-N]]
 
}}
 
}}
 
|}
 
|}
{{Japanese text}}
 
   
The '''Mitsubishi A6M Zero''' was a long-range [[fighter aircraft]], manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and operated by the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the {{Nihongo| Mitsubishi '''Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter''' |零式艦上戦闘機|rei-shiki-kanjō-sentōki}}, and also designated as the Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen and Mitsubishi Navy 12-shi Carrier Fighter. The A6M was usually referred to by its pilots as the "Zero-sen", zero being the last digit of the [[Japanese calendar#Years|Imperial year]] 2600 (1940) when it entered service with the Imperial Navy. The official [[World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft|Allied reporting name]] was "Zeke", although the use of the name "Zero" was later commonly adopted by the [[Allies of World War II|Allies]] as well.
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The '''Mitsubishi A6M''' "'''Zero'''" is a long-range [[fighter aircraft]] formerly manufactured by [[Mitsubishi Aircraft Company]], a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and operated by the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the {{Nihongo| Mitsubishi '''Navy Type 0 carrier fighter''' |零式艦上戦闘機|rei-shiki-kanjō-sentōki}}, or the Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen. The A6M was usually referred to by its pilots as the ''Reisen'' ({{nihongo2|零戦}}, zero fighter), "0" being the last digit of the [[Japanese calendar#Years|imperial year]] 2600 (1940) when it entered service with the Imperial Navy. The official [[World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft|Allied reporting name]] was "'''Zeke'''", although the use of the name "Zero" (from Type 0) was used colloquially by the [[Allies of World War II|Allies]] as well.
   
When it was introduced early in [[World War II]], the Zero was considered the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world, combining excellent maneuverability and very long range.<ref name="Hawks">Hawks, Chuck. [http://www.chuckhawks.com/best_fighter_planes.htm "The Best Fighter Planes of World War II."] ''chuckhawks.com.'' Retrieved: 18 January 2007.</ref> In early combat operations, the Zero gained a legendary reputation as a [[dogfight]]er, achieving the outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1,<ref name= "Thompson with Smith p. 231.">Thompson with Smith 2008, p. 231.</ref> but by mid-1942 a combination of new tactics and the introduction of better equipment enabled the Allied pilots to engage the Zero on more equal terms.<ref>Mersky, Peter B. (Cmdr. USNR). [http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USMC/USMC-C-Aces/index.html "Time of the Aces: Marine Pilots in the Solomons, 1942–1944."] ''ibiblio.org''. Retrieved: 18 January 2007.</ref>
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The Zero is considered to have been the most capable [[carrier-based aircraft|carrier-based]] fighter in the world when it was introduced early in [[World War II]], combining excellent maneuverability and very long range.<ref name="Hawks">Hawks, Chuck. [http://www.chuckhawks.com/best_fighter_planes.htm "The Best Fighter Planes of World War II"]. chuckhawks.com. Retrieved: 18 January 2007.</ref> The [[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]] (IJNAS) also frequently used it as a land-based fighter.
   
The [[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]] ("IJNAS") also frequently used the type as a land-based fighter. By 1943, inherent design weaknesses and the failure to develop more powerful aircraft engines meant that the Zero became less effective against newer enemy fighters that possessed greater firepower, armor, and speed, and approached the Zero's maneuverability. Although the Mitsubishi A6M was outdated by 1944, it was never totally supplanted by the newer Japanese aircraft types. During the final years of the [[Pacific Ocean theater of World War II|War in the Pacific]], the Zero was used in ''[[kamikaze]]'' operations.<ref>Willmott 1980, pp. 40–41.</ref> In the course of the war, more Zeros were built than any other Japanese aircraft.<ref name= " Angelucci and Matricardi p. 138.">Angelucci and Matricardi 1978, p. 138.</ref>
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In early combat operations, the Zero gained a reputation as a [[dogfight]]er,<ref name="Young 2013 36">Young 2013, p. 36.</ref> achieving an outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1,<ref name= "Thompson with Smith p. 231.">Thompson with Smith 2008, p. 231.</ref> but by mid-1942 a combination of new tactics and the introduction of better equipment enabled Allied pilots to engage the Zero on generally equal terms.<ref>Mersky, Peter B. (Cmdr. USNR). [http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USMC/USMC-C-Aces/index.html "Time of the Aces: Marine Pilots in the Solomons, 1942–1944."] ''ibiblio.org''. Retrieved: 18 January 2007.</ref> By 1943, due to inherent design weaknesses, such as a lack of hydraulic ailerons and rudder rendering it extremely unmaneuverable at high speeds, and an inability to equip it with a more powerful aircraft engine, the Zero gradually became less effective against newer Allied fighters. By 1944, with opposing Allied fighters approaching its levels of maneuverability and consistently exceeding its firepower, armor, and speed, the A6M had largely become outdated as a fighter aircraft. However, as design delays and production difficulties hampered the introduction of newer Japanese aircraft models, the Zero continued to serve in a front-line role until the end of the [[Pacific Ocean theater of World War II|war in the Pacific]]. During the final phases, it was also adapted for use in ''[[kamikaze]]'' operations.<ref>Willmott 1980, pp. 40–41.</ref> Japan produced more Zeros than any other model of combat aircraft during the war.<ref name= " Angelucci and Matricardi p. 138.">Angelucci and Matricardi 1978, p. 138.</ref>
   
 
==Design and development==
 
==Design and development==
[[File:A6M3 Munda 1943.jpg|thumb|Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero wreck abandoned at Munda Airfield, Central Solomons, 1943]]
 
[[File:Japanese Zero.jpg|thumb|A6M2 Zero photo c. 2004]]
 
[[File:A6M3 Zuikaku Rabaul.jpg|thumb|Carrier A6M2 and A6M3 Zeros from the aircraft carrier ''[[Zuikaku]]'' preparing for a mission at Rabaul]]
 
[[File:A6M3 Model22 UI105 Nishizawa.jpg|thumb|A6M3 Model 22, flown by Japanese Ace [[Hiroyoshi Nishizawa]] over the Solomon Islands, 1943]]
 
   
The [[Mitsubishi A5M]] fighter was just entering service in early 1937, when the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] started looking for its eventual replacement. In May, they issued specification 12-Shi for a new carrier-based fighter, sending it to [[Nakajima Aircraft Company|Nakajima]] and Mitsubishi. Both firms started preliminary design work while they awaited more definitive requirements to be handed over in a few months.
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The [[Mitsubishi A5M]] fighter was just entering service in early 1937, when the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] (IJN) started looking for its eventual replacement. On October 5, 1937, they issued "Planning Requirements for the Prototype 12-shi Carrier-based Fighter", sending it to [[Nakajima Aircraft Company|Nakajima]] and Mitsubishi. Both firms started preliminary design work while they awaited more definitive requirements to be handed over in a few months.<ref>{{Cite book|title=F4F Wildcat vs A6M Zero-Sen: Pacific Theater 1942|last=Young|first=Edward M.|publisher=Osprey|year=2013|isbn=978-1-78096-322-8|location=Oxford, Great Britain|pages=18}}</ref>
   
Based on the experiences of the A5M in China, the Japanese Navy sent out updated requirements in October calling for a speed of 370&nbsp;mph and a climb to 3,000&nbsp;m (9,840&nbsp;ft) in 3.5 min. With [[drop tanks]], they wanted an endurance of two hours at normal power, or six to eight hours at economical cruising speed. Armament was to consist of two 20&nbsp;mm [[cannon]]s, two 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) [[machine gun]]s and two 30&nbsp;kg (70&nbsp;lb) or 60&nbsp;kg (130&nbsp;lb) [[bomb]]s. A complete radio set was to be mounted in all aircraft, along with a [[radio direction finder]] for long-range navigation. The maneuverability was to be at least equal to that of the A5M, while the wing span had to be less than 12&nbsp;m (39&nbsp;ft) to allow for use on aircraft carriers. All this was to be achieved with available engines, a significant design limitation. The Zero's power plant seldom reached 750 kilowatts (about 1,000&nbsp;hp) in any of its variants.
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Based on the experiences of the A5M in China, the IJN sent out updated requirements in October calling for a speed of {{convert|270|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}} at {{convert|4000|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a climb to {{convert|3000|m|abbr=on}} in 9.5 minutes. With [[drop tanks]], they wanted an endurance of two hours at normal power, or six to eight hours at economical cruising speed. Armament was to consist of two 20&nbsp;mm [[cannon]]s, two 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) [[machine gun]]s and two {{convert|60|kg|lb|abbr=on}} [[bomb]]s. A complete radio set was to be mounted in all aircraft, along with a [[radio direction finder]] for long-range navigation.<ref name="Franc70p363-4">Francillon 1970, pp. 363–364.</ref> The maneuverability was to be at least equal to that of the A5M, while the wingspan had to be less than {{cvt|12|m|abbr=on}} to allow for use on aircraft carriers.
   
Nakajima's team considered the new requirements unachievable and pulled out of the competition in January. Mitsubishi's chief designer, [[Jiro Horikoshi]], felt that the requirements could be met, but only if the aircraft could be made as light as possible. Every possible weight-saving measure was incorporated into the design. Most of the aircraft was built of a new top-secret [[7075 aluminium alloy]] developed by [[Sumitomo Metal Industries]] in 1936. Called Extra Super [[Duralumin]] (ESD), it was lighter and stronger than other alloys (e.g. 24S alloy) used at the time, but was more brittle and prone to corrosion<ref>Yoshida, Hideo.[http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/200603/000020060306A0019800.php "History of wrought aluminum alloys for transportation."] ''Sumitomo Light Metal Technical Reports 2005 (Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd., Japan),'' Volume 46, Issue 1, pp. 99–116. Retrieved: 15 April 2011.</ref> which was countered with an [[Zinc chromate|anti-corrosion coating]] applied after fabrication. No [[armor]] was provided for the pilot, engine or other critical points of the aircraft, and [[self-sealing fuel tank]]s, which were becoming common at the time, were not used. This made the Zero lighter, more maneuverable, and the longest range ''single engine fighter'' of WWII; which made it capable of searching out an enemy hundreds of miles away, bringing them to battle, then returning hundreds of miles back to its base or aircraft carrier. However, that trade in weight and construction also made it prone to catching fire and exploding when struck by enemy rounds.<ref>Tillman 1979, pp. 5, 6, 96.</ref>
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Nakajima's team considered the new requirements unachievable and pulled out of the competition in January. Mitsubishi's chief designer, [[Jiro Horikoshi]], thought that the requirements could be met, but only if the aircraft were made as light as possible. Every possible weight-saving measure was incorporated into the design. Most of the aircraft was built of a new top-secret aluminium alloy developed by [[Sumitomo Metal Industries]] in 1936. Called "[[7075 aluminium alloy|extra super duralumin]]" (ESD), it was lighter, stronger and more ductile than other alloys (e.g. 24S alloy) used at the time, but was prone to corrosive attack, which made it brittle.<ref>Yoshio, Baba.[https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jilm1951/39/5/39_5_378/_article/cited-by "Extra super duralumin and successive aluminum alloys for aircraft."] ''Journal of Japan Institute of Light Metals (Sumitomo Light Metal Ind. Ltd., Japan),'' Volume 39, Issue 5, pp. 378–395. Retrieved: 22 November 2015.</ref> This detrimental effect was countered with an [[Zinc chromate|anti-corrosion coating]] applied after fabrication. No armour protection was provided for the pilot, engine or other critical points of the aircraft, and [[self-sealing fuel tank]]s, which were becoming common at the time, were not used. This made the Zero lighter, more maneuverable, and the longest-ranged single-engine fighter of World War II, which made it capable of searching out an enemy hundreds of kilometres away, bringing them to battle, then returning to its base or aircraft carrier. However, that tradeoff in weight and construction also made it prone to catching fire and exploding when struck by enemy rounds.<ref>Tillman 1979, pp. 5, 6, 96.</ref>
   
With its low-wing [[cantilever]] monoplane layout, retractable, wide-set landing gear and enclosed cockpit, the Zero was one of the most modern aircraft in the world at the time of its introduction. It had a fairly high-lift, low-speed wing with a very low [[wing loading]]. This, combined with its light weight, resulted in a very low stalling speed of well below {{convert|60|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on}}. This was the main reason for its phenomenal maneuverability, allowing it to out-turn any Allied fighter of the time. Early models were fitted with [[servo tab]]s on the ailerons after pilots complained control forces became too heavy at speeds above {{convert|300|km/h}}. They were discontinued on later models after it was found that the lightened control forces were causing pilots to overstress the wings during vigorous maneuvers.<ref>Yoshimura 1996, p. 108.</ref>
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With its low-wing cantilever monoplane layout, retractable, wide-set conventional landing gear and enclosed cockpit, the Zero was one of the most modern carrier based aircraft in the world at the time of its introduction. It had a fairly high-lift, low-speed wing with very low wing loading. This, combined with its light weight, resulted in a very low stalling speed of well below {{convert|60|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on}}. This was the main reason for its phenomenal maneuverability, allowing it to out-turn any Allied fighter of the time. Early models were fitted with [[servo tab]]s on the ailerons after pilots complained that control forces became too heavy at speeds above {{convert|300|km/h}}. They were discontinued on later models after it was found that the lightened control forces were causing pilots to overstress the wings during vigorous maneuvers.<ref>Yoshimura 1996, p. 108.</ref>
   
It has been claimed that the Zero's design showed clear influence from American fighter planes and components exported to Japan in the 1930s, and in particular the [[Vought V-141|Vought V-143]] fighter. [[Vought|Chance Vought]] had sold the prototype for this aircraft and its plans to Japan in 1937. Eugene Wilson, President of Vought, claimed that when shown a captured Zero in 1943, he found that "There on the floor was the Vought V&nbsp;142 {{sic}} or just the spitting image of it, Japanese-made," while the "power-plant installation was distinctly Chance Vought, the wheel stowage into the wing roots came from Northrop, and the Japanese designers had even copied the Navy inspection stamp from Pratt & Whitney type parts."<ref name="Fernandez1983pp107-108">Fernandez 1983, pp. 107–108.</ref> While the sale of the V-143 was fully legal,<ref name="Fernandez1983pp107-108"/><ref name="Angel p436">Angelucci and Bowers 1987, p. 436.</ref> Wilson later acknowledged the conflicts of interest that can arise whenever military technology is exported.<ref name="Fernandez1983pp107-108"/> In fact, there was no significant relationship between the V-143 (which was an unsuccessful design that had been rejected by the U.S. Army Air Corps and several export customers) and the Zero, with only a superficial similarity in layout. Allegations about the Zero being a copy have been mostly discredited.<ref name="Angel p436"/><ref name="AI Oct73p199-0">''Air International'' October 1973, pp. 199–200.</ref>
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It has been claimed that the Zero's design showed a clear influence from British and American fighter aircraft and components exported to Japan in the 1930s, and in particular on the American side, the [[Vought V-141|Vought V-143]] fighter. [[Vought|Chance Vought]] had sold the prototype for this aircraft and its plans to Japan in 1937. Eugene Wilson, president of Vought, claimed that when shown a captured Zero in 1943, he found that "There on the floor was the Vought V&nbsp;142 {{sic}} or just the spitting image of it, Japanese-made", while the "power-plant installation was distinctly Chance Vought, the wheel stowage into the wing roots came from Northrop, and the Japanese designers had even copied the Navy inspection stamp from Pratt & Whitney type parts."<ref name="Fernandez1983pp107-108">Fernandez 1983, pp. 107–108.</ref> While the sale of the V-143 was fully legal,<ref name="Fernandez1983pp107-108"/><ref name="Angel p436">Angelucci and Bowers 1987, p. 436.</ref> Wilson later acknowledged the conflicts of interest that can arise whenever military technology is exported.<ref name="Fernandez1983pp107-108"/> Counterclaims maintain that there was no significant relationship between the V-143 (which was an unsuccessful design that had been rejected by the U.S. Army Air Corps and several export customers) and the Zero, with only a superficial similarity in layout.
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The Zero resembled the 1937 British [[Gloster F.5/34]]. Performance of the Gloster F.5/34 was comparable to that of early model Zeros, with its dimensions and appearance remarkably close to the Zero.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/avzero.html#m6|title=The Mitsubishi A6M Zero ("Zeke")|author=|date=|website=www.faqs.org}}</ref> Gloster had a relationship with the Japanese between the wars, with Nakajima building the carrier-based plane, the [[Nakajima A1N|Gloster Gambet]], under license.<ref>James 1987, p. 159</ref> However allegations about the Zero being a copy have been discredited by some authors.<ref name="Angel p436"/><ref name="AI Oct73p199-0">''Air International'' October 1973, pp. 199–200.</ref>
   
 
===Name===
 
===Name===
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{{See also|World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft}}
The A6M is universally known as the "Zero" from its Japanese Navy [[Type (designation)|type designation]], Type 0 Carrier Fighter (''Rei shiki Kanjō sentōki'', 零式艦上戦闘機), taken from the last digit of the [[Japanese calendar#Years|Imperial year]] 2600 (1940), when it entered service. In Japan, it was unofficially referred to as both ''Rei-sen'' and ''Zero-sen''; Japanese pilots most commonly called it ''Zero-sen,'' where ''sen'' is the first syllable of ''sentoki,'' Japanese for "fighter."{{#tag:ref|Note: In Japanese service carrier fighter units were referred to as ''Kanjō sentōkiti''.|group=N}} <ref>Parshall and Tully 2007, p. 79.</ref>
 
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The A6M is usually known as the "Zero" from its Japanese Navy [[Type (designation)|type designation]], Type 0 carrier fighter (''Rei shiki Kanjō sentōki'', {{nihongo2|零式艦上戦闘機}}), taken from the last digit of the [[Japanese calendar#Years|Imperial year]] 2600 (1940) when it entered service. In Japan, it was unofficially referred to as both ''Rei-sen'' and ''Zero-sen''; Japanese pilots most commonly called it ''Zero-sen,'' where ''sen'' is the first syllable of ''sentōki,'' Japanese for "fighter plane".{{#tag:ref|Note: In Japanese service carrier fighter units were referred to as ''Kanjō sentōkitai''. The Japanese "Zero" was one of the main aircraft(s)used in The attack on Pearl Harbor.|group=Note}}<ref>Parshall and Tully 2007, p. 79.</ref>
   
In the official designation "A6M" the "A" signified a [[Aircraft carrier|carrier-based]] fighter, "6" meant it was sixth such model built for the Imperial Navy, and "M" indicated the manufacturer, Mitsubishi.
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In the official designation "A6M", the "A" signified a [[Aircraft carrier|carrier-based]] fighter, "6" meant that it was the sixth such model built for the Imperial Navy, and "M" indicated Mitsubishi as the manufacturer.
   
The official Allied code name was "Zeke", in keeping with the practice of giving male names to Japanese fighters, female names to [[bomber]]s, bird names to [[Military glider|glider]]s, and tree names to trainers. "Zeke" was part of the first batch of "hillbilly" code names assigned by Captain Frank T. McCoy of Tennessee, who wanted quick, distinctive, easy to remember names. When in 1942 the Allied code for Japanese aircraft was introduced, he logically chose "Zeke" for the "Zero." Later, two variants of the fighter received their own code names: the [[Nakajima A6M2-N]] ([[floatplane]] version of the Zero) was called "Rufe" and the A6M3-32 variant was initially called "Hap". After objections from General [[Henry H. Arnold|"Hap" Arnold]], commander of the [[USAAF]], the name was changed to "Hamp". When captured examples were examined in New Guinea, it was realized it was a variant of the Zero and finally renamed "Zeke 32."
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The official Allied code name was "Zeke", in keeping with the practice of giving male names to Japanese fighters, female names to [[bombers]], bird names to [[Military glider|gliders]], and tree names to [[Trainer (aircraft)|trainers]]. "Zeke" was part of the first batch of "hillbilly" code names assigned by Captain Frank T. McCoy of Nashville, Tennessee, (assigned to the [[#Allied_Technical_Air_Intelligence_Unit_.28ATAIU.29|Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit (ATAIU)]] at [[Eagle Farm Airport]] in Australia), who wanted quick, distinctive, easy-to-remember names. The [[World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft|Allied code for Japanese aircraft]] was introduced in 1942, and McCoy chose "Zeke" for the "Zero". Later, two variants of the fighter received their own code names. The [[Nakajima A6M2-N]] [[floatplane]] version of the Zero was called "Rufe", and the A6M3-32 variant was initially called "Hap". General [[Henry H. Arnold|"Hap" Arnold]], commander of the [[USAAF]], objected to that name, however, so it was changed to "Hamp".
   
 
==Operational history==
 
==Operational history==
[[File:Zero Akagi Dec1941.jpg|thumb|Mitsubishi A6M2 "Zero" Model 21 takes off from the aircraft carrier [[Japanese aircraft carrier Akagi|Akagi]], to attack [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor]].]]
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[[File:Zero Akagi Dec1941.jpg|thumb|Mitsubishi A6M2 "Zero" Model 21 takes off from the aircraft carrier {{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Akagi||2}}, to attack [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor]].]]
[[File:A6M2 Cockpit.jpg|thumb|Cockpit (starboard console) of a damaged A6M2 which crashed during the raid on Pearl Harbor into Building 52 at [[Fort Kamehameha]], Oahu, during the 7 December 1941 raid on Pearl Harbor. The pilot, who was killed, was NAP1/c [[Takeshi Hirano]]; aircraft's tail code was "AI-154".]]
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[[File:A6M2 Cockpit.jpg|thumb|The cockpit (starboard console) of an A6M2 which crashed into Building 52 at [[Fort Kamehameha]] during the attack on Pearl Harbor, killing the pilot.]]
[[File:AkutanZero1.jpg|thumb|The [[Akutan Zero]] is inspected by US military personnel on Akutan Island on 11 July 1942.]]
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[[File:A6M3 Munda 1943.jpg|thumb|Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero wreck abandoned at Munda Airfield, Central Solomons, 1943]]
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[[File:Japanese Zero.jpg|thumb|A6M2 Zero photo c. 2004]]
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[[File:A6M3 Zuikaku Rabaul.jpg|thumb|Carrier A6M2 and A6M3 Zeros from the aircraft carrier ''[[Zuikaku]]'' preparing for a mission at Rabaul]]
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[[File:A6M3 Model22 UI105 Nishizawa.jpg|thumb|A6M3 Model 22, flown by Japanese ace [[Hiroyoshi Nishizawa]] over the Solomon Islands, 1943]]
   
The first Zeros (pre-series A6M2) went into operation in July 1940.<ref name="Matricardi p. 88">Matricardi 2006, p. 88.</ref> On 13 September 1940, the Zeros scored their first air-to-air victories when 13 A6M2s led by Lieutenant Saburo Shindo attacked 27 Soviet-built [[Polikarpov I-15]]s and I-16s of the Chinese Nationalist Air Force, shooting down all the fighters without loss to themselves. By the time they were redeployed a year later, the Zeros had shot down 99 Chinese aircraft<ref>Glancey 2006, p. 170.</ref> (266 according to other sources).<ref name="Matricardi p. 88"/>
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The first Zeros (pre-series of 15 A6M2) went into operation with the 12th Rengo Kōkūtai in July 1940.<ref name="Matricardi p. 88">Matricardi 2006, p. 88.</ref> On 13 September 1940, the Zeros scored their first air-to-air victories when 13 A6M2s led by Lieutenant Saburo Shindo attacked 27 Soviet-built [[Polikarpov I-15]]s and I-16s of the [[Chinese Nationalist Air Force]], shooting down all the fighters without loss to themselves. By the time they were redeployed a year later, the Zeros had shot down 99 Chinese aircraft<ref>Glancey 2006, p. 170.</ref> (266 according to other sources).<ref name="Matricardi p. 88"/>
   
At the time of the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]] 420 Zeros were active in the Pacific. The carrier-borne Model 21 was the type encountered by the Americans. Its tremendous range of over 2,600&nbsp;km (1,600&nbsp;mi) allowed it to range farther from its carrier than expected, appearing over distant battlefronts and giving Allied commanders the impression that there were several times as many Zeros as actually existed.<ref name="Gunston p. 162.">Gunston 1980, p. 162.</ref>
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At the time of the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], 521 Zeros were active in the Pacific, 328 in first-line units.<ref name="Francillon 1979, p. 365">Francillon 1979, p. 365.</ref> The carrier-borne Model 21 was the type encountered by the Americans. Its tremendous range of over {{convert|2,600|km|mi}} allowed it to range farther from its carrier than expected, appearing over distant battlefronts and giving Allied commanders the impression that there were several times as many Zeros as actually existed.<ref name="Gunston p. 162.">Gunston 1980, p. 162.</ref>
   
The Zero quickly gained a fearsome reputation. Thanks to a combination of excellent maneuverability and firepower, it easily disposed of the motley collection of Allied aircraft sent against it in the Pacific in 1941. It proved a difficult opponent even for the [[Supermarine Spitfire]]. Although not as fast as the British fighter, the Mitsubishi fighter could out-turn the Spitfire with ease, could sustain a climb at a very steep angle, and could stay in the air for three times as long.<ref name="Spick p.165">Spick 1997, p. 165.</ref>
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The Zero quickly gained a fearsome reputation.<ref name="Young 2013 36"/> Thanks to a combination of unsurpassed maneuverability — compared to contemporary Axis fighters — and excellent firepower, it easily disposed of Allied aircraft sent against it in the Pacific in 1941.<ref>Young 2013, p. 5.</ref><ref>Nijboer 2009, p. 4.</ref> It proved a difficult opponent even for the [[Supermarine Spitfire]]. "The RAF pilots were trained in methods that were excellent against German and Italian equipment but suicide against the acrobatic Japs", as [[Claire Lee Chennault|Lt.Gen. Claire Lee Chennault]] had to notice.<ref>Smith 2015, pp. 146–149.</ref> Although not as fast as the British fighter, the Mitsubishi fighter could out-turn the Spitfire with ease, sustain a climb at a very steep angle, and stay in the air for three times as long.<ref name="Spick p.165">Spick 1997, p. 165.</ref>
   
Soon, however, Allied pilots developed tactics to cope with the Zero. Due to its extreme agility, engaging in a traditional, turning dogfight with a Zero was likely to be fatal. It was better to roar down from above in a high-speed pass, fire a quick burst, then zoom back up to altitude. (A short burst of fire from heavy machine guns or cannon was often enough to bring down the fragile Zero.) Such "boom-and-zoom" tactics were used successfully in the [[China Burma India Theater of World War II|China Burma India Theater]] (CBI) by the "[[Flying Tigers]]" of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) against similarly maneuverable Japanese Army aircraft such as the [[Nakajima Ki-27]] ''Nate'' and [[Nakajima Ki-43|Ki-43 ''Oscar'']]. AVG pilots were trained to exploit the advantages of their [[Curtiss P-40|P-40s]], which were very sturdy, heavily armed, generally faster in a dive and level flight at low altitude, with a good rate of roll.<ref>Rossi, J. R. [http://www.flyingtigersavg.22web.net/tiger2.htm "Chuck Older's Tale: Hammerhead Stalls and Snap Rolls, Written in the mid-1980s."] ''AFG: American Volunteer Group, The Flying Tigers,'' 1998. Retrieved: 5 July 2011.</ref>
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Allied pilots soon developed tactics to cope with the Zero. Due to its extreme agility, engaging a Zero in a traditional, turning dogfight was likely to be fatal.<ref name="Spick p. 118.">Spick 1983, p. 118.</ref> It was better to swoop down from above in a high-speed pass, fire a quick burst, then climb quickly back up to altitude. A short burst of fire from heavy machine guns or cannon was often enough to bring down the fragile Zero. These tactics were regularly employed by [[Grumman F4F Wildcat]] fighters during [[Guadalcanal Campaign|Guadalcanal defense]] through high-altitude ambush, which was possible due to early warning system consisted of [[Coastwatchers]] and [[radar]].<ref>Lundstrom 1994.</ref> Such "boom-and-zoom" tactics were also successfully used in the [[China Burma India Theater of World War II|China Burma India Theater]] (CBI) by the "[[Flying Tigers]]" of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) against similarly maneuverable Japanese Army aircraft such as the [[Nakajima Ki-27|Nakajima Ki-27 ''Nate'']] and [[Nakajima Ki-43|Nakajima Ki-43 ''Oscar'']]. AVG pilots were trained by their commander Claire Chennault to exploit the advantages of their [[Curtiss P-40|P-40s]], which were very sturdy, heavily armed, generally faster in a dive and level flight at low altitude, with a good rate of roll.<ref>Rossi, J. R. [http://www.flyingtigersavg.22web.net/tiger2.htm "Chuck Older's Tale: Hammerhead Stalls and Snap Rolls, Written in the mid-1980s."] ''AFG: American Volunteer Group, The Flying Tigers,'' 1998. Retrieved: 5 July 2011.</ref>
   
Another important maneuver was Lieutenant Commander [[John S. Thach|John S. "Jimmy" Thach]]'s "[[Thach Weave]]", in which two fighters would fly about 60&nbsp;m (200&nbsp;ft) apart. If a Zero latched onto the tail of one of the fighters, the two aircraft would turn toward each other. If the Zero followed his original target through the turn, he would come into a position to be fired on by the target's wingman. This tactic was first used to good effect during the Battle of Midway, and later over the Solomon Islands. Many highly experienced Japanese aviators were lost in combat, resulting in a progressive decline in the quality of the opponents faced by Allied pilots, which became a significant factor in Allied successes. Unexpected heavy losses of these irreplaceable pilots at the battles of the [[Battle of Coral Sea|Coral Sea]] and [[Battle of Midway|Midway]] dealt the Japanese carrier air force a blow from which it never fully recovered.<ref>Holmes 2011, p. 314.</ref><ref>Thruelsen 1976, pp. 173, 174.</ref>
+
Another important maneuver was Lieutenant Commander [[John Thach|John S. "Jimmy" Thach]]'s "[[Thach Weave]]", in which two fighters would fly about {{convert|60|m|ft|abbr=on}} apart. If a Zero latched onto the tail of one of the fighters, the two aircraft would turn toward each other. If the Zero followed his original target through the turn, he would come into a position to be fired on by the target's wingman. This tactic was first used to good effect during the [[Battle of Midway]] and later over the Solomon Islands.
   
  +
Many highly experienced Japanese aviators were lost in combat, resulting in a progressive decline in quality, which became a significant factor in Allied successes. Unexpected heavy losses of pilots at the Battles of the [[Battle of Coral Sea|Coral Sea]] and Midway dealt the Japanese carrier air force a blow from which it never fully recovered.<ref>Holmes 2011, p. 314.</ref><ref>Thruelsen 1976, pp. 173, 174.</ref>
In contrast, Allied fighters were designed with ruggedness and pilot protection in mind.<ref name="life1942110986"/> The Japanese ace [[Saburō Sakai]] described how the resilience of early Grumman aircraft was a factor in preventing the Zero from attaining total domination: {{quote|I had full confidence in my ability to destroy the Grumman and decided to finish off the enemy fighter with only my 7.7&nbsp;mm machine guns. I turned the 20mm cannon switch to the 'off' position, and closed in. For some strange reason, even after I had poured about five or six hundred rounds of ammunition directly into the Grumman, the airplane did not fall, but kept on flying! I thought this very odd—it had never happened before—and closed the distance between the two airplanes until I could almost reach out and touch the Grumman. To my surprise, the Grumman's rudder and tail were torn to shreds, looking like an old torn piece of rag. With his plane in such condition, no wonder the pilot was unable to continue fighting! A Zero which had taken that many bullets would have been a ball of fire by now.<ref>[http://www.acepilots.com/planes/f4f_wildcat.html "Saburo Sakai: 'Zero'."] ''acepilots.com.'' Retrieved: 13 October 2010.</ref>}}
 
  +
[[File:Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter.ogv|thumb|thumbtime=8:13|Short film ''[[Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter]]'' (1943), intended to help U.S. airmen quickly distinguish the Zero from friendly aircraft, with [[Ronald Reagan]] as pilot Saunders.]]
   
  +
Throughout the Battle of Midway Allied pilots expressed a high level of dissatisfaction with the [[Grumman F4F Wildcat]]. The Commanding Officer of {{USS|Yorktown|CV-5|6}} noted: {{quote|The fighter pilots are very disappointed with the performance and length of sustained fire power of the F4F-4 airplanes. The Zero fighters could easily outmaneuver and out-climb the F4F-3, and the consensus of fighter pilot opinion is that the F4F-4 is even more sluggish and slow than the F4F-3. It is also felt that it was a mistake to put 6 guns on the F4F-4 and thus to reduce the rounds per gun. Many of our fighters ran out of ammunition even before the Jap dive bombers arrived over our forces; these were experienced pilots, not novices.<ref name="history.navy.mil">{{cite web |title=Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet report, Serial 01849 of 28 June 1942: USS Yorktown (CV-5) Action Report |work=Action Reports: Battle of Midway |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/archives/digitized-collections/action-reports/wwii-battle-of-midway/uss-yorktown-action-report.html |date=20 March 2018 |publisher=Naval History and Heritage Command |accessdate=18 March 2019}}</ref>}} They were astounded by the Zero's superiority:<ref>Young 2013, pp. 6, 51, 82.</ref> {{quote|In the [[Battle of Coral Sea|Coral Sea]], they made all their approaches from the rear or high side and did relatively little damage because of our armor. It also is desired to call attention to the fact that there was an absence of the fancy stunting during pull outs or approaches for attacks. In this battle, the Japs dove in, made the attack and then immediately pulled out, taking advantage of their superior climb and maneuverability. In attacking fighters, the Zeros usually attacked from above rear at high speed and recovered by climbing vertically until they lost some speed and then pulled on through to complete a small loop of high wing over which placed them out of reach and in position for another attack. By reversing the turn sharply after each attack the leader may get a shot at the enemy while he is climbing away or head on into a scissor if the Jap turns to meet it.<ref name="history.navy.mil"/>}}
When the powerful [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]], [[Grumman F6F Hellcat]] and [[Vought F4U Corsair]] appeared in the Pacific theater, the A6M, with its low-powered engine, was hard-pressed to remain competitive. In combat with an F6F or F4U, the only positive thing that could be said of the Zero at this stage of the war was that in the hands of a skillful pilot it could maneuver as well as most of its opponents.<ref name="Gunston p. 162."/> Nonetheless, in competent hands the Zero could still be deadly.
 
   
  +
In contrast, Allied fighters were designed with ruggedness and pilot protection in mind.<ref name="life1942110986"/> The Japanese ace [[Saburō Sakai]] described how the toughness of early Grumman aircraft was a factor in preventing the Zero from attaining total domination: {{quote|I had full confidence in my ability to destroy the Grumman and decided to finish off the enemy fighter with only my 7.7&nbsp;mm machine guns. I turned the 20mm cannon switch to the 'off' position, and closed in. For some strange reason, even after I had poured about five or six hundred rounds of ammunition directly into the Grumman, the airplane did not fall, but kept on flying! I thought this very odd—it had never happened before—and closed the distance between the two airplanes until I could almost reach out and touch the Grumman. To my surprise, the Grumman's rudder and tail were torn to shreds, looking like an old torn piece of rag. With his plane in such condition, no wonder the pilot was unable to continue fighting! A Zero which had taken that many bullets would have been a ball of fire by now.<ref>[http://www.acepilots.com/planes/f4f_wildcat.html "Saburo Sakai: 'Zero'."] ''acepilots.com.'' Retrieved: 13 October 2010.</ref>}}
Due to shortages of high-powered aviation engines and problems with planned successor models, the Zero remained in production until 1945, with over 11,000 of all variants produced.
 
   
  +
When the powerfully armed [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]], armed with four [[M2 Browning#AN/M2|"light barrel" AN/M2 .50 cal. Browning]] machine guns and one [[Hispano-Suiza HS.404#US production|20 mm autocannon]], and the [[Grumman F6F Hellcat]] and [[Vought F4U Corsair]], each with six AN/M2 heavy calibre Browning guns, appeared in the Pacific theater, the A6M, with its low-powered engine and lighter armament, was hard-pressed to remain competitive. In combat with an F6F or F4U, the only positive thing that could be said of the Zero at this stage of the war was that, in the hands of a skillful pilot, it could maneuver as well as most of its opponents.<ref name="Gunston p. 162."/> Nonetheless, in competent hands, the Zero could still be deadly.
===Allied opinions===
 
[[File:Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter.ogv|thumb|thumbtime=11:55|''[[Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter]]'' (1943)]]
 
   
  +
Due to shortages of high-powered aviation engines and problems with planned successor models, the Zero remained in production until 1945, with over 10,000 of all variants produced.
The American military discovered many of the A6M's unique attributes when they recovered a largely intact specimen on [[Akutan Island]] in the [[Aleutians]] (which was called the [[Akutan Zero]]). During an air raid over Dutch Harbor on 4 June 1942, one A6M fighter was hit by ground fire. Losing oil, Flight Petty Officer Tadayoshi Koga attempted an emergency landing on Akutan Island about 20 miles northeast of Dutch Harbor, but his Zero flipped over in soft ground in a sudden crash landing. Koga died instantly of head injuries, but the relatively undamaged fighter was found over a month later by an American salvage team and shipped to [[Naval Air Station North Island]] where testing flights of the repaired A6M revealed not only its strengths, but also its deficiencies in design and performance.<ref name="life1942110986">Wilcox 1942, p. 86.</ref><ref>Jablonski, Edward. ''Airwar.'' New York: Doubleday & Co., 1979. ISBN 0-385-14279-X.</ref>
 
   
  +
===Allied analysis===
The experts who evaluated the captured Zero found that the plane weighed about 2,360 Kg (5,200 pounds) fully loaded, about half the weight of the standard United States Navy fighter. It was "built like a fine watch"; the Zero was constructed with [[flush rivet]]s, and even the guns were flush with the wings. The instrument panel was a "marvel of simplicity ... with no superfluities to distract [the pilot]." What most impressed the experts was that the Zero's fuselage and wings were constructed in one piece, unlike the American method that built them separately and joined the two parts together. The Japanese method was much slower, but resulted in a very strong structure and improved close maneuverability.<ref name="life1942110986"/>
 
  +
[[File:AkutanZero1.jpg|thumb|The [[Akutan Zero]] is inspected by US military personnel on Akutan Island on 11 July 1942.]]
  +
  +
====American opinions====
  +
The American military discovered many of the A6M's unique attributes when they recovered a largely intact specimen of an A6M2, the [[Akutan Zero]], on [[Akutan Island]] in the Aleutians. During an air raid over [[Dutch Harbor]] on June 4, 1942, one A6M fighter was hit by ground-based anti-aircraft fire. Losing oil, Flight Petty Officer Tadayoshi Koga attempted an emergency landing on Akutan Island about {{convert|20|mi}} northeast of Dutch Harbor, but his Zero flipped over on soft ground in a sudden crash-landing. Koga died instantly of head injuries (his neck was broken by the tremendous impact), but the relatively-undamaged fighter was found over a month later by an American salvage team and was shipped to [[Naval Air Station North Island]], where testing flights of the repaired A6M revealed both strengths and deficiencies in design and performance.<ref name="life1942110986">Wilcox 1942, p. 86.</ref><ref>Jablonski 1979 {{Page needed|date=December 2015}}</ref>
  +
  +
The experts who evaluated the captured Zero found that the plane weighed about {{convert|2,360|kg|lb|abbr=on}} fully loaded, some {{convert|1,260|kg|lb|abbr=on}} lighter than the F4F Wildcat, the standard United States Navy fighter of the time. The A6M's airframe was "built like a fine watch"; the Zero was constructed with [[flush rivet]]s, and even the guns were flush with the wings. The instrument panel was a "marvel of simplicity&nbsp;... with no superfluities to distract [the pilot]." What most impressed the experts was that the Zero's fuselage and wings were constructed in one piece, unlike the American method that built them separately and joined the two parts together. The Japanese method was much slower, but resulted in a very strong structure and improved close maneuverability.<ref name="life1942110986"/>
  +
  +
American test pilots found that the Zero's controls were "very light" at {{convert|320|km/h|abbr=on}}, but stiffened at faster speeds (above {{cvt|348|km/h|0|abbr=on}}) to safeguard against wing failure.<ref name="Green and Swanborough 2001">Green and Swanborough 2001 {{Page needed|date=December 2015}}</ref> The Zero could not keep up with Allied aircraft in high-speed maneuvers, and its low "[[Vne#VNE|never exceed speed]]" (V<sub>NE</sub>) made it vulnerable in a dive. While stable on the ground despite its light weight, the aircraft was designed purely for the attack role, emphasizing long range, maneuverability, and firepower at the expense of protection of its pilot. Most lacked [[Self-sealing fuel tank|self-sealing tanks]] and armor plating.<ref name="life1942110986"/>
   
  +
====British opinions====
Captain [[Eric Brown (pilot)|Eric Brown]], the Chief Naval Test Pilot of the Royal Navy, recalled being impressed by the Zero during tests of captured aircraft. "I don’t think I have ever flown a fighter that could match the rate of turn of the Zero. The Zero had ruled the roost totally and was the finest fighter in the world until mid-1943."<ref name="Thompson with Smith p. 231."/> American test pilots found that the Zero's controls were "very light" at {{convert|320|km/h}}, but stiffened at faster speeds (above 348&nbsp;km/h, or 216&nbsp;mph) to safeguard against wing failure.<ref name="Green and Swanborough 2001">Green and Swanborough 2001</ref> The Zero could not keep up with Allied aircraft in high speed maneuvers, and its low "[[Vne#VNE|never exceed speed]]" (V<sub>NE</sub>) made it vulnerable in a dive. While stable on the ground despite its light weight, the aircraft was designed purely for the attack role, emphasizing long range, maneuverability, and firepower at the expense of protection of its pilot. Most had neither [[Self-sealing fuel tank|self-sealing tanks]] nor armor plating.<ref name="life1942110986"/>
 
  +
Captain [[Eric Brown (pilot)|Eric Brown]], the Chief Naval Test Pilot of the Royal Navy, recalled being impressed by the Zero during tests of captured aircraft. "I don't think I have ever flown a fighter that could match the rate of turn of the Zero. The Zero had ruled the roost totally and was the finest fighter in the world until mid-1943."<ref name="Thompson with Smith p. 231."/>
   
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
Line 85: Line 95:
   
 
===A6M1, Type 0 Prototypes===
 
===A6M1, Type 0 Prototypes===
The first A6M1 prototype was completed in March 1939, powered by the 580&nbsp;kW (780&nbsp;hp) [[Mitsubishi Zuisei]] 13 engine with a two-blade propeller. It first flew on 1 April, and passed testing in a remarkably short period of time. By September, it had already been accepted for Navy testing as the A6M1 Type 0 Carrier Fighter, with the only notable change being a switch to a three-bladed propeller to cure a vibration problem.
+
The first two A6M1 prototypes were completed in March 1939, powered by the {{cvt|580|kW|hp|abbr=on}} [[Mitsubishi Zuisei]] 13 engine with a two-blade propeller. It first flew on 1 April, and passed testing within a remarkably short period. By September, it had already been accepted for Navy testing as the A6M1 Type 0 Carrier Fighter, with the only notable change being a switch to a three-bladed propeller to cure a vibration problem.
   
===A6M2 Type 0 Model 11===
+
===A6M2a Type 0 Model 11===
  +
[[File:Zero_11_on_China.JPG|thumb|A Zero over China]]
While the Navy was testing the first two prototypes, they suggested that the third be fitted with the 700&nbsp;kW (940&nbsp;hp) [[Nakajima Sakae]] 12 engine instead. Mitsubishi had its own engine of this class in the form of the [[Mitsubishi Kinsei|Kinsei]], so they were somewhat reluctant to use the Sakae. Nevertheless, when the first A6M2 was completed in January 1940, the Sakae's extra power pushed the performance of the Zero well past the original specifications.
 
  +
While the navy was testing the first two prototypes, they suggested that the third be fitted with the {{convert|700|kW|hp|abbr=on}} [[Nakajima Sakae]] 12 engine instead. Mitsubishi had its own engine of this class in the form of the [[Mitsubishi Kinsei|Kinsei]], so they were somewhat reluctant to use the Sakae. Nevertheless, when the first A6M2 was completed in January 1940, the Sakae's extra power pushed the performance of the Zero well past the original specifications.
   
The new version was so promising that the Navy had 15 built and shipped to China before they had completed testing. They arrived in [[Manchuria]] in July 1940, and first saw combat over [[Chungking]] in August. There they proved to be completely untouchable by the [[Polikarpov I-16]]s and [[Polikarpov I-153|I-153]]s that had been such a problem for the A5Ms currently in service. In one encounter, 13 Zeros shot down 27 I-15s and I-16s in under three minutes without loss. After hearing of these reports the Navy immediately ordered the A6M2 into production as the Type 0 Carrier Fighter, Model 11.
+
The new version was so promising that the Navy had 15 built and shipped to China before they had completed testing. They arrived in Manchuria in July 1940, and first saw combat over [[Chungking]] in August. There they proved to be completely untouchable by the [[Polikarpov I-16]]s and [[Polikarpov I-153|I-153]]s that had been such a problem for the A5Ms when in service. In one encounter, 13 Zeros shot down 27 I-15s and I-16s in under three minutes without loss. After hearing of these reports, the navy immediately ordered the A6M2 into production as the Type 0 Carrier Fighter, Model 11.
Reports of the Zero's performance filtered back to the US slowly. There they were dismissed by most military officials, who felt it was impossible for the Japanese to build such an aircraft.
+
Reports of the Zero's performance filtered back to the US slowly. There they were dismissed by most military officials, who thought it was impossible for the Japanese to build such an aircraft.
   
===A6M2 Type 0 Model 21===
+
===A6M2b Type 0 Model 21===
[[File:Carrier shokaku.jpg|thumb|A6M2 "Zero" Model 21 prior to attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941.]]
+
[[File:Carrier shokaku.jpg|thumb|A6M2 "Zero" Model 21 of ''[[Shōkaku]]'' prior to attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941.]]
After the delivery of only 65 aircraft by November 1940, a further change was worked into the production lines, which introduced folding wingtips to allow them to fit on [[aircraft carrier]]s. The resulting Model 21 would become one of the most produced versions early in the war. A feature was the improved range with 520lt wing tank and 320lt drop tank. <Capt Takeo Shibata in Broome's One Day War p45>When the lines switched to updated models, 740 Model 21s had been completed by Mitsubishi, and another 800 by Nakajima. Two other versions of the Model 21 were built in small numbers, the Nakajima-built [[Nakajima A6M2-N|A6M2-N]] "Rufe" [[floatplane]] (based on the Model 11 with a slightly modified tail), and the A6M2-K two-seat trainer of which a total of 508 were built by Hitachi and the Sasebo Naval Air Arsenal.
+
After the delivery of the 65th aircraft, a further change was worked into the production lines, which introduced folding wingtips to allow them to fit on [[aircraft carrier]]s.<ref name="Francillon 1979, p. 365"/> The resulting Model 21 would become one of the most produced versions early in the war. A feature was the improved range with {{convert|520|l|USgal|abbr=on}} wing tank and {{convert|320|l|USgal|abbr=on}} drop tank. When the lines switched to updated models, 740 Model 21s had been completed by Mitsubishi, and another 800 by Nakajima. Two other versions of the Model 21 were built in small numbers, the Nakajima-built [[Nakajima A6M2-N|A6M2-N]] "Rufe" [[floatplane]] (based on the Model 11 with a slightly modified tail), and the A6M2-K two-seat trainer of which a total of 508 were built by Hitachi and the Sasebo Naval Air Arsenal.<ref name="Francillon,1979, p. 399">Francillon 1979, p. 399.</ref>
   
 
===A6M3 Type 0 Model 32===
 
===A6M3 Type 0 Model 32===
 
[[File:A6M3 Model32-common.jpg|thumb|A6M3 Model 32.]]
 
[[File:A6M3 Model32-common.jpg|thumb|A6M3 Model 32.]]
   
In late 1941, Nakajima introduced the Sakae 21, which used a two-speed [[supercharger]] for better altitude performance, and increased power to 840&nbsp;kW (1,130&nbsp;hp). Plans were made to introduce the new engine into the Zero as soon as possible.
+
In 1941, Nakajima introduced the Sakae 21 engine, which used a two-speed supercharger for better altitude performance, and increased power to {{convert|840|kW|hp|abbr=on}}. A prototype Zero with the new engine was first flown on July 15, 1941.<ref name="Nohara 1993, p. 76">Nohara 1993, p. 76.</ref>
   
The new Sakae was slightly heavier and somewhat longer due to the larger supercharger, which moved the [[center of gravity]] too far forward on the existing airframe. To correct for this the engine mountings were cut down by 20&nbsp;cm (8&nbsp;in), moving the engine back towards the cockpit. This had the side effect of reducing the size of the main fuel tank (located to the rear of the engine) from 518&nbsp;L (137&nbsp;US gal) to 470&nbsp;L (120&nbsp;US gal).
+
The new Sakae was slightly heavier and somewhat longer due to the larger supercharger, which moved the center of gravity too far forward on the existing airframe. To correct for this, the engine mountings were cut back by {{cvt|185|mm}} to move the engine toward the cockpit. This had the side effect of reducing the size of the main fuselage fuel tank (located between the engine and the cockpit) from {{convert|518|l|USgal|abbr=on}} to {{convert|470|l|USgal|abbr=on}}. The cowling was redesigned to enlarge the cowl flaps, revise the oil cooler air intake, and move the carburetor air intake to the upper half of the cowling.<ref name="Nohara 1993, p. 51">Nohara 1993, p. 51.</ref><ref>''Reisen no Tsuioku'' (Model Art 883), 2013, p.&nbsp;75.</ref>
   
The only other major changes were to the wings, which were simplified by removing the Model 21's folding tips. This changed the appearance enough to prompt the US to designate it with a new code name, Hap. This name was short-lived, as a protest from [[USAAF]] commander General [[Henry H. Arnold|Henry "Hap" Arnold]] forced a change to "Hamp". Soon after, it was realized that it was simply a new model of the "Zeke". The wings also included larger ammunition boxes, allowing for 100 rounds for each of the 20&nbsp;mm cannon.
+
The wings were redesigned to reduce span, eliminate the folding tips, and square off the wingtips. The inboard edge of the aileron was moved outboard by one rib, and the wing fuel tanks were enlarged accordingly to {{convert|420|l|USgal|abbr=on}}. The two 20&nbsp;mm wing cannon were upgraded from the [[Type 99 cannon|Type 99 Mark l]] to the [[Type 99 cannon|Type 99 Mark II]],<ref name="Nohara 1993, p. 51"/> which required a bulge in the sheet metal of the wing below each cannon. The wings also included larger ammunition boxes and thus allowing 100 rounds per cannon.
   
  +
The Sakae 21 engine and other changes increased maximum speed by only {{convert|11|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} compared to the Model 21, but sacrificed nearly {{convert|1000|km|miles|abbr=on}} of range.<ref name="Nohara 1993, p. 76"/> Nevertheless, the navy accepted the type and it entered production in April 1942.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>
The wing changes had much greater effects on performance than expected. The smaller size led to better roll, and their lower drag allowed the diving speed to be increased to 670&nbsp;km/h (420&nbsp;mph). On the downside, maneuverability was reduced, and range suffered due to both decreased lift and the smaller fuel tank. Pilots complained about both. The shorter range proved a significant limitation during the Solomons campaign of 1942 during which land based Zeros from Truk airbase had to travel significant distances to the combat zones over Guadalcanal.
 
   
  +
The shorter wing span led to better roll, and the reduced drag allowed the diving speed to be increased to {{convert|670|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. On the downside, turning and range, which were the strengths of the Model 21, suffered due to smaller ailerons, decreased lift and greater fuel consumption. The shorter range proved a significant limitation during the Solomons Campaign, during which Zeros based at Rabaul had to travel nearly to their maximum range to reach Guadalcanal and return.<ref name="ReferenceA">''Mechanic of World Aircraft'' Vol. 5, Koujinsha, 1994, pp. 220–221.</ref> Consequently, the Model 32 was unsuited to that campaign<ref name="ReferenceB">Nohara 1993, pp. 76–77.</ref> and was used mainly for shorter range offensive missions and interception.
The first Model 32 deliveries began in April 1942, but it remained on the lines only for a short time, with a run of 343 being built.
 
  +
  +
The appearance of the redesigned A6M3-32 prompted the US to assign the Model 32 a new code name, "Hap". This name was short-lived, as a protest from [[USAAF]] Commanding General [[Henry H. Arnold|Henry "Hap" Arnold]] forced a change to "Hamp". Soon after, it was realized that it was simply a new model of the "Zeke" and was termed "Zeke 32".
  +
  +
This variant was flown by only a small number of units, and only 343 were built.
   
 
===A6M3 Type 0 Model 22===
 
===A6M3 Type 0 Model 22===
In order to correct the deficiencies of the Model 32, a new version with the Model 21's folding wings, new in-wing fuel tanks and attachments for a 330&nbsp;L (90&nbsp;US gal) drop tank under each wing were introduced. The internal fuel was increased to 570&nbsp;L (137&nbsp;US gal) in this model, regaining all of the range lost in the Model 32 variant.
 
   
  +
In order to correct the deficiencies of the Model 32, a new version with folding wingtips and redesigned wing was introduced. The fuel tanks were moved to the outer wings, fuel lines for a {{convert|330|l|USgal|abbr=on}} drop tank were installed under each wing and the internal fuel capacity was increased to {{convert|570|l|USgal|abbr=on}}. More importantly, it regained its capabilities for long operating ranges, similar to the previous A6M2 Model 21, which was vastly shortened by the Model 32.
As the airframe was reverted from the Model 32 and the engine remained the same, this version received the navy designation Model 22, while Mitsubishi called it the A6M3a. The new model started production in December 1942, and 560 were eventually produced. This company constructed some examples for evaluation, armed with 30&nbsp;mm Type 5 Cannon, under denomination of A6M3b (model 22b).
 
  +
  +
However, before the new design type was accepted formally by the Navy, the A6M3 Model 22 already stood ready for service in December 1942. Approximately 560 aircraft of the new type had been produced in the meantime by Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K.<ref name="ReferenceC">Nohara 1993, p. 78.</ref>
  +
  +
According to a theory, the very late production Model 22 might have had wings similar to the shortened, rounded-tip wing of the Model 52.<ref>Mikesh 1994. p. 90.</ref> One plane of such arrangement was photographed at [[Lakunai Airfield]] ("Rabaul East") in the second half of 1943, and has been published widely in a number of Japanese books. While the engine cowling is the same of previous Model 32 and 22, the theory proposes that the plane is an early production Model 52.<ref>Famous Airplanes of the World 9, 1993 p. 33.</ref>
  +
The Model 32, 22, 22 kou, 52, 52 kou and 52 otsu were all powered by the Nakajima {{nihongo2|栄}} (''Sakae'') {{nihongo2|21型}} engine.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> That engine kept its designation in spite of changes in the exhaust system for the Model 52.
   
  +
===A6M4 Type 0 Model 41/42===
A few late-production A6M3 Model 22s had a wing similar to the later shortened, rounded tip wing fitted to the A6M5 Model 52. These were probably a transition model, at least one was photographed at Rabaul-East in Mid-1943.
 
  +
Mitsubishi is unable to state with certainty that it ever used the designation "A6M4" or model numbers for it. However, "A6M4" does appear in a translation of a captured Japanese memo from a Naval Air Technical Arsenal, titled Quarterly Report on Research Experiments, dated 1 October 1942.<ref name="CINPAC 14"/> It mentions a "cross-section of the A6M4 intercooler" then being designed. Some researchers believe "A6M4" was applied to one or two prototype planes fitted with an experimental turbo-supercharged Sakae engine designed for high altitude.<ref>Mikesh 1981, p. 32.</ref> Mitsubishi's involvement in the project was probably quite limited or nil; the unmodified Sakae engine was made by Nakajima.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The design and testing of the turbo-supercharger was the responsibility of the First Naval Air [Technical] Arsenal ({{lang|ja|第一海軍航空廠}}, ''{{transl|ja|Dai Ichi Kaigun Kōkūshō}}'') at Yokosuka.<ref name="CINPAC 14">"Quarterly Report on Research Experiments", Vol. 1, 30 March 1945. ''CINCPAC-CINCPOA Bulletin'', Special Translation No. 52, No. 67–45, p. 14 D.</ref> At least one photo of a prototype plane exists. It shows a turbo unit mounted in the forward left fuselage.
   
  +
Lack of suitable alloys for use in the manufacture of a turbo-supercharger and its related ducting caused numerous ruptures, resulting in fires and poor performance. Consequently, further development of a turbo-supercharged A6M was cancelled. The lack of acceptance by the navy suggests that the navy did not bestow model number 41 or 42 formally, although it appears that the arsenal did use the designation "A6M4". The prototype engines nevertheless provided useful experience for future engine designs.<ref>[http://www.j-aircraft.com/a6mresearch/a6m4.htm "A6M4".] ''J-Aircraft.com''. Retrieved: 13 October 2010.</ref>
===A6M4 Type 0 Model 41===
 
The A6M4 designation was applied to two A6M2s fitted with an experimental turbo-supercharged Sakae engine designed for high-altitude use. The design, modification and testing of these two prototypes was the responsibility of the {{Nihongo|First Naval Air Technical Arsenal|第一海軍航空廠}} at Yokosuka and took place in 1943. Lack of suitable alloys for use in the manufacture of the turbo-supercharger and its related ducting caused numerous ruptures of the ducting resulting in fires and poor performance. Consequently, further development of the A6M4 was cancelled. The program still provided useful data for future aircraft designs and, consequently, the manufacture of the more conventional A6M5, already under development by Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K., was accelerated.<ref>[http://www.j-aircraft.com/a6mresearch/a6m4.htm "A6M4."] ''J-Aircraft.com.'' Retrieved: 13 October 2010.</ref>
 
   
 
===A6M5 Type 0 Model 52===
 
===A6M5 Type 0 Model 52===
[[File:A6M5 TAIC.jpg|thumb|Mitsubishi A6M "Rei Sen" (Zeke) captured in flying condition and test flown by U.S. airmen]]
+
[[File:A6M5 scrapped.jpg|thumb|Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52s abandoned by the Japanese at the end of the war ([[Atsugi Naval Air Facility|Atsugi naval air base]]) and captured by US forces.]]
[[File:A6M5 scrapped.jpg|thumb|Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52s abandoned by the Japanese at the end of the war ([[Atsugi]] Naval air base) and captured by US forces]]
+
<!-- [[File:Cockpit of an A6M5 Zero.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of a Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52 Type Zero fighter at the [[Imperial War Museum]].]] -->
[[File:Cockpit of an A6M5 Zero Plane.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of an A6M5 Zero [[Imperial War Museum]]]]
+
[[File:A6M5 52c Kyushu.jpg|thumb|A6M5c Zeros preparing to take part in a kamikaze attack in early 1945]]
   
  +
Sometimes considered as the most effective variant,<ref>Mikesh 1994, p. 53.</ref> the Model 52 was developed to again shorten the wings to increase speed and dispense with the folding wing mechanism. In addition, ailerons, aileron trim tab and flaps were revised.<ref>Nohara 1993, p. 80.</ref><ref>''Sekai no Kessaku Ki'' Vol. 9, pp. 57–59.</ref> Produced first by Mitsubishi, most Model 52s were made by Nakajima. The prototype was made in June 1943 by modifying an A6M3 and was first flown in August 1943.<ref>''Sekai no Kessaku Ki'' Vol. 9, Bunrindou, 1993, p. 21.</ref> The first Model 52 is said in the handling manual<ref>''Summary of Provisional Handling Instructions'', February 1944, English translation.</ref> to have production number 3904,<ref>Mikesh 1994, p. 115.</ref> which apparently refers to the prototype.
Considered the most effective variant,<ref>Mikesh 1994, p. 53.</ref> the Model 52 was developed to face the powerful American [[F6F Hellcat]] and [[F4U Corsair]], superior mostly for engine power and armament.<ref name="Matricardi p. 88"/> The variant was a modest update of the A6M3 Model 22, with shorter, non-folding wing tips and thicker wing skinning to permit faster diving speeds, plus an improved exhaust system. The latter used four ejector exhaust stacks, providing an increment of thrust, projecting along each side of the forward fuselage. The new exhaust system required modified "notched" cowl flaps and small rectangular plates which were riveted to the fuselage, just aft of the exhausts. Two smaller exhaust stacks exited via small cowling flaps immediately forward of and just below each of the wing leading edges. The improved roll-rate of the clipped-wing A6M3 was now built in. <!---It is believed that a very small number of a transitional model, with the new non-folding wing but without the ejector exhaust system, preceded the Model 52 into production. There is photographic evidence of one example at a front line unit at Rabaul in mid-1943.---says who?--->
 
   
  +
Research by Mr. Bunzo Komine published by Mr. Kenji Miyazaki states that aircraft 3904 through 4103 had the same exhaust system and cowl flaps as on the Model 22.<ref>"Reisen Mushimegane", Fumetsu no Reisen, Maru, 2007.</ref> This is partially corroborated by two wrecks researched by Mr. Stan Gajda and Mr. L. G. Halls, production number 4007 and 4043, respectively.<ref>Gajda, Stan. [http://www.j-aircraft.org/smf/index.php?topic=9730.0 "The transitional Zero: New evidence that supports the theory."] ''j-aircraft'', 28 July 2010. Retrieved: 30 November 2015.</ref>{{verify source|date=December 2015}}<ref>Halls, L.G. [http://www.j-aircraft.org/smf/index.php?topic=9974.0 " The "Hybrid" Zero: More Evidence."] ''j-aircraft'', 9 September 2010. Retrieved: 30 November 2015.</ref>{{verify source|date=December 2015}}<ref>Lansdale, Jim. [http://www.j-aircraft.org/smf/index.php?topic=9048.0 "Transitional model of the Mitsubishi ReiSen 52 (A6M5): Part II."] ''j-aircraft'', 21 March 2010. Retrieved: 30 November 2015.</ref>{{verify source|date=December 2015}} (The upper cowling was slightly redesigned from that of the Model 22.<ref name="Nohara 1993, p. 51"/>)
Sub-variants included:
 
  +
An early production A6M5 Zero with non separated exhaust, with an A6M3 Model 22 in the background.
* "A6M5a Model 52a «Kou»," featuring Type 99-II cannon with belt feed of the Mk 4 instead of drum feed Mk 3 (100 rpg), permitting a bigger ammunition supply (125 rpg)
 
  +
A new exhaust system provided an increment of thrust by aiming the stacks aft and distributing them around the forward fuselage. The new exhaust system required "notched" cowl flaps and heat shields just aft of the stacks. (Note, however, that the handling manual translation states that the new style of exhaust commenced with number 3904. Whether this is correct, indicates retrofitting intentions, refers to the prototype but not to all subsequent planes, or is in error is not clear.) From production number 4274, the wing fuel tanks received carbon dioxide fire extinguishers.<ref>''Sekai no Kessaku Ki'', Vol. 9. pp. 57–59.</ref><ref>A6M5 Summary of Provisional Handling Instructions, February 1944 (translated) at 4-4.</ref> From number 4354, the radio became the Model 3, aerial Mark 1, and at that point it is said the antenna mast was shortened slightly.<ref>''A6M5 Summary of Provisional Handling Instructions'', February 1944 (translated). p. 4-4.</ref> Through production number 4550, the lowest exhaust stacks were approximately the same length as those immediately above them. This caused hot exhaust to burn the forward edge of the landing gear doors and heat the tires. Therefore, from number 4551 Mitsubishi began to install shorter bottom stacks.<ref>Nohara 1993, p. 79.</ref> Nakajima manufactured the Model 52 at its Koizumi plant in Gunma Prefecture.<ref>''Sekai no Kessaku Ki'', Vol. 9 Bunrindou 1993, p. 23.</ref> The A6M5 had a maximum speed of {{convert|565|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}) at {{convert|6,000|m|ft|abbr=on}} and reached that altitude in 7:01 minutes.<ref>''Sekai no Kessaku Ki'', Vol. 9, Bunrindou, 1993, p. 24.</ref>
* "A6M5b Model 52b «Otsu»," with an armor glass windscreen, a fuel tank [[fire extinguisher]] and the 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) Type 97 gun (750&nbsp;m/s muzzle velocity and 600&nbsp;m/1,970&nbsp;ft range) in the left forward fuselage was replaced by a 13.2&nbsp;mm/.51&nbsp;in Type 3 Browning-derived gun (790&nbsp;m/s muzzle velocity and 900&nbsp;m/2,950&nbsp;ft range) with 240 rounds. The larger weapon required an enlarged cowling opening, creating a distinctive asymmetric appearance to the top of the cowling.
 
* "A6M5c Model 52c «Hei»" with thicker armored glass in the cabin's windshield (5.5&nbsp;cm/2.2&nbsp;in) and armor plate behind the pilot's seat. The wing skinning was further thickened in localized areas to allow for a further increase in dive speed. This version also had a modified armament fit of three 13.2&nbsp;mm (.51&nbsp;in) Type 3 machine guns (one in the forward fuselage, and one in each wing with a rate of fire of 800 rpm), twin 20&nbsp;mm Type 99-II guns and an additional fuel tank with a capacity of 367&nbsp;L (97&nbsp;US gal), often replaced by a 250&nbsp;kg bomb.
 
   
  +
Subsequent variants included:
The A6M5 had a maximum speed of 540&nbsp;km/h (340&nbsp;mph) and reached a height of 8,000&nbsp;m (26,250&nbsp;ft) in nine minutes, 57 seconds. Other variants were the [[night fighter]] A6M5d-S (modified for night combat, armed with one 20&nbsp;mm Type 99 cannon, inclined back to the pilot's cockpit) and A6M5-K "Zero-Reisen"(model l22) tandem trainer version, also manufactured by Mitsubishi.
 
  +
* A6M5a, Model {{nihongo2|52甲}} (''Kō'', 52a) – Starting at Mitsubishi number 4651, an armament change substituted the belt-fed Type 99-2 Mark 4 cannon, with 125 rounds per gun, in place of the drum-fed Type 99-2 Mark 3 cannon that carried 100 rounds per gun. Hence, the bulge in the underside of the wing for each cannon's ammunition drum was deleted and the ejection port for spent cartridge cases was moved. Thicker wing skinning was installed to permit higher diving speeds.<ref name="Kessaku Ki 1993, p. 22">''Sekai no Kessaku Ki'', Vol. 9, Bunrindou, 1993, p. 22.</ref>
  +
* A6M5b, Model {{nihongo2|52乙}} (''Otsu'', 52b) – Armament change: The 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) Type 97 gun ({{cvt|750|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}} muzzle velocity and {{cvt|600|m|ft|abbr=on}} range) in the right forward fuselage was replaced by a 13.2&nbsp;mm Type 3 Browning-derived gun ({{cvt|790|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}} muzzle velocity and {{cvt|900|m|ft|abbr=on}} range, with a rate of fire of 800 rounds per minute) with 240 rounds. The larger weapon required an enlarged opening, creating a distinctive asymmetric appearance to the top of the cowling, and a revised gas outlet near the windscreen. In addition, each wing cannon received a fairing at the wing leading edge. A plate of armored glass {{cvt|45|mm|abbr=on}} thick was fitted to the windscreen. A larger propeller spinner was fitted, suggesting a change to the propeller.<ref>''Sekai no Kessaku Ki'', Vol. 9, Bunrindou. p. 77.</ref> The type of ventral drop tank was changed, it now had fins and was suspended on a slanted pipe. The first of this variant was completed in April 1944 and it was produced until October 1944.<ref>Nohara 1993, p. 82.</ref>
  +
* A6M5c, Model {{nihongo2|52丙}} (''Hei'', 52c) – Armament change: One 13.2&nbsp;mm (.51&nbsp;in) Type 3 machine gun was added in each wing outboard of the cannon, and the 7.7&nbsp;mm gun on the left side of the cowl was deleted. Four racks for rockets or small bombs were installed outboard of the 13&nbsp;mm gun in each wing. Engine change: Some sources state that the hei had a Sakae 31 engine<ref>''Mechanic of World Aircraft'', Vol.5, Koujinsha, p. 220-221.</ref> In addition, a {{cvt|55|mm|abbr=on}} thick piece of armored glass was installed at the headrest and an {{cvt|8|mm|abbr=on}} thick plate of armor was installed behind the seat. The mounting of the central {{cvt|300|l|USgal|abbr=on}} drop tank changed to a four-post design.<ref>''Sekai no Kessaku Ki'', Vol. 9, Bunrindou, pp. 46–49.</ref> Wing skin was thickened further. The first of this variant was completed in September 1944.<ref name="Kessaku Ki 1993, p. 22"/> Because of the gain in weight, this variant was used mainly for intercepting B-29s and special attack.<ref>Sekai no Kessaku Ki, Vol. 9 Bunrindou 1993 at 22.</ref>
  +
* A6M5-S (A6M5 Yakan Sentōki) – Armament change: To intercept B-29s and other night-flying aircraft, an air arsenal converted some Model 52s to night fighters.<ref>''Sekai no Kessaku Ki'', Vol. 9, Bunrindou, 1993, p. 23.</ref> They were armed with one 20&nbsp;mm Type 99 cannon behind the pilot, aimed upward, similar in intent to the Luftwaffe's [[Schräge Musik]] installation.<ref>Graham, Rob. [http://www.j-aircraft.com/a6mresearch/zeronf.htm "FAQ: Zero Night Fighter."] ''j-aircraft.com''. Retrieved: 30 November 2015.</ref> However, lack of radar prevented them from being very effective.
   
  +
Some Model 21 and 52 aircraft were converted to "bakusen" (fighter-bombers) by mounting a bomb rack and {{cvt|250|kg}} bomb in place of the centerline drop tank.
===A6M6c Type 0 Model 53c===
 
This was similar to the A6M5c, but with self-sealing wing tanks and a Nakajima Sakae 31a engine featuring water-methanol engine boost.
 
   
  +
Perhaps seven Model 52 planes were ostensibly converted into A6M5-K two-seat trainers.<ref name="Francillon,1979, p. 399"/> Mass production was contemplated by Hitachi, but not undertaken.<ref>Nohara 1993, p. 84.</ref>
===A6M7 Type 0 Model 62===
 
Similar to the A6M6 but intended for attack or [[Kamikaze]] role.
 
   
  +
===A6M6 Type 0 Model 53===
  +
The A6M6 was developed to use the Sakae 31a engine, featuring water-methanol engine boost and self-sealing wing tanks.<ref name="Jim Winchester">{{cite book |last=Winchester |first=Jim |date=2002 |title=Fighters of the 20th Century |url= |location=United Kingdom |publisher=The Crowood Press Ltd |page=41 |isbn=978-1840373882 |author-link=}}</ref><ref name="AIAA">{{cite journal |vauthors= |date=1982 |title=AIAA Student Journal |url=https://books.google.com/?id=4vpJAQAAIAAJ&q=Mitsubishi+%22A6M6%22&dq=Mitsubishi+%22A6M6%22 |journal=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |volume=20 |issue=3|pages=41 |pmc= |pmid= |access-date=9 June 2019}}</ref> During preliminary testing, its performance was considered unsatisfactory due to the additional engine power failing to materialize and the unreliability of the fuel injection system.<ref name="James A. Oleson">{{cite book |last=A. Oleson |first=James A. Oleson |date=2007 |title=In Their Own Words: True Stories and Adventures of the American Fighter Ace |url=https://books.google.com/?id=8HHxAAAAMAAJ&q=Mitsubishi+%22A6M6%22&dq=Mitsubishi+%22A6M6%22 |location=United States |publisher=iUniverse, Inc. |page=166 |isbn=978-0595471164 |author-link=}}</ref><ref name="Kenneth Munson">{{cite book |last=Munson |first=Kenneth |date=1968 |title=Aircraft of World War Two |url=https://books.google.com/?id=bxIoAQAAMAAJ&q=Mitsubishi+%22A6M6%22&dq=Mitsubishi+%22A6M6%22 |location=United Kingdom |publisher=Doubleday & Company Inc. |page=123 |isbn=978-0385034715 |author-link=}}</ref> Testing continued on the A6M6 but the end of war stopped further development. Only one prototype was produced.
  +
  +
===A6M7 Type 0 Model 62/63===
  +
The A6M7 was the last variant to see service. It was designed to meet a requirement by the Navy for a dedicated [[Attack aircraft|attack]]/[[dive bomber]] version that could operate from smaller aircraft carriers<ref name="Franc70p363-4"/> or according to another source, replace the obsolete [[Aichi D3A]].<ref name="James D’Angina">{{cite book |last=D'Angina |first=James |date=2016 |title=Mitsubishi A6M Zero |url=https://books.google.com/?id=56f3DAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=mitsubishi+a6m#v=onepage&q&f=false |location=Great Britain |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1-4728-0821-9 |author-link=}}</ref> The A6M7 had considerable design changes compared to previous attempts to make the A6M suitable for dive bombing. This included a reinforced vertical stabilizer, a special bomb rack, provision of two 350 litre drop tanks and fixed bomb/rocket swing stoppers on the underside of the wings.<ref name="Franc70p363-4"/><ref name="James D’Angina"/><ref name="basil collier">{{cite book |last=Collier |first=Basil |date=1979 |title=Japanese Aircraft of World War II |url= |location=Great Britain |publisher=Sidgwick & Jackson |pages=97–100 |isbn=0-283-98399-X |author-link=}}</ref><ref name="david mondey">{{cite book |last=Mondey |first=David |date=2006 |title=The Hamlyn Concise Guide to Axis Aircraft of World War II |url= |location=Great Britain |publisher=Bounty Books |pages=194–197 |isbn=978-0-753714-60-7 |author-link=}}</ref><ref name="thomas newdick">{{cite book |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=2017 |title=Japanese Aircraft of World War II 1937-1945 |url= |location=United Kingdom |publisher=Amber Books |pages=65–72 |isbn=978-1-78274-474-0 |author-link=}}</ref> It was also given a new powerplant, the Sakae-31 engine, producing 1,130hp on take-off. The A6M7 had a similar armament layout to the A6M5c with the exception of the bomb centreline bomb rack, capable of carrying 250kg or 500kg bombs. Entering production in May 1945,<ref name="Franc70p363-4"/><ref name="basil collier"/><ref name="david mondey"/><ref name="thomas newdick"/>
  +
the A6M7 was also used in the [[Kamikaze|special attack]] role.<ref name="M-B-K-G">{{cite book |last= Kittel - Graf |first=-Mantelli - Brown|date=2017 |title=Fighter Zero |url=https://books.google.com/?id=dVlDDgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=mitsubishi+a6m#v=onepage&q=mitsubishi%20a6m7&f=false |publisher=Edizioni R.E.I. |pages=34, 59 |isbn=978-2372973304 |author-link=}}</ref><ref name="Peter C Smith">{{cite book |last=C. Smith |first=Peter- Brown|date=2014 |title=Mitsubishi Zero: Japan's Legendary Fighter |url=https://books.google.com/?id=0QC1BQAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=mitsubishi+a6m#v=onepage&q=a6m7&f=false |location=Great Britain |publisher=Pen & Sword Aviation |isbn=978-1781593196 |author-link=}}</ref>
 
===A6M8 Type 0 Model 64===
 
===A6M8 Type 0 Model 64===
  +
[[File:A6M8 Type 64 .jpg|thumb|A6M8 Type 64 One of Two Prototypes produced being tested by US Forces at Misawa Airbase]]
Similar to the A6M6 but with the Sakae (now out of production) replaced by the [[Mitsubishi Kinsei]] 62 engine with 1,560&nbsp;hp (1,164&nbsp;kW), 60% more powerful than the engine of the A6M2.<ref name="Matricardi p. 88"/> This resulted in an extensively modified cowling and nose for the aircraft. The carburetor intake was much larger, a long duct like that on the Nakajima B6N Tenzan was added, and a large spinner—like that on the Yokosuka D4Y Suisei with the Kinsei 62—was mounted. The larger cowling meant deletion of the fuselage mounted machine gun, but armament was otherwise unchanged from the Model 52 Hei (2 x 20&nbsp;mm cannon; 2 x 13&nbsp;mm/.51&nbsp;in MG). In addition, the Model 64 was modified to carry two 150&nbsp;L (40&nbsp;US gal) drop tanks on either wing in order to permit the mounting of a 250&nbsp;kg (550&nbsp;lb) bomb on the underside of the fuselage. Two prototypes were completed in April 1945 but the chaotic situation of Japanese industry and the end of the war obstructed the start of the ambitious program of production for 6,300 machines, none being completed.<ref name="Matricardi p. 88"/><ref name="Francillon p374-5">Francillon 1970, pp. 374–375.</ref>
 
  +
Similar to the A6M6 but with the Sakae (now out of production) replaced by the [[Mitsubishi Kinsei]] 62 engine with {{convert|1,163|kW|hp|abbr=on}}, 60% more powerful than the engine of the A6M2.<ref name="Matricardi p. 88"/> This resulted in an extensively modified cowling and nose for the aircraft. The carburetor intake was much larger, a long duct like that on the [[Nakajima B6N Tenzan]] was added, and a large spinner—like that on the [[Yokosuka D4Y Suisei]] with the Kinsei 62—was mounted. The larger cowling allowed an armament change to 2x 13.2mm Type 3 machine gun in the fuselage and 4x 20mm Type99 Mark2 cannon (two on each wing). In addition, the Model 64 was modified to carry two {{convert|150|l|USgal|abbr=on}} drop tanks on either wing in order to permit the mounting of a {{convert|250|kg|lb|abbr=on}} bomb on the underside of the fuselage. Two prototypes were completed in April 1945 but the chaotic situation of Japanese industry and the end of the war obstructed the start of the ambitious program of production for 6,300 A6M8s, only the two prototypes being completed and flown.<ref name="Matricardi p. 88"/><ref name="Francillon p374-5">Francillon 1970, pp. 374–375.</ref>
  +
  +
==Production==
  +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; width: 100%"
  +
|style="background:#ccc" ; colspan="14" ; align="left"| '''A6M Production: Nagoya, Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K.'''<ref name="USSBS, 1947. p. 124-125">[http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015080324281;view=1up;seq=148 "Appendix D., pp. 124–125."] Washington, D.C.: Corporation report, the United States Bombing Survey Aircraft Division, 1947.</ref>
  +
|-
  +
! rowspan=2| Year
  +
|-
  +
! Jan || Feb || Mar || Apr || May || Jun || Jul || Aug || Sep || Oct || Nov || Dec || Annual
  +
|-
  +
!style="text-align:center"| 1939
  +
| || || 1 || || || || || || || 1 || || 1 || style="background: #eee;" | 3
  +
|-
  +
!style="text-align:center"| 1940
  +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 4 || 3 || 9 || 8 || 9 || 19 || 23 || 19 || style="background: #eee;" | 98
  +
|-
  +
!style="text-align:center"| 1941
  +
| 23 || 23 || 30 || 27 || 30 || 26 || 25 || 30 || 33 || 43 || 52 || 60 || style="background: #eee;" | 402
  +
|-
  +
!style="text-align:center"| 1942
  +
| 60 || 58 || 55 || 54 || 58 || 45 || 46 || 51 || 64 || 65 || 67 || 69 || style="background: #eee;" | 692
  +
|-
  +
!style="text-align:center"| 1943
  +
| 68 || 69 || 73 || 73 || 73 || 73 || 77 || 85 || 93 || 105 || 110 || 130 || style="background: #eee;" | 1,029
  +
|-
  +
!style="text-align:center"| 1944
  +
| 125 || 115 || 105 || 109 || 95 || 100 || 115 || 135 || 135 || 145 || 115 || 62 || style="background: #eee;" | 1,356
  +
|-
  +
!style="text-align:center"| 1945
  +
| 35 || 59 || 40 || 37 || 38 || 23 || 15 || 52 || || || || || style="background: #eee;" | 299
  +
|-
  +
|- style="background: #eee;"
  +
| style="text-align:center" | Total
  +
| || || || || || || || || || || || || style="border-top: black solid"| 3,879
  +
|}
  +
Not included:
  +
* A second A6M1 was completed on 17 March 1939,<ref>FAOTW, 1996, p. 137.</ref> but was written off without explanation after completing the company's flight test program in July 1940.<ref>Francillon 1979, pp. 364–365.</ref>
  +
  +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; width: 100%"
  +
|style="background:#ccc" ; colspan="14" ; align="left"| '''A6M Production: Ota, [[Nakajima Aircraft Company|Nakajima Hikoki K.K.]]'''<ref name="USSBS, 1947. p. 40-42">[http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015080324133;view=1up;seq=54 "Appendix M., pp. 40–42."] Washington, D.C.: Corporation report, the United States Bombing Survey Aircraft Division, 1947.</ref>
  +
  +
|-
  +
! rowspan=2| Year
  +
|-
  +
! Jan || Feb || Mar || Apr || May || Jun || Jul || Aug || Sep || Oct || Nov || Dec || Annual
  +
|-
  +
|style="text-align:center"| 1941
  +
| || || || || || || || || || || 1 || 6 || style="background: #eee;" | 7
  +
|-
  +
|style="text-align:center"| 1942
  +
| 19 || 22 || 35 || 31 || 36 || 34 || 52 || 65 || 75 || 88 || 99 || 118 || style="background: #eee;" | 674
  +
|-
  +
|style="text-align:center"| 1943
  +
| 110 || 119 || 133 || 144 || 148 || 152 || 153 || 156 || 243 || 182 || 202 || 225 || style="background: #eee;" | 1,967
  +
|-
  +
|style="text-align:center"| 1944
  +
| 238 || 154 || 271 || 230 || 232 || 200 || 163 || 232 || 245 || 194 || 109 || 206 || style="background: #eee;" | 2,474
  +
|-
  +
|style="text-align:center"| 1945
  +
| 216 || 108 || 207 || 230 || 247 || 185 || 138 || 85 || || || || || style="background: #eee;" | 1,416
  +
|- style="background: #eee;"
  +
| style="text-align:center" | Total
  +
| || || || || || || || || || || || || style="border-top: black solid"| 6,538
  +
|}
  +
  +
===Trainer===
  +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; width: 100%"
  +
|style="background:#ccc" ; colspan="14" ; align="left"| '''A6M Trainer Production: Chiba, [[Hitachi|Hitachi Kokuki K.K.]]'''<ref name="USSBS, 1947. p. 42">[http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89100062082;view=1up;seq=56 "Appendix I., p. 42."] Washington, D.C.: Corporation report, the United States Bombing Survey Aircraft Division, 1947.</ref> '''and Omura, [[Sasebo Naval Arsenal|Dai-Nijuichi K.K.]]'''<ref name="USSBS, 1947. p. 6">[https://archive.org/stream/corporationrepor34unit#page/n15/mode/2up "Appendix B., p. 6."] Washington, D.C.: Corporation report, the United States Bombing Survey Aircraft Division, 1947.</ref>
  +
|-
  +
! rowspan=2| Year
  +
|-
  +
! Jan || Feb || Mar || Apr || May || Jun || Jul || Aug || Sep || Oct || Nov || Dec || Annual
  +
|-
  +
|style="text-align:center"| 1943
  +
| 4 || 5 || 6 || 8 || 8 || 8 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 12 || 12 || 15 || style="background: #eee;" | 110
  +
|-
  +
|style="text-align:center"| 1944
  +
| 12 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 17 || 23 || 30 || 29 || 15 || 23 || 27 || 25 || style="background: #eee;" | 252
  +
|-
  +
|style="text-align:center"| 1945
  +
| 23 || 8 || 34 || 21 || 31 || 23 || 15 || || || || || || style="background: #eee;" | 155
  +
|- style="background: #eee;"
  +
| style="text-align:center" | Total
  +
| || || || || || || || || || || || || style="border-top: black solid"| 517
  +
|}
  +
  +
===Total production===
  +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; width: 100%"
  +
| style="background:#ccc" ; colspan="2" align="left" | &nbsp;
  +
|-
  +
| style="text-align:left" | According&nbsp;to&nbsp;USSBS&nbsp;Report:&nbsp;10,934
  +
| style="text-align:left" | Figure includes:&nbsp;10,094 A6M, 323 A6M2-N and 517 A6M-K builds.
  +
|-
  +
| style="text-align:left" | According&nbsp;to&nbsp;Francillon:&nbsp;11,291
  +
| style="text-align:left" | Figure includes: 10,449 A6M,<ref>Francillon 1979, p. 377.</ref> 327 A6M2-N,<ref>Francillon 1979, p. 428.</ref> 508 A6M2-K and 7 A6M5-K builds.<ref name="Francillon,1979, p. 399"/>
  +
|}
   
 
==Operators==
 
==Operators==
 
{{Main|List of Mitsubishi A6M Zero operators}}
 
{{Main|List of Mitsubishi A6M Zero operators}}
 
;{{JPN}}
 
;{{JPN}}
* [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] [[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service|Air Service]]
+
* [[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]]
 
;{{flag|Thailand}}
 
;{{flag|Thailand}}
  +
* [[Royal Thai Navy]]<ref name="worldairforces.com">{{citation|url=http://www.worldairforces.com/countries/thailand/thl.html|title=World Air Forces – Historical Listings Thailand (THL)|accessdate=30 August 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125054737/http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/thailand/thl.html|archivedate=25 January 2012}}</ref>
* [[Royal Thai Air Force]]
 
* [[Royal Thai Navy]]
 
   
  +
==Surviving aircraft==
===Post-war===
 
  +
[[File:Mitsubishi A6M2, Type 0 Model 21.jpg|thumb|A6M2 Model 21 on display at the [[Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor]], Hawaii, United States. This aircraft was made airworthy in the early 1980s before it was grounded in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 5356 Tail EII-102|url=http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m2/5356.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=12 January 2012}}</ref>]]
;{{IDN}}
 
  +
[[File:MitsuZero AirandSpace.JPG|thumb|A6M5 on display at the National Air and Space Museum, United States]]
* [[Indonesian Air Force]]
 
  +
[[File:Zero_Fighter_Plane_Model_21.jpg|thumb|A6M on display at the [[National Museum of Nature and Science]], Japan]]
;{{ROC}}
 
  +
[[File:Mitsubishi A62M Zero USAF.jpg|thumb|An A6M at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force|National Museum of the USAF]], painted to represent a section leader’s aircraft from the [[Japanese aircraft carrier Zuihō]] during the [[Battle of the Bismarck Sea]].<ref name="Factsheets : Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero">{{cite web|title=Factsheets : Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=471 |publisher=National Museum of the USAF |accessdate=2 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113033903/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=471 |archivedate=13 January 2012}}</ref>|alt=A propeller aircraft on display in a museum. The wing tips are folded up.]]
* [[Republic of China Air Force]]
 
  +
[[File:2017RedBullAirRaceChibaMitsubishiA6MZero.jpg|thumb|[[2017 Red Bull Air Race of Chiba]] (N553TT)]]
   
  +
Like many surviving World War II Japanese aircraft, most surviving Zeros are made up of parts from multiple airframes. As a result, some are referred to by conflicting manufacturer serial numbers. In other cases, such as those recovered after decades in a wrecked condition, they have been reconstructed to the point that the majority of their structure is made up of modern parts. All of this means the identities of survivors can be difficult to confirm.
==Survivors==
 
[[File:Mitsubishi A6M2, Type 0 Model 21.jpg|thumb|A6M2 Model 21 on display at the Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This aircraft was made airworthy in the early 1980s before it was grounded in 2002.<ref name="A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 5356 Tail EII-102">[http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m2/5356.html "A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 5356 Tail EII-102."] ''Pacific Wrecks.'' Retrieved: 12 January 2012.</ref>]]
 
[[File:MitsuZero AirandSpace.JPG|thumb|A6M5 on display at the National Air and Space Museum]]
 
   
  +
Most flying Zeros have had their engines replaced with similar American units. Only one, the [[Planes of Fame Museum]]'s A6M5, has the original Sakae engine.<ref>Seaman, Richard. [http://www.richard-seaman.com/Aircraft/AirShows/Chino2004/Sampler/index.html "Aircraft air shows."] ''richard-seaman.com.'' Retrieved: 13 October 2010.</ref>
Several Zero fighters survived the war and are on display in Japan (in Aichi, Tokyo's [[Yasukuni War Museum]], Kure's [[Yamato Museum]], Hamamatsu, [[MCAS Iwakuni]], and Shizuoka), China (in Beijing), the United States (at the National Air and Space Museum, [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]], the [[National Museum of Naval Aviation]], the [[Pacific Aviation Museum]], the [[San Diego Air and Space Museum]]), and the UK ([[RAF Duxford]]) as well as the Auckland War Memorial Museum in New Zealand. A restored A6M2-21 (V-173 retrieved as a wreck after the war, and later found to have been flown by [[Saburō Sakai]] at [[Lae]]) is on display at the [[Australian War Memorial]] in Canberra. The Museum Dirgantara Mandala in Yogyakarta, Indonesia also has an A6M in its collection.
 
   
  +
The rarity of flyable Zeros accounts for the use of single-seat [[North American T-6 Texan]]s, with heavily modified fuselages and painted in Japanese markings, as substitutes for Zeros in the films ''[[Tora! Tora! Tora!]]'', ''The Final Countdown'', and many other television and film depictions of the aircraft, such as ''Baa Baa Black Sheep'' (renamed ''Black Sheep Squadron''). One Model 52 was used during the production of ''Pearl Harbor''.
Another aircraft recovered by the Australian War Memorial Museum in the early 1970s now belongs to [[Fantasy of Flight]] in Polk City, Florida. Along with several other Zeros it was found near Rabaul in the South Pacific. The markings suggest that it was in service after June 1943 and further investigation suggests that it has cockpit features conducive to the Nakashima built model 52b. If this is correct, it is most likely one of the 123 aircraft lost by the Japanese during the assault of Rabaul. The aircraft was shipped in pieces to the attraction and it was eventually made up for display as a crashed aircraft. Much of the aircraft is usable for patterns and some of its parts can be restored to one day make this a basis for a flyable aircraft.<ref>[http://fantasyofflight.com/aircraftpages/zero.htm "Mitsubishi Zero."] ''[[Fantasy of Flight]].'' Retrieved: 4 March 2011.</ref>
 
   
  +
===Australia===
Only three flyable Zero airframes exist; two have had their engines replaced with [[Pratt & Whitney R-1830|similar American units]]; only one, the [[Planes of Fame Museum]]'s A6M5 example, bearing tail number "61-120" has the original Sakae engine.<ref>Seaman, Richard. [http://www.richard-seaman.com/Aircraft/AirShows/Chino2004/Sampler/index.html "Aircraft air shows."] ''richard-seaman.com.'' Retrieved: 13 October 2010.</ref>
 
  +
* 840 – On display at the [[Australian Aviation Heritage Centre]] in Winnellie, Northern Territory. Wreckage of the forward fuselage, inboard wings, engine, and propeller.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mitsubishi Zero|url=http://www.darwinsairwar.com.au/mitsubishi-zero|website=[[Australian Aviation Heritage Centre]]|publisher=Australian Aviation Heritage Centre|accessdate=22 February 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229063624/http://www.darwinsairwar.com.au/mitsubishi-zero/|archivedate=29 February 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – MitsubishiA6M, s/n 5349 IJNAF, c/n 840|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=65947|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 5784 – On display at the [[Australian War Memorial]] in [[Canberra, Australian Capital Territory]]. A restored A6M2-21 "V-173" was retrieved as a wreck after the war and later found to have been flown by [[Saburō Sakai]] at Lae.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero Fighter Aircraft : Japanese Navy Air Force|url=https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL/08378/|website=Australian War Memorial|publisher=Australian War Memorial|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 5784 Tail V-173|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m2/5784.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
   
  +
===China===
Although not a survivor, the "Blayd" Zero is a reconstruction based on templating original Zero components recovered from the South Pacific. In order to be considered a "restoration" and not a reproduction, the builders used a small fraction of parts from original Zero landing gear in the reconstruction.<ref>[http://www.pacificwrecks.com/restore/canada/blayd.html "Blayd Corporation."] ''pacificwrecks.com.'' Retrieved: 29 January 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/zero.htm "Examination of Blayd Zero Artifacts."] ''j-aircraft.com.'' Retrieved: 29 January 2007.</ref> The aircraft is now on display at the [[Fargo Air Museum]] in Fargo, North Dakota.
 
  +
* Unknown serial number – [[Beijing Military Museum]]<ref name="smith p141">Smith 2015, p. 141.</ref>
   
  +
===Germany===
The [[Commemorative Air Force]]'s A6M3 was recovered from [[Babo Airfield]], New Guinea, in 1991. It was partially restored from several A6M3s in Russia, then brought to the United States for restoration. The aircraft was re-registered in 1998 and displayed at the [[Museum of Flying]] in Santa Monica, California. It currently uses a [[Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp|Pratt & Whitney R1830]] engine.<ref name="Mitsubichi AM63 Zero">[http://www.cafsocal.com/zero.htm "Mitsubishi AM63 Zero."] ''Commemorative Air Force.'' Retrieved: 11 April 2012.</ref>
 
  +
* Replica – On display at the [[Technik Museum Speyer]] in Speyer, Rhineland-Palatinate. Replica of the fuselage section on display at IWM London.<ref>{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – MitsubishiA6M|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=5293|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="classicwings">{{cite web|title=A6M Reisen "Zeke"|url=http://axis.classicwings.com/Japan/Mitsubishi/A6M.htm|website=Preserved Axis Aircraft|publisher=ClassicWings.com|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
   
  +
===Indonesia===
The rarity of flyable Zeros accounts for the use of single-seat [[North American T-6 Texan]]s, with heavily modified fuselages and painted in Japanese markings, to stand in for the fighter in the films ''[[Tora! Tora! Tora!]]'', ''The Final Countdown'', and many other television and film depictions of the aircraft, such as ''Baa Baa Black Sheep'' (renamed ''Black Sheep Squadron''). One Model 52 was used during the production of ''Pearl Harbor''.
 
  +
* Unknown serial number – The Museum Dirgantara Mandala in Yogyakarta has an A6M in its collection.<ref name="smith p141"/>
   
  +
===Japan===
==Specifications (A6M2 Type 0 Model 21)==
 
  +
* 1493 – On display at the [[Kawaguchiko Motor Museum]] in [[Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M5 Model 52 Zero Manufacture Number 1493|url=http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m5/1493.html|website=PacificWrecks.net|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=29 February 2016}}</ref>
[[File:Zero.svg|300px|right|Orthographically projected diagram of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero]]
 
  +
* 4168/4240/4241 – On display at the [[Yūshūkan]] in [[Chiyoda, Tokyo]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M5 Model 52 Zero Manufacture Number 4168 Tail 81-161|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m5/4168.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref>
{{aircraft specifications
 
  +
* 4685 – On display at [[Hamamatsu Air Base]] in [[Hamamatsu, Shizuoka]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M5a Model 52ko Zero Manufacture Number 4685 Tail 43-188|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m5/4685.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 4708 – On display at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Museum in [[Komaki, Aichi]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M5 Model 52 Ko Zero Manufacture Number 4708|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m5/4708.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 31870 – A two-seater on display at the [[National Museum of Nature and Science]] in [[Taito, Tokyo]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 31870 Tail 53-122|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m2/31870.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 62343 – On display at the [[Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots]] in [[Chiran, Kagoshima]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M5c Model 52 Zero Manufacture Number 62343|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m5/62343.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 82729 – On display at the [[Yamato Museum]] in [[Kure, Hiroshima]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M7 Model 62 Zero Manufacture Number 82729 Tail 210-B-118|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m7/82729.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 91518 – On display at the Kawaguchiko Motor Museum in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 91518|url=http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m2/91518.html|website=PacificWrecks.net|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=29 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 92717 – On display at the Kawaguchiko Motor Museum in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 92717|url=http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m2/92717.html|website=PacificWrecks.net|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=29 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* Replica – On display at [[MCAS Iwakuni]] in [[Iwakuni, Yamaguchi]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clark|first1=Charlie|title="Zero" hangar links present to past|url=http://www.mcasiwakuni.marines.mil/News/NewsStories/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/6911/Article/507100/zero-hangar-links-present-to-past.aspx|website=Marines|accessdate=22 February 2016|date=26 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Pack|first1=Justin|title=Station scouts visit Zero Hangar|url=http://japan.stripes.com/base-info/station-scouts-visit-zero-hangar|website=Stripes Japan|accessdate=22 February 2016|date=16 February 2013
  +
}}</ref>
  +
* Replica – Owned by businessman Masahide Ishizuka in [[Kanoya, Kagoshima]]. Airworthy, with a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engine.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Yoshimura|first1=Shigeo|title=Victory, as airworthy Zero fighter returns home after 70-year hiatus|url=http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201411060033|accessdate=23 February 2016|work=The Asahi Shimbun|publisher=The Asahi Shimbun Company|date=6 November 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183030/http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201411060033|archivedate=3 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Toda|first1=Miki|title=World War II Zero fighter flies over Japan|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/84f26ca44626478bb1aec830b286404b/zero-fighter-flies-over-japan-1st-time-wwii|accessdate=23 February 2016|work=AP|publisher=Associated Press|date=27 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M3 Model 22 Zero Manufacture Number 3858 (Replica)|url=http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m3/3858_replica.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref>
   
  +
===New Zealand===
|plane or copter?=plane
 
  +
* 3835/3844 – On display at the [[Auckland War Memorial Museum]] in Auckland, Auckland Region.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M3 Model 22 Zero Manufacture Number 3844 Tail 2-152|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m3/3844.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
|jet or prop?=prop
 
  +
<!-- Now, fill out the specs. Please include units where appropriate (main comes first, alt in parentheses). If an item doesn't apply, like capacity, leave it blank. For additional lines, end your alt units with a right parenthesis ")" and start a new, fully formatted line beginning with * -->
 
  +
===United Kingdom===
|ref=The Great Book of Fighters<ref name="Green and Swanborough 2001"/>
 
  +
* 196 – On display at the [[Imperial War Museum London]] in [[London, Greater London]]. Forward fuselage displayed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Mitsubishi A6M5, s/n BI-05 IJNAF|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=98480|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M5 Model 52 Zero|url=http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m5/a6m5-iwm.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Goodall|first1=Geoffrey|title=MITSUBISHI A6M REISEN / ZERO-SEN ("ZEKE")|url=http://www.goodall.com.au/warbirds-directory-v6/mitsubishi.pdf|website=Geoff Goodall's Aviation History Site|publisher=Geoffrey Goodall|accessdate=23 February 2016|date=14 October 2014}}</ref>
  +
* 3685 – On display at the [[Imperial War Museum Duxford]] in [[Duxford, Cambridgeshire]]. Fuselage displayed in unrestored condition.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M3 Model 22 Zero Manufacture Number 3685 Tail Y2-176|url=http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m3/3685.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
  +
===United States===
  +
* 1303 – In storage at the [[Flying Heritage Collection]] in Everett, Washington.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M5 Model 52 Zero Manufacture Number 1303 Tail 61-121|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m5/1303.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 2266 – A small amount of wreckage from the Zero that crashed in the [[Niihau Incident]] is on display at the [[Pacific Aviation Museum]] in Honolulu, Hawaii.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 2266 Tail BII-120|url=http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m2/2266.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 3618 – In storage at [[Fantasy of Flight]] in Polk City, Florida.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M3 Model 22 Zero Manufacture Number 3618 Tail -133|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m3/3618.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 3852 – Owned by the Flying Heritage Collection in Everett, Washington. This aircraft was recovered from [[Babo Airfield]], [[Indonesia]], and restored — first in Russia, then in California, and finally in Washington state — before being delivered to the Flying Heritage Collection.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M3 Model 22 Zero Manufacture Number 3852 (Replica Two Seater)|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m3/3852_replica.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mitsubishi A6M3 Type 22 Zero|url=http://century-aviation.com/essential_grid/mitsubishi-a6m3-type-22-zero|website=Century Aviation|publisher=Century Aviation|accessdate=11 May 2016}}</ref> It has a P&W engine installed.<ref>{{cite web|title=MITSUBISHI A6M3-22 REISEN (ZERO)|url=http://www.flyingheritage.com/TemplatePlane.aspx?contentId=20|website=Flying Heritage Collection|publisher=Friends of Flying Heritage|accessdate=22 February 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214184605/http://www.flyingheritage.com/TemplatePlane.aspx?contentId=20|archivedate=14 February 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
  +
* 4043 – In storage at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida. Along with several other Zeros, this aircraft was recovered by the Australian War Memorial Museum in the early 1970s from Rabaul in the South Pacific. The markings suggest that it was in service after June 1943 and further investigation suggests that it has cockpit features associated with the Nakajima-built Model 52b. If this is correct, it is most likely one of the 123 aircraft lost by the Japanese during the assault of Rabaul. The aircraft was shipped in pieces to the attraction and it was eventually made up for display as a crashed aircraft. Much of the aircraft is usable for patterns and some of its parts can be restored to one day make this a basis for a flyable aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zero|url=http://fantasyofflight.com/aircraftpages/zero.htm|website=Fantasy of Flight|accessdate=4 March 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710224148/http://fantasyofflight.com/aircraftpages/zero.htm |archivedate=10 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M5 Model 52 Zero Manufacture Number 4043 Tail 3-108|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m5/4043.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 4340 – On display at the National Air and Space Museum in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Mitsubishi A6M5 Reisen (Zero Fighter) Model 52 ZEKE|url=http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?object=nasm_A19600335000|website=Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 4400 – In storage at the Flying Heritage Collection in Everett, Washington.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M5 Model 52 Zero Manufacture Number 4400 Tail HK-102|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m5/4400.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 5356/5451 – On display at the Pacific Aviation Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii. This aircraft was formerly flown by the [[Commemorative Air Force]] after being restored by Robert Diemert.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 5356 Tail EII-102|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m2/5356.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 5357 – Owned by the [[Planes of Fame Air Museum]] in [[Chino, California]]. This aircraft, 61-120, is the only airworthy example powered with an original Sakae radial engine.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mitsubishi A6M5|url=http://planesoffame.org/index.php?mact=staircraft, cntnt01, default,0&cntnt01alias=A6M5&cntnt01returnid=128|website=Planes of Fame|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 5450 – On display at the [[National Naval Aviation Museum]] at [[NAS Pensacola]] in Pensacola, Florida.<ref>{{cite web|title=A6M2 ZERO|url=http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=a6m2_zero|website=National Naval Aviation Museum|publisher=Naval Aviation Museum Foundation|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Justin|first1=Taylan|title=A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 5450 Tail EII-140|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m2/5450.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
* 23186 – On display at the [[San Diego Air and Space Museum]] in San Diego, California. This aircraft is on loan from the National Air and Space Museum.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mitsubishi A6M7 Zero-sen|url=http://sandiegoairandspace.org/collection/item/mitsubishi-a6m7-zero-sen|website=San Diego Air & Space Museum|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M7 Model 62 Zero Manufacture Number 23186 Tail ヨ-143|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m7/23186.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref> The museum previously had another Zero in its collection, msn 4323, but it was destroyed in a fire on 22 February 1978.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M5 Model 52 Zero Manufacture Number 4323|url=http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m5/4323.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016|date=August 7, 2015}}</ref>
  +
* 51553 – On display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] at [[Wright-Patterson AFB]] in Dayton, Ohio.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero|url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/MuseumExhibits/FactSheets/Display/tabid/509/Article/196313/mitsubishi-a6m2-zero.aspx|website=National Museum of the United States Air Force|accessdate=22 February 2016|date=April 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number 51553 Tail 313|url=http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m2/51553.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref> It was restored by Century Aviation.<ref>{{cite web|title=1943 Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 21 Zero|url=http://century-aviation.com/essential_grid/1943-mitsubishi-zero|website=Century Aviation|publisher=Century Aviation|accessdate=11 May 2016}}</ref>
  +
* Replica – Owned by Warren Pietsch at the [[Texas Flying Legends Museum]] in Houston, Texas. This aircraft, known as the "Blayd" Zero, is a reconstruction based on templating original Zero components recovered from the South Pacific. To be considered a "restoration" and not a reproduction, the builders used a small fraction of parts from the original Zero landing gear in the reconstruction.<ref>[http://www.pacificwrecks.com/restore/canada/blayd.html "Blayd Corporation."] ''pacificwrecks.com.'' Retrieved: 29 January 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/zero.htm "Examination of Blayd Zero Artifacts."] ''j-aircraft.com.'' Retrieved: 29 January 2007.</ref> It was built as a A6M2 Model 21.<ref name="Last Samurai A6M2 Model 21 Zero">[http://www.texasflyinglegends.org/last-samurai-zero "Last Samurai A6M2 Model 21 Zero."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213140115/http://www.texasflyinglegends.org/last-samurai-zero |date=13 December 2013}} ''Texas Flying Legends Museum.'' Retrieved: 8 December 2013.</ref><ref>Pietsch, Warren. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl3Vanoq_sU "Museum Secrets."] ''Texas Flying Legends Museum''. Retrieved: 30 November 2015.</ref> This aircraft was damaged in a ground accident on March 15, 2016, when a Goodyear FG-1D Corsair taxiing behind it overran the tail of the Zero, with the Corsair's propeller shredding roughly the last third of the Zero's fuselage and its control surfaces.<ref>{{cite web|title=UPDATE: Original Japanese Zero Loses Tail|url=http://allthingsaero.com/airshows/gallery-original-japanese-zero-loses-tail|accessdate=14 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20160316X23841&key=1|title=NTSB accident report CEN16CA126A}}</ref>
  +
* Replica – Owned by the Southern California Wing of the [[Commemorative Air Force]] in Camarillo, California. This aircraft is an A6M3 that was recovered from Babo Airfield, Indonesia, in 1991. It was partially restored from several A6M3s in Russia, then brought to the United States for restoration. The aircraft was re-registered in 1998 and displayed at the [[Museum of Flying]] in Santa Monica, California. It uses a [[Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp|Pratt & Whitney R1830]] engine.<ref name = NX>{{cite web|last1=Taylan|first1=Justin|title=A6M3 Model 22 Zero Manufacture Number 3869 (Replica) Tail X-133|url=http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a6m3/3869_replica.html|website=PacificWrecks.com|publisher=Pacific Wrecks Incorporated|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=MITSUBISHI A6M3 ZERO|url=https://www.cafsocal.com/our-aircrafts/our-aircraft-and-history/mitsubishi-a6m3-zero|website=Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing|publisher=Commemorative Air Force, Inc.|accessdate=22 February 2016}}</ref>
  +
*Replica – Under rebuild by Legend Flyers in Everett, Washington.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero|url=http://www.airassets.com/saleitemDetails.php?ID=73|website=Air Assets International|publisher=Airassets|accessdate=29 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Legend Flyers Zero – Restoration Update|url=http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/legend-flyers-restoration-update.html|accessdate=29 February 2016|work=Warbirds News|date=26 August 2015}}</ref> This aircraft uses a small amount of parts from 3148.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Tale of a Zero Fighter – by Ron Cole|url=http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbird-articles/interviews/tale-fighter-ron-cole.html|accessdate=29 February 2016|work=Warbirds News|date=27 February 2014}}</ref>
  +
  +
==Specifications (A6M2 (Type 0 Model 21))==
  +
[[File:Mitsubishi A6M Zero drawing.svg|300px|thumb|Orthographically projected diagram of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero]]
  +
{{Aircraft specs
  +
|ref=The Great Book of Fighters,<ref name="Green and Swanborough 2001"/> Aircraft Profile #129: The Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero-sen<ref name="FrancillonProfile">{{cite book |last1=Francillon |first1=Rene J. |title=Aircraft Profile #129: The Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero-sen |date=1966 |publisher=Profile Publications |location=Berkshire |edition=September 1982 Canada reprint}}</ref>
  +
|prime units?=met
  +
<!--
  +
General characteristics
  +
-->
 
|crew=1
 
|crew=1
|span main=12.0 m
+
|length m=9.06
|span alt=39 ft 4 in
+
|span m=12
|length main=9.06 m
+
|height m=3.05
  +
|wing area sqm=22.44
|length alt=29 ft 9 in
 
  +
|aspect ratio=6.4
|height main=3.05 m
 
  +
|airfoil='''root:''' MAC118 or [[NACA airfoil|NACA 2315]]; '''tip:''' MAC118 or [[NACA airfoil|NACA 3309]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |accessdate=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|height alt=10 ft 0 in
 
  +
|empty weight kg=1680
|area main=22.44 m²
 
  +
|gross weight kg=2796
|area alt=241.5 ft²
 
|empty weight main=1,680 kg
+
|max takeoff weight kg=2796
  +
|fuel capacity={{cvt|518|l|USgal impgal}} internal + 1x {{cvt|330|l|USgal impgal}} drop tank
|empty weight alt=3,704 lb
 
  +
|more general=
|loaded weight main=2,410 kg
 
  +
<!--
|loaded weight alt=5,313 lb
 
  +
Powerplant
|max takeoff weight main=
 
  +
-->
|max takeoff weight alt=
 
  +
|eng1 number=1
|more general= [[Aspect ratio (wing)|Aspect ratio]]: 6.4
 
|engine (prop)=[[Nakajima Sakae]] 12 radial engine
+
|eng1 name=[[Nakajima NK1C Sakae-12]]
  +
|eng1 type=14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine
|type of prop=
 
  +
|eng1 hp=940
|number of props=1
 
  +
|eng1 note=for take-off
|power main=709 kW
 
  +
:::{{cvt|950|hp|order=flip}} at {{cvt|4200|m}}
|power alt=950 hp
 
  +
|max speed main=533 km/h
 
  +
|prop blade number=3
|max speed alt=287 kn, 331 mph
 
  +
|prop name=Sumitomo-[[Hamilton-Standard|Hamilton]] constant-speed propeller
|max speed more=at 4,550 m (14,930 ft)
 
  +
|prop dia m=
|never exceed speed main=660 km/h
 
  +
|prop dia ft=
|never exceed speed alt=356 kn, 410 mph
 
  +
|prop dia in=
|climb rate main=15.7 m/s
 
  +
|prop dia note=
|climb rate alt=3,100 ft/min
 
  +
<!--
|ceiling main=10,000 m
 
  +
Performance
|ceiling alt=33,000 ft
 
  +
-->
|range main=3,105 km
 
  +
|max speed kmh=533
|range alt=1,675 nmi, 1,929 mi
 
  +
|max speed note=at {{cvt|4550|m}}
|loading main=107.4 kg/m²
 
  +
|cruise speed kmh=333
|loading alt=22.0 lb/ft²
 
  +
|stall speed kmh=
|power/mass main=294 W/kg
 
  +
|never exceed speed kmh=600
|power/mass alt=0.18 hp/lb
 
  +
|minimum control speed kmh=
  +
|range km=1870
  +
|combat range km=
  +
|ferry range km=3102
  +
|endurance=
  +
|ceiling m=10000
  +
|g limits=
  +
|roll rate=
  +
|climb rate ms=15.7
  +
|time to altitude={{cvt|6000|m}} in 7 minutes 27 seconds
  +
|wing loading kg/m2=107.4
  +
|fuel consumption kg/km=
  +
|power/mass={{cvt|0.294|kW/kg}}
  +
  +
|more performance=
  +
<!--
  +
Armament
  +
-->
  +
|guns=[[File:20mmvs7mm.png|thumb|Divergence of trajectories between 7.7 mm and 20 mm ammunition]]<br/>
  +
** 2× [[.303 British#Japanese 7.7 mm ammunition|{{cvt|7.7|mm|3}}]] [[Type 97 aircraft machine gun]]s in the engine cowling, with 500 rounds per gun.
  +
** 2× {{cvt|20|mm|3}} [[Type 99-1 Mk.3 cannon]] in the wings, with 60 rounds per gun.
 
|bombs=<br/>
 
|bombs=<br/>
** 2× 60 kg (132 lb) bombs ''or''
+
** 2× {{cvt|60|kg}} bombs ''or''
** 1× fixed 250 kg (551 lb) bomb for [[kamikaze]] attacks
+
** 1× fixed {{cvt|250|kg}} bomb for [[kamikaze]] attacks
  +
|guns=[[File:20mmvs7mm.png|thumb|Divergence of trajectories between 7.7 mm and 20mm ammunition]]<br/>
 
  +
|rockets=
** 2× [[.303 British#Japanese 7.7 mm ammunition|7.7 mm (0.303 in)]] [[Type 97 light machine gun]]s in the engine cowling, with 500 rounds per gun.
 
  +
|missiles=
** 2× [[20 mm caliber|20 mm]] [[Type 99 cannon|Type 99-1 cannon]] in the wings, with 60 rounds per gun.
 
  +
|hardpoints=
  +
|hardpoint capacity=
  +
|hardpoint rockets=
  +
|hardpoint missiles=
  +
|hardpoint bombs=
  +
|hardpoint other=
   
  +
|avionics=
 
}}
 
}}
   
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
{{aircontent
 
|related=
 
 
*[[Nakajima A6M2-N]]
 
*[[Nakajima A6M2-N]]
|similar aircraft=
 
 
*[[Brewster F2A Buffalo]]
 
*[[Brewster F2A Buffalo]]
 
*[[Curtiss-Wright CW-21]]
 
*[[Curtiss-Wright CW-21]]
  +
*[[Fiat G.50]]
  +
*[[Gloster F.5/34]]
 
*[[Grumman F4F Wildcat]]
 
*[[Grumman F4F Wildcat]]
 
*[[Grumman F6F Hellcat]]
 
*[[Grumman F6F Hellcat]]
 
*[[IAR 80]]
 
*[[IAR 80]]
*[[Nakajima Ki-43]]
+
*[[Macchi C.200]]
  +
*[[Nakajima Ki-43]] ''Oscar'', sometimes called the "Army Zero"
|lists=
 
  +
*[[Supermarine Seafire]]
  +
*[[Hawker Hurricane variants#Sea Hurricanes|Hawker Sea Hurricane]]
  +
*[[List of aircraft of Japan during World War II]]
  +
*[[List of aircraft of World War II]]
 
*[[List of fighter aircraft]]
 
*[[List of fighter aircraft]]
*[[List of aircraft of Japan, World War II]]
 
 
*[[List of military aircraft of Japan]]
 
*[[List of military aircraft of Japan]]
*[[List of aircraft of World War II]]
 
}}
 
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
   
 
===Notes===
 
===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=N}}
+
{{Notelist}}
  +
{{Reflist|group=Note}}
   
 
===Citations===
 
===Citations===
Line 254: Line 446:
 
===Bibliography===
 
===Bibliography===
 
{{Refbegin}}
 
{{Refbegin}}
* Angelucci, Enzo and [[Peter M. Bowers]]. ''The American Fighter''. Sparkford, UK: Haynes Publishing, 1987. ISBN 0-85429-635-2.
+
* Angelucci, Enzo and [[Peter M. Bowers]]. ''The American Fighter''. Sparkford, UK: Haynes Publishing, 1987. {{ISBN|0-85429-635-2}}.
* Fernandez, Ronald. ''Excess Profits: The Rise of United Technologies''. Boston, Massachusetts, USA: Addison-Wesley, 1983. ISBN 978-0-201-10484-4.
+
* Fernandez, Ronald. ''Excess Profits: The Rise of United Technologies''. Boston: Addison-Wesley, 1983. {{ISBN|978-0-201-10484-4}}.
* Ford, Douglas. “Informing Airmen? The U.S. Army Air Forces’ Intelligence on Japanese Fighter Tactics in the Pacific Theatre, 1941–5, ''International History Review'' 34 (Dec. 2012), 725–52.
+
* Ford, Douglas. "Informing Airmen? The U.S. Army Air Forces’ Intelligence on Japanese Fighter Tactics in the Pacific Theatre, 1941–5," ''International History Review'' 34 (Dec. 2012), 725–52.
* Francillon, R.J. ''Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War''. London: Putnam, 1970, ISBN 0-370-00033-1.
+
* Francillon, R.J. ''Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War''. London: Putnam, 1970, {{ISBN|0-370-00033-1}}.
* Glancey, Jonathan. ''Spitfire: The Illustrated Biography''. London: Atlantic Books, 2006. ISBN 978-1-84354-528-6.
+
* Glancey, Jonathan. ''Spitfire: The Illustrated Biography''. London: Atlantic Books, 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-84354-528-6}}.
* Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. ''The Great Book of Fighters''. St. Paul, Minnesota, USA: MBI Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-7603-1194-3.
+
* Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. ''The Great Book of Fighters''. St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing, 2001. {{ISBN|0-7603-1194-3}}.
* Gunston, Bill. ''Aircraft of World War 2''. London: Octopus Books Limited, 1980. ISBN 0-7064-1287-7.
+
* Gunston, Bill. ''Aircraft of World War 2''. London: Octopus Books Limited, 1980. {{ISBN|0-7064-1287-7}}.
* Holmes, Tony, ed. ''Dogfight, The Greatest Air Duels of World War II.'' Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Ltd, 2011. ISBN 978-1-84908-482-6.
+
* Holmes, Tony, ed. ''Dogfight, The Greatest Air Duels of World War II''. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Ltd, 2011. {{ISBN|978-1-84908-482-6}}.
  +
* Jablonski, Edward. ''Airwar.'' New York: Doubleday & Co., 1979. {{ISBN|0-385-14279-X}}.
  +
* James, Derek N. Gloster Aircraft since 1917. London: Putnam and Company Ltd., 1987. {{ISBN|0-85177-807-0}}.
  +
* Lundstrom, John B. [https://books.google.com/books?id=J1NDlp4CvTcC ''The First Team and the Guadalcanal Campaign''.] Annapolis, Maryland: [[Naval Institute Press]], 1994. {{ISBN|1-55750-526-8}}.
 
* Matricardi, Paolo. ''Aerei Militari. Caccia e Ricognitori'' (in Italian). Milan: Mondadori Electa, 2006.
 
* Matricardi, Paolo. ''Aerei Militari. Caccia e Ricognitori'' (in Italian). Milan: Mondadori Electa, 2006.
* Mikesh, Robert C. ''Warbird History: Zero, Combat & Development History of Japan's Legendary Mitsubishi A6M Zero Fighter''. St. Paul, Minnesota: Motorbooks International, 1994. ISBN 0-87938-915-X.
+
* Mikesh, Robert C. ''Warbird History: Zero, Combat & Development History of Japan's Legendary Mitsubishi A6M Zero Fighter''. St. Paul, Minnesota: Motorbooks International, 1994. {{ISBN|0-87938-915-X}}.
  +
* Mikesh, Robert C. ''Zero Fighter''. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1981; copyright Zokeisha Publications, Tokyo. {{ISBN|0-517-54260-9}}.
* Parshall, Jonathan and Anthony Tully. ''Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway''. Washington D.C, USA: Potomac Books Inc., 2007. ISBN 978-1-57488-924-6 (paperback).
 
  +
* [[Masatake Okumiya|Okumiya, Masatake]] and [[Jiro Horikoshi]], with [[Martin Caidin]]. ''Zero!'' New York: E.P. Dutton & Co., 1956.
* Spick, Mike. ''Allied Fighter Aces of World War II''. London: Greenhill Books, 1997. ISBN 1-85367-282-3.
 
* Thompson, J. Steve with Peter C. Smith. ''Air Combat Manoeuvres: The Technique and History of Air Fighting for Flight Simulation.'' Hersham, Surrey, UK: Ian Allan Publishing, 2008. ISBN 978-1-903223-98-7.
+
* Nijboer, Donald. ''Seafire Vs A6M Zero: Pacific Theatre''. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2009. {{ISBN|978-1-8460-3433-6}}.
  +
* Nohara, Shigeru. ''Aero Detail 7: Mitsubishi A6M Zero Fighter''. Tokyo: Dai-Nippon Kaiga Co. Ltd, 1993. {{ISBN|4-499-22608-2}}.
* Thruelsen, Richard. ''The Grumman Story.'' Praeger Press, 1976. ISBN 0-275-54260-2.
 
  +
* Parshall, Jonathan and Anthony Tully. ''Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway''. Washington, D.C.: Potomac Books Inc., 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-57488-924-6}} (paperback).
* Tillman, Barrett. ''Hellcat, The F6F In World War II.'' Naval Institute Press, 1979. ISBN 1-55750-991-3.
 
  +
* "Plane Facts: Zero-sen ancestry". ''Air International'', October 1973, Vol 3 No 4. pp.&nbsp;199–200.
* Wilcox, Richard. [http://books.google.com/books?id=JUAEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA4&pg=PA86#v=onepage&q&f=true "The Zero: The first famed Japanese fighter captured intact reveals its secrets to U.S. Navy aerial experts."] ''Life,'' 4 November 1942.
 
* Willmott, H.P. ''Zero A6M''. London: Bison Books, 1980. ISBN 0-89009-322-9.
+
* Smith, Peter C.''Mitsubishi Zero: Japan's Legendary Fighter''. Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK: Pen & Sword Books, 2015. {{ISBN|978-1-7815-9319-6}}.
  +
* Spick, Mike. ''Allied Fighter Aces of World War II''. London: Greenhill Books, 1997. {{ISBN|1-85367-282-3}}.
* Yoshimura, Akira, translated by Retsu Kaiho and Michael Gregson. ''Zero! Fighter''. Westport, Connecticut, USA: Praeger Publishers, 1996. ISBN 0-275-95355-6.
 
  +
* Thompson, J. Steve with Peter C. Smith. ''Air Combat Manoeuvres: The Technique and History of Air Fighting for Flight Simulation''. Hersham, Surrey, UK: Ian Allan Publishing, 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-903223-98-7}}.
{{refend}}
 
  +
* Thruelsen, Richard. ''The Grumman Story''. Praeger Press, 1976. {{ISBN|0-275-54260-2}}.
<!-- ==Further reading==
 
  +
* Tillman, Barrett. ''Hellcat: The F6F in World War II''. Naval Institute Press, 1979. {{ISBN|1-55750-991-3}}.
* Bueschel, Richard M. ''Mitsubishi A6M1/2/-2N Zero-Sen in Imperial Japanese Naval Air Service.'' Canterbury, Kent, UK: Osprey Publications Ltd., 1970. ISBN 0-85045-018-7.
 
  +
* United States Strategic Bombing Survey Aircraft Division. [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015080324281;view=1up;seq=1 ''Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.''] Corporation Report I, Washington, D.C. 1947.
  +
* United States Strategic Bombing Survey Aircraft Division. [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015080324133;view=1up;seq=1 ''Nakajima Aircraft Company, Ltd.''] Corporation Report II, Washington, D.C. 1947.
  +
* United States Strategic Bombing Survey Aircraft Division. [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89100062082;view=1up;seq=1 ''Hitachi Aircraft Company, Ltd.''] Corporation Report VII, Washington, D.C. 1947.
  +
* United States Strategic Bombing Survey Aircraft Division. [https://archive.org/stream/corporationrepor34unit#page/n3/mode/2up ''Army Air Arsenal and Navy Air Depots''] Corporation Report XIX, Washington, D.C. 1947.
  +
* Wilcox, Richard. [https://books.google.com/books?id=JUAEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA4&pg=PA86#v=onepage&q&f=true "The Zero: The first famed Japanese fighter captured intact reveals its secrets to U.S. Navy aerial experts"]. ''Life'', 4 November 1942.
  +
* Willmott, H.P. ''Zero A6M''. London: Bison Books, 1980. {{ISBN|0-89009-322-9}}.
  +
* Yoshimura, Akira, translated by Retsu Kaiho and Michael Gregson. ''Zero! Fighter''. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger Publishers, 1996. {{ISBN|0-275-95355-6}}.
  +
* Young, Edward M. ''F4F Wildcat vs A6M Zero-sen''. Oxford, UK: Osprey, 2013. {{ISBN|978-1-7809-6322-8}}.
  +
{{Refend}}
  +
<!--==Further reading==
  +
* Bueschel, Richard M. ''Mitsubishi A6M1/2/-2N Zero-Sen in Imperial Japanese Naval Air Service''. Canterbury, Kent, UK: Osprey Publications Ltd., 1970. ISBN 0-85045-018-7.
 
* Francillon, René J. ''The Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero-Sen (Aircraft in Profile number 129)''. Leatherhead, Surrey, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1966.
 
* Francillon, René J. ''The Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero-Sen (Aircraft in Profile number 129)''. Leatherhead, Surrey, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1966.
 
* Francillon, René J. The Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero-Sen ("Hamp") (Aircraft in Profile number 190). Leatherhead, Surrey, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1967.
 
* Francillon, René J. The Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero-Sen ("Hamp") (Aircraft in Profile number 190). Leatherhead, Surrey, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1967.
Line 295: Line 501:
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 
{{Commons|Mitsubishi A6M Zero}}
 
{{Commons|Mitsubishi A6M Zero}}
  +
{{Commons|Category:Mitsubishi A6M Zero}}
  +
 
*[http://military.discovery.com/tv/showdown/cockpit/zero.html Tour A6M5 Zero cockpit]
 
*[http://military.discovery.com/tv/showdown/cockpit/zero.html Tour A6M5 Zero cockpit]
 
*[http://mitsubishi_zero.tripod.com/ Mitsubishi A6M Zero Japanese fighter aircraft—design, construction, history]
 
*[http://mitsubishi_zero.tripod.com/ Mitsubishi A6M Zero Japanese fighter aircraft—design, construction, history]
 
*[http://ww2db.com/aircraft_spec.php?aircraft_model_id=3 WW2DB: A6M Zero]
 
*[http://ww2db.com/aircraft_spec.php?aircraft_model_id=3 WW2DB: A6M Zero]
 
*[http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/quotes/A6M.html www.j-aircraft.com: Quotes A6M]
 
*[http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/quotes/A6M.html www.j-aircraft.com: Quotes A6M]
*[http://www.vectorsite.net/avzero.html THE MITSUBISHI A6M ZERO at Greg Goebel's AIR VECTORS]
+
*[http://www.combinedfleet.com/ijna/a6m.htm Mitsubishi A6M Reisen (Zero Fighter), Joao Paulo Julião Matsuura]
*[http://www.combinedfleet.com/ijna/a6m.htm Imperial Japanese Navy's Mitsubishi A6M Reisen]
+
*[http://www.combinedfleet.com/ijna/a6m-k.htm Mitsubishi A6M2-K and A6M5-K, Joao Paulo Julião Matsuura]
  +
*[http://www.combinedfleet.com/ijna/a6m-n.htm Nakajima A6M2-N, Joao Paulo Julião Matsuura]
*[http://www.planesoffame.org/featured-aircraft.php?ID=4 Planes of Fame Museum's Flightworthy A6M5 Zero No. "61-120"]
 
*[http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/WarPrizes.htm War Prize: The Capture of the First Japanese Zero Fighter in 1941]
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100106013056/http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/WarPrizes.htm War Prize: The Capture of the First Japanese Zero Fighter in 1941]
 
;Video links
 
;Video links
 
*{{youtube|ZuoVlQOO4xc|Planes of Fame "61-120" A6M5 Zero Flight Video}}
 
*{{youtube|ZuoVlQOO4xc|Planes of Fame "61-120" A6M5 Zero Flight Video}}
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*{{youtube|Xl3Vanoq_sU|Warren Pietsch, Texas Flying Legends Museum, A6M2 Model 21 Zero "Last Samurai" – Museum Secrets}}
*{{youtube|eFdlodrR_u4|零戦の美しさ Beauty of the Zerosen}}
 
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*{{youtube|ztwxe6CmdiQ|Warren Pietsch, Texas Flying Legends Museum, A6M2 Model 21 Zero "Last Samurai" – Aerobatic Airshow}}
 
{{Mitsubishi aircraft}}
 
 
{{Japanese Navy Carrier Fighters}}
 
{{Japanese Navy Carrier Fighters}}
 
{{Allied reporting names}}
 
{{Allied reporting names}}
{{aviation lists}}
 
   
 
{{Wikipedia|Mitsubishi A6M Zero}}
 
{{Wikipedia|Mitsubishi A6M Zero}}
 
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:A6m Zero}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:A6m Zero}}
 
[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft|Mitsubishi A6M Zero]]
 
[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft|Mitsubishi A6M Zero]]
[[Category:Japanese fighter aircraft 1930–1939]]
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[[Category:1930s Japanese fighter aircraft]]
 
[[Category:Mitsubishi aircraft]]
 
[[Category:Mitsubishi aircraft]]
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[[Category:Attack on Pearl Harbor]]
 
[[Category:World War II Japanese fighter aircraft]]
 
[[Category:World War II Japanese fighter aircraft]]
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[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
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[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
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[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1939]]
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[[Category:Retractable conventional landing gear]]

Revision as of 16:30, 7 December 2019

A6M "Zero"
Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero Model 22 (N712Z),[1] used (with the atypical green camouflage shown) in the film Pearl Harbor
Role Fighter
National origin Japan
Manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
First flight 1 April 1939
Introduction 1 July 1940
Retired 1945 (Japan)
Primary user Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service
Produced 1940–1945
Number built 10,939
Variants Nakajima A6M2-N

The Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" is a long-range fighter aircraft formerly manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the Mitsubishi Navy Type 0 carrier fighter (零式艦上戦闘機 rei-shiki-kanjō-sentōki?), or the Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen. The A6M was usually referred to by its pilots as the Reisen (零戦, zero fighter), "0" being the last digit of the imperial year 2600 (1940) when it entered service with the Imperial Navy. The official Allied reporting name was "Zeke", although the use of the name "Zero" (from Type 0) was used colloquially by the Allies as well.

The Zero is considered to have been the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world when it was introduced early in World War II, combining excellent maneuverability and very long range.[2] The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS) also frequently used it as a land-based fighter.

In early combat operations, the Zero gained a reputation as a dogfighter,[3] achieving an outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1,[4] but by mid-1942 a combination of new tactics and the introduction of better equipment enabled Allied pilots to engage the Zero on generally equal terms.[5] By 1943, due to inherent design weaknesses, such as a lack of hydraulic ailerons and rudder rendering it extremely unmaneuverable at high speeds, and an inability to equip it with a more powerful aircraft engine, the Zero gradually became less effective against newer Allied fighters. By 1944, with opposing Allied fighters approaching its levels of maneuverability and consistently exceeding its firepower, armor, and speed, the A6M had largely become outdated as a fighter aircraft. However, as design delays and production difficulties hampered the introduction of newer Japanese aircraft models, the Zero continued to serve in a front-line role until the end of the war in the Pacific. During the final phases, it was also adapted for use in kamikaze operations.[6] Japan produced more Zeros than any other model of combat aircraft during the war.[7]

Design and development

The Mitsubishi A5M fighter was just entering service in early 1937, when the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) started looking for its eventual replacement. On October 5, 1937, they issued "Planning Requirements for the Prototype 12-shi Carrier-based Fighter", sending it to Nakajima and Mitsubishi. Both firms started preliminary design work while they awaited more definitive requirements to be handed over in a few months.[8]

Based on the experiences of the A5M in China, the IJN sent out updated requirements in October calling for a speed of 270 kn (310 mph; 500 km/h) at 4,000 m (13,000 ft) and a climb to 3,000 m (9,800 ft) in 9.5 minutes. With drop tanks, they wanted an endurance of two hours at normal power, or six to eight hours at economical cruising speed. Armament was to consist of two 20 mm cannons, two 7.7 mm (.303 in) machine guns and two 60 kg (130 lb) bombs. A complete radio set was to be mounted in all aircraft, along with a radio direction finder for long-range navigation.[9] The maneuverability was to be at least equal to that of the A5M, while the wingspan had to be less than 12 m (39 ft) to allow for use on aircraft carriers.

Nakajima's team considered the new requirements unachievable and pulled out of the competition in January. Mitsubishi's chief designer, Jiro Horikoshi, thought that the requirements could be met, but only if the aircraft were made as light as possible. Every possible weight-saving measure was incorporated into the design. Most of the aircraft was built of a new top-secret aluminium alloy developed by Sumitomo Metal Industries in 1936. Called "extra super duralumin" (ESD), it was lighter, stronger and more ductile than other alloys (e.g. 24S alloy) used at the time, but was prone to corrosive attack, which made it brittle.[10] This detrimental effect was countered with an anti-corrosion coating applied after fabrication. No armour protection was provided for the pilot, engine or other critical points of the aircraft, and self-sealing fuel tanks, which were becoming common at the time, were not used. This made the Zero lighter, more maneuverable, and the longest-ranged single-engine fighter of World War II, which made it capable of searching out an enemy hundreds of kilometres away, bringing them to battle, then returning to its base or aircraft carrier. However, that tradeoff in weight and construction also made it prone to catching fire and exploding when struck by enemy rounds.[11]

With its low-wing cantilever monoplane layout, retractable, wide-set conventional landing gear and enclosed cockpit, the Zero was one of the most modern carrier based aircraft in the world at the time of its introduction. It had a fairly high-lift, low-speed wing with very low wing loading. This, combined with its light weight, resulted in a very low stalling speed of well below 60 kn (110 km/h; 69 mph). This was the main reason for its phenomenal maneuverability, allowing it to out-turn any Allied fighter of the time. Early models were fitted with servo tabs on the ailerons after pilots complained that control forces became too heavy at speeds above 300 kilometres per hour (190 mph). They were discontinued on later models after it was found that the lightened control forces were causing pilots to overstress the wings during vigorous maneuvers.[12]

It has been claimed that the Zero's design showed a clear influence from British and American fighter aircraft and components exported to Japan in the 1930s, and in particular on the American side, the Vought V-143 fighter. Chance Vought had sold the prototype for this aircraft and its plans to Japan in 1937. Eugene Wilson, president of Vought, claimed that when shown a captured Zero in 1943, he found that "There on the floor was the Vought V 142 [sic] or just the spitting image of it, Japanese-made", while the "power-plant installation was distinctly Chance Vought, the wheel stowage into the wing roots came from Northrop, and the Japanese designers had even copied the Navy inspection stamp from Pratt & Whitney type parts."[13] While the sale of the V-143 was fully legal,[13][14] Wilson later acknowledged the conflicts of interest that can arise whenever military technology is exported.[13] Counterclaims maintain that there was no significant relationship between the V-143 (which was an unsuccessful design that had been rejected by the U.S. Army Air Corps and several export customers) and the Zero, with only a superficial similarity in layout.

The Zero resembled the 1937 British Gloster F.5/34. Performance of the Gloster F.5/34 was comparable to that of early model Zeros, with its dimensions and appearance remarkably close to the Zero.[15] Gloster had a relationship with the Japanese between the wars, with Nakajima building the carrier-based plane, the Gloster Gambet, under license.[16] However allegations about the Zero being a copy have been discredited by some authors.[14][17]

Name

The A6M is usually known as the "Zero" from its Japanese Navy type designation, Type 0 carrier fighter (Rei shiki Kanjō sentōki, 零式艦上戦闘機), taken from the last digit of the Imperial year 2600 (1940) when it entered service. In Japan, it was unofficially referred to as both Rei-sen and Zero-sen; Japanese pilots most commonly called it Zero-sen, where sen is the first syllable of sentōki, Japanese for "fighter plane".[Note 1][18]

In the official designation "A6M", the "A" signified a carrier-based fighter, "6" meant that it was the sixth such model built for the Imperial Navy, and "M" indicated Mitsubishi as the manufacturer.

The official Allied code name was "Zeke", in keeping with the practice of giving male names to Japanese fighters, female names to bombers, bird names to gliders, and tree names to trainers. "Zeke" was part of the first batch of "hillbilly" code names assigned by Captain Frank T. McCoy of Nashville, Tennessee, (assigned to the Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit (ATAIU) at Eagle Farm Airport in Australia), who wanted quick, distinctive, easy-to-remember names. The Allied code for Japanese aircraft was introduced in 1942, and McCoy chose "Zeke" for the "Zero". Later, two variants of the fighter received their own code names. The Nakajima A6M2-N floatplane version of the Zero was called "Rufe", and the A6M3-32 variant was initially called "Hap". General "Hap" Arnold, commander of the USAAF, objected to that name, however, so it was changed to "Hamp".

Operational history

Zero Akagi Dec1941

Mitsubishi A6M2 "Zero" Model 21 takes off from the aircraft carrier Akagi, to attack Pearl Harbor.

A6M2 Cockpit

The cockpit (starboard console) of an A6M2 which crashed into Building 52 at Fort Kamehameha during the attack on Pearl Harbor, killing the pilot.

A6M3 Munda 1943

Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero wreck abandoned at Munda Airfield, Central Solomons, 1943

Japanese Zero

A6M2 Zero photo c. 2004

A6M3 Zuikaku Rabaul

Carrier A6M2 and A6M3 Zeros from the aircraft carrier Zuikaku preparing for a mission at Rabaul

A6M3 Model22 UI105 Nishizawa

A6M3 Model 22, flown by Japanese ace Hiroyoshi Nishizawa over the Solomon Islands, 1943

The first Zeros (pre-series of 15 A6M2) went into operation with the 12th Rengo Kōkūtai in July 1940.[19] On 13 September 1940, the Zeros scored their first air-to-air victories when 13 A6M2s led by Lieutenant Saburo Shindo attacked 27 Soviet-built Polikarpov I-15s and I-16s of the Chinese Nationalist Air Force, shooting down all the fighters without loss to themselves. By the time they were redeployed a year later, the Zeros had shot down 99 Chinese aircraft[20] (266 according to other sources).[19]

At the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, 521 Zeros were active in the Pacific, 328 in first-line units.[21] The carrier-borne Model 21 was the type encountered by the Americans. Its tremendous range of over 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) allowed it to range farther from its carrier than expected, appearing over distant battlefronts and giving Allied commanders the impression that there were several times as many Zeros as actually existed.[22]

The Zero quickly gained a fearsome reputation.[3] Thanks to a combination of unsurpassed maneuverability — compared to contemporary Axis fighters — and excellent firepower, it easily disposed of Allied aircraft sent against it in the Pacific in 1941.[23][24] It proved a difficult opponent even for the Supermarine Spitfire. "The RAF pilots were trained in methods that were excellent against German and Italian equipment but suicide against the acrobatic Japs", as Lt.Gen. Claire Lee Chennault had to notice.[25] Although not as fast as the British fighter, the Mitsubishi fighter could out-turn the Spitfire with ease, sustain a climb at a very steep angle, and stay in the air for three times as long.[26]

Allied pilots soon developed tactics to cope with the Zero. Due to its extreme agility, engaging a Zero in a traditional, turning dogfight was likely to be fatal.[27] It was better to swoop down from above in a high-speed pass, fire a quick burst, then climb quickly back up to altitude. A short burst of fire from heavy machine guns or cannon was often enough to bring down the fragile Zero. These tactics were regularly employed by Grumman F4F Wildcat fighters during Guadalcanal defense through high-altitude ambush, which was possible due to early warning system consisted of Coastwatchers and radar.[28] Such "boom-and-zoom" tactics were also successfully used in the China Burma India Theater (CBI) by the "Flying Tigers" of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) against similarly maneuverable Japanese Army aircraft such as the Nakajima Ki-27 Nate and Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar. AVG pilots were trained by their commander Claire Chennault to exploit the advantages of their P-40s, which were very sturdy, heavily armed, generally faster in a dive and level flight at low altitude, with a good rate of roll.[29]

Another important maneuver was Lieutenant Commander John S. "Jimmy" Thach's "Thach Weave", in which two fighters would fly about 60 m (200 ft) apart. If a Zero latched onto the tail of one of the fighters, the two aircraft would turn toward each other. If the Zero followed his original target through the turn, he would come into a position to be fired on by the target's wingman. This tactic was first used to good effect during the Battle of Midway and later over the Solomon Islands.

Many highly experienced Japanese aviators were lost in combat, resulting in a progressive decline in quality, which became a significant factor in Allied successes. Unexpected heavy losses of pilots at the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway dealt the Japanese carrier air force a blow from which it never fully recovered.[30][31]

Short film Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter (1943), intended to help U.S. airmen quickly distinguish the Zero from friendly aircraft, with Ronald Reagan as pilot Saunders.

Throughout the Battle of Midway Allied pilots expressed a high level of dissatisfaction with the Grumman F4F Wildcat. The Commanding Officer of USS Yorktown noted:

The fighter pilots are very disappointed with the performance and length of sustained fire power of the F4F-4 airplanes. The Zero fighters could easily outmaneuver and out-climb the F4F-3, and the consensus of fighter pilot opinion is that the F4F-4 is even more sluggish and slow than the F4F-3. It is also felt that it was a mistake to put 6 guns on the F4F-4 and thus to reduce the rounds per gun. Many of our fighters ran out of ammunition even before the Jap dive bombers arrived over our forces; these were experienced pilots, not novices.[32]

They were astounded by the Zero's superiority:[33]

In the Coral Sea, they made all their approaches from the rear or high side and did relatively little damage because of our armor. It also is desired to call attention to the fact that there was an absence of the fancy stunting during pull outs or approaches for attacks. In this battle, the Japs dove in, made the attack and then immediately pulled out, taking advantage of their superior climb and maneuverability. In attacking fighters, the Zeros usually attacked from above rear at high speed and recovered by climbing vertically until they lost some speed and then pulled on through to complete a small loop of high wing over which placed them out of reach and in position for another attack. By reversing the turn sharply after each attack the leader may get a shot at the enemy while he is climbing away or head on into a scissor if the Jap turns to meet it.[32]

In contrast, Allied fighters were designed with ruggedness and pilot protection in mind.[34] The Japanese ace Saburō Sakai described how the toughness of early Grumman aircraft was a factor in preventing the Zero from attaining total domination:

I had full confidence in my ability to destroy the Grumman and decided to finish off the enemy fighter with only my 7.7 mm machine guns. I turned the 20mm cannon switch to the 'off' position, and closed in. For some strange reason, even after I had poured about five or six hundred rounds of ammunition directly into the Grumman, the airplane did not fall, but kept on flying! I thought this very odd—it had never happened before—and closed the distance between the two airplanes until I could almost reach out and touch the Grumman. To my surprise, the Grumman's rudder and tail were torn to shreds, looking like an old torn piece of rag. With his plane in such condition, no wonder the pilot was unable to continue fighting! A Zero which had taken that many bullets would have been a ball of fire by now.[35]

When the powerfully armed Lockheed P-38 Lightning, armed with four "light barrel" AN/M2 .50 cal. Browning machine guns and one 20 mm autocannon, and the Grumman F6F Hellcat and Vought F4U Corsair, each with six AN/M2 heavy calibre Browning guns, appeared in the Pacific theater, the A6M, with its low-powered engine and lighter armament, was hard-pressed to remain competitive. In combat with an F6F or F4U, the only positive thing that could be said of the Zero at this stage of the war was that, in the hands of a skillful pilot, it could maneuver as well as most of its opponents.[22] Nonetheless, in competent hands, the Zero could still be deadly.

Due to shortages of high-powered aviation engines and problems with planned successor models, the Zero remained in production until 1945, with over 10,000 of all variants produced.

Allied analysis

AkutanZero1

The Akutan Zero is inspected by US military personnel on Akutan Island on 11 July 1942.

American opinions

The American military discovered many of the A6M's unique attributes when they recovered a largely intact specimen of an A6M2, the Akutan Zero, on Akutan Island in the Aleutians. During an air raid over Dutch Harbor on June 4, 1942, one A6M fighter was hit by ground-based anti-aircraft fire. Losing oil, Flight Petty Officer Tadayoshi Koga attempted an emergency landing on Akutan Island about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Dutch Harbor, but his Zero flipped over on soft ground in a sudden crash-landing. Koga died instantly of head injuries (his neck was broken by the tremendous impact), but the relatively-undamaged fighter was found over a month later by an American salvage team and was shipped to Naval Air Station North Island, where testing flights of the repaired A6M revealed both strengths and deficiencies in design and performance.[34][36]

The experts who evaluated the captured Zero found that the plane weighed about 2,360 kg (5,200 lb) fully loaded, some 1,260 kg (2,780 lb) lighter than the F4F Wildcat, the standard United States Navy fighter of the time. The A6M's airframe was "built like a fine watch"; the Zero was constructed with flush rivets, and even the guns were flush with the wings. The instrument panel was a "marvel of simplicity ... with no superfluities to distract [the pilot]." What most impressed the experts was that the Zero's fuselage and wings were constructed in one piece, unlike the American method that built them separately and joined the two parts together. The Japanese method was much slower, but resulted in a very strong structure and improved close maneuverability.[34]

American test pilots found that the Zero's controls were "very light" at 320 km/h (200 mph), but stiffened at faster speeds (above 348 km/h (216 mph)) to safeguard against wing failure.[37] The Zero could not keep up with Allied aircraft in high-speed maneuvers, and its low "never exceed speed" (VNE) made it vulnerable in a dive. While stable on the ground despite its light weight, the aircraft was designed purely for the attack role, emphasizing long range, maneuverability, and firepower at the expense of protection of its pilot. Most lacked self-sealing tanks and armor plating.[34]

British opinions

Captain Eric Brown, the Chief Naval Test Pilot of the Royal Navy, recalled being impressed by the Zero during tests of captured aircraft. "I don't think I have ever flown a fighter that could match the rate of turn of the Zero. The Zero had ruled the roost totally and was the finest fighter in the world until mid-1943."[4]

Variants

Type zero fighter en-hierarchy

A6M1, Type 0 Prototypes

The first two A6M1 prototypes were completed in March 1939, powered by the 580 kW (780 hp) Mitsubishi Zuisei 13 engine with a two-blade propeller. It first flew on 1 April, and passed testing within a remarkably short period. By September, it had already been accepted for Navy testing as the A6M1 Type 0 Carrier Fighter, with the only notable change being a switch to a three-bladed propeller to cure a vibration problem.

A6M2a Type 0 Model 11

Zero 11 on China

A Zero over China

While the navy was testing the first two prototypes, they suggested that the third be fitted with the 700 kW (940 hp) Nakajima Sakae 12 engine instead. Mitsubishi had its own engine of this class in the form of the Kinsei, so they were somewhat reluctant to use the Sakae. Nevertheless, when the first A6M2 was completed in January 1940, the Sakae's extra power pushed the performance of the Zero well past the original specifications.

The new version was so promising that the Navy had 15 built and shipped to China before they had completed testing. They arrived in Manchuria in July 1940, and first saw combat over Chungking in August. There they proved to be completely untouchable by the Polikarpov I-16s and I-153s that had been such a problem for the A5Ms when in service. In one encounter, 13 Zeros shot down 27 I-15s and I-16s in under three minutes without loss. After hearing of these reports, the navy immediately ordered the A6M2 into production as the Type 0 Carrier Fighter, Model 11. Reports of the Zero's performance filtered back to the US slowly. There they were dismissed by most military officials, who thought it was impossible for the Japanese to build such an aircraft.

A6M2b Type 0 Model 21

Carrier shokaku

A6M2 "Zero" Model 21 of Shōkaku prior to attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941.

After the delivery of the 65th aircraft, a further change was worked into the production lines, which introduced folding wingtips to allow them to fit on aircraft carriers.[21] The resulting Model 21 would become one of the most produced versions early in the war. A feature was the improved range with 520 l (140 US gal) wing tank and 320 l (85 US gal) drop tank. When the lines switched to updated models, 740 Model 21s had been completed by Mitsubishi, and another 800 by Nakajima. Two other versions of the Model 21 were built in small numbers, the Nakajima-built A6M2-N "Rufe" floatplane (based on the Model 11 with a slightly modified tail), and the A6M2-K two-seat trainer of which a total of 508 were built by Hitachi and the Sasebo Naval Air Arsenal.[38]

A6M3 Type 0 Model 32

A6M3 Model32-common

A6M3 Model 32.

In 1941, Nakajima introduced the Sakae 21 engine, which used a two-speed supercharger for better altitude performance, and increased power to 840 kW (1,130 hp). A prototype Zero with the new engine was first flown on July 15, 1941.[39]

The new Sakae was slightly heavier and somewhat longer due to the larger supercharger, which moved the center of gravity too far forward on the existing airframe. To correct for this, the engine mountings were cut back by 185 mm (7.3 in) to move the engine toward the cockpit. This had the side effect of reducing the size of the main fuselage fuel tank (located between the engine and the cockpit) from 518 l (137 US gal) to 470 l (120 US gal). The cowling was redesigned to enlarge the cowl flaps, revise the oil cooler air intake, and move the carburetor air intake to the upper half of the cowling.[40][41]

The wings were redesigned to reduce span, eliminate the folding tips, and square off the wingtips. The inboard edge of the aileron was moved outboard by one rib, and the wing fuel tanks were enlarged accordingly to 420 l (110 US gal). The two 20 mm wing cannon were upgraded from the Type 99 Mark l to the Type 99 Mark II,[40] which required a bulge in the sheet metal of the wing below each cannon. The wings also included larger ammunition boxes and thus allowing 100 rounds per cannon.

The Sakae 21 engine and other changes increased maximum speed by only 11 km/h (6.8 mph) compared to the Model 21, but sacrificed nearly 1,000 km (620 mi) of range.[39] Nevertheless, the navy accepted the type and it entered production in April 1942.[42]

The shorter wing span led to better roll, and the reduced drag allowed the diving speed to be increased to 670 km/h (420 mph). On the downside, turning and range, which were the strengths of the Model 21, suffered due to smaller ailerons, decreased lift and greater fuel consumption. The shorter range proved a significant limitation during the Solomons Campaign, during which Zeros based at Rabaul had to travel nearly to their maximum range to reach Guadalcanal and return.[43] Consequently, the Model 32 was unsuited to that campaign[42] and was used mainly for shorter range offensive missions and interception.

The appearance of the redesigned A6M3-32 prompted the US to assign the Model 32 a new code name, "Hap". This name was short-lived, as a protest from USAAF Commanding General Henry "Hap" Arnold forced a change to "Hamp". Soon after, it was realized that it was simply a new model of the "Zeke" and was termed "Zeke 32".

This variant was flown by only a small number of units, and only 343 were built.

A6M3 Type 0 Model 22

In order to correct the deficiencies of the Model 32, a new version with folding wingtips and redesigned wing was introduced. The fuel tanks were moved to the outer wings, fuel lines for a 330 l (87 US gal) drop tank were installed under each wing and the internal fuel capacity was increased to 570 l (150 US gal). More importantly, it regained its capabilities for long operating ranges, similar to the previous A6M2 Model 21, which was vastly shortened by the Model 32.

However, before the new design type was accepted formally by the Navy, the A6M3 Model 22 already stood ready for service in December 1942. Approximately 560 aircraft of the new type had been produced in the meantime by Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K.[44]

According to a theory, the very late production Model 22 might have had wings similar to the shortened, rounded-tip wing of the Model 52.[45] One plane of such arrangement was photographed at Lakunai Airfield ("Rabaul East") in the second half of 1943, and has been published widely in a number of Japanese books. While the engine cowling is the same of previous Model 32 and 22, the theory proposes that the plane is an early production Model 52.[46] The Model 32, 22, 22 kou, 52, 52 kou and 52 otsu were all powered by the Nakajima (Sakae) 21型 engine.[43] That engine kept its designation in spite of changes in the exhaust system for the Model 52.

A6M4 Type 0 Model 41/42

Mitsubishi is unable to state with certainty that it ever used the designation "A6M4" or model numbers for it. However, "A6M4" does appear in a translation of a captured Japanese memo from a Naval Air Technical Arsenal, titled Quarterly Report on Research Experiments, dated 1 October 1942.[47] It mentions a "cross-section of the A6M4 intercooler" then being designed. Some researchers believe "A6M4" was applied to one or two prototype planes fitted with an experimental turbo-supercharged Sakae engine designed for high altitude.[48] Mitsubishi's involvement in the project was probably quite limited or nil; the unmodified Sakae engine was made by Nakajima.[43] The design and testing of the turbo-supercharger was the responsibility of the First Naval Air [Technical] Arsenal (第一海軍航空廠, Dai Ichi Kaigun Kōkūshō) at Yokosuka.[47] At least one photo of a prototype plane exists. It shows a turbo unit mounted in the forward left fuselage.

Lack of suitable alloys for use in the manufacture of a turbo-supercharger and its related ducting caused numerous ruptures, resulting in fires and poor performance. Consequently, further development of a turbo-supercharged A6M was cancelled. The lack of acceptance by the navy suggests that the navy did not bestow model number 41 or 42 formally, although it appears that the arsenal did use the designation "A6M4". The prototype engines nevertheless provided useful experience for future engine designs.[49]

A6M5 Type 0 Model 52

A6M5 scrapped

Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52s abandoned by the Japanese at the end of the war (Atsugi naval air base) and captured by US forces.

A6M5 52c Kyushu

A6M5c Zeros preparing to take part in a kamikaze attack in early 1945

Sometimes considered as the most effective variant,[50] the Model 52 was developed to again shorten the wings to increase speed and dispense with the folding wing mechanism. In addition, ailerons, aileron trim tab and flaps were revised.[51][52] Produced first by Mitsubishi, most Model 52s were made by Nakajima. The prototype was made in June 1943 by modifying an A6M3 and was first flown in August 1943.[53] The first Model 52 is said in the handling manual[54] to have production number 3904,[55] which apparently refers to the prototype.

Research by Mr. Bunzo Komine published by Mr. Kenji Miyazaki states that aircraft 3904 through 4103 had the same exhaust system and cowl flaps as on the Model 22.[56] This is partially corroborated by two wrecks researched by Mr. Stan Gajda and Mr. L. G. Halls, production number 4007 and 4043, respectively.[57][verification needed][58][verification needed][59][verification needed] (The upper cowling was slightly redesigned from that of the Model 22.[40]) An early production A6M5 Zero with non separated exhaust, with an A6M3 Model 22 in the background. A new exhaust system provided an increment of thrust by aiming the stacks aft and distributing them around the forward fuselage. The new exhaust system required "notched" cowl flaps and heat shields just aft of the stacks. (Note, however, that the handling manual translation states that the new style of exhaust commenced with number 3904. Whether this is correct, indicates retrofitting intentions, refers to the prototype but not to all subsequent planes, or is in error is not clear.) From production number 4274, the wing fuel tanks received carbon dioxide fire extinguishers.[60][61] From number 4354, the radio became the Model 3, aerial Mark 1, and at that point it is said the antenna mast was shortened slightly.[62] Through production number 4550, the lowest exhaust stacks were approximately the same length as those immediately above them. This caused hot exhaust to burn the forward edge of the landing gear doors and heat the tires. Therefore, from number 4551 Mitsubishi began to install shorter bottom stacks.[63] Nakajima manufactured the Model 52 at its Koizumi plant in Gunma Prefecture.[64] The A6M5 had a maximum speed of 565 km/h (351 mph)) at 6,000 m (20,000 ft) and reached that altitude in 7:01 minutes.[65]

Subsequent variants included:

  • A6M5a, Model 52甲 (, 52a) – Starting at Mitsubishi number 4651, an armament change substituted the belt-fed Type 99-2 Mark 4 cannon, with 125 rounds per gun, in place of the drum-fed Type 99-2 Mark 3 cannon that carried 100 rounds per gun. Hence, the bulge in the underside of the wing for each cannon's ammunition drum was deleted and the ejection port for spent cartridge cases was moved. Thicker wing skinning was installed to permit higher diving speeds.[66]
  • A6M5b, Model 52乙 (Otsu, 52b) – Armament change: The 7.7 mm (.303 in) Type 97 gun (750 m/s (2,500 ft/s) muzzle velocity and 600 m (2,000 ft) range) in the right forward fuselage was replaced by a 13.2 mm Type 3 Browning-derived gun (790 m/s (2,600 ft/s) muzzle velocity and 900 m (3,000 ft) range, with a rate of fire of 800 rounds per minute) with 240 rounds. The larger weapon required an enlarged opening, creating a distinctive asymmetric appearance to the top of the cowling, and a revised gas outlet near the windscreen. In addition, each wing cannon received a fairing at the wing leading edge. A plate of armored glass 45 mm (1.8 in) thick was fitted to the windscreen. A larger propeller spinner was fitted, suggesting a change to the propeller.[67] The type of ventral drop tank was changed, it now had fins and was suspended on a slanted pipe. The first of this variant was completed in April 1944 and it was produced until October 1944.[68]
  • A6M5c, Model 52丙 (Hei, 52c) – Armament change: One 13.2 mm (.51 in) Type 3 machine gun was added in each wing outboard of the cannon, and the 7.7 mm gun on the left side of the cowl was deleted. Four racks for rockets or small bombs were installed outboard of the 13 mm gun in each wing. Engine change: Some sources state that the hei had a Sakae 31 engine[69] In addition, a 55 mm (2.2 in) thick piece of armored glass was installed at the headrest and an 8 mm (0.31 in) thick plate of armor was installed behind the seat. The mounting of the central 300 l (79 US gal) drop tank changed to a four-post design.[70] Wing skin was thickened further. The first of this variant was completed in September 1944.[66] Because of the gain in weight, this variant was used mainly for intercepting B-29s and special attack.[71]
  • A6M5-S (A6M5 Yakan Sentōki) – Armament change: To intercept B-29s and other night-flying aircraft, an air arsenal converted some Model 52s to night fighters.[72] They were armed with one 20 mm Type 99 cannon behind the pilot, aimed upward, similar in intent to the Luftwaffe's Schräge Musik installation.[73] However, lack of radar prevented them from being very effective.

Some Model 21 and 52 aircraft were converted to "bakusen" (fighter-bombers) by mounting a bomb rack and 250 kg (550 lb) bomb in place of the centerline drop tank.

Perhaps seven Model 52 planes were ostensibly converted into A6M5-K two-seat trainers.[38] Mass production was contemplated by Hitachi, but not undertaken.[74]

A6M6 Type 0 Model 53

The A6M6 was developed to use the Sakae 31a engine, featuring water-methanol engine boost and self-sealing wing tanks.[75][76] During preliminary testing, its performance was considered unsatisfactory due to the additional engine power failing to materialize and the unreliability of the fuel injection system.[77][78] Testing continued on the A6M6 but the end of war stopped further development. Only one prototype was produced.

A6M7 Type 0 Model 62/63

The A6M7 was the last variant to see service. It was designed to meet a requirement by the Navy for a dedicated attack/dive bomber version that could operate from smaller aircraft carriers[9] or according to another source, replace the obsolete Aichi D3A.[79] The A6M7 had considerable design changes compared to previous attempts to make the A6M suitable for dive bombing. This included a reinforced vertical stabilizer, a special bomb rack, provision of two 350 litre drop tanks and fixed bomb/rocket swing stoppers on the underside of the wings.[9][79][80][81][82] It was also given a new powerplant, the Sakae-31 engine, producing 1,130hp on take-off. The A6M7 had a similar armament layout to the A6M5c with the exception of the bomb centreline bomb rack, capable of carrying 250kg or 500kg bombs. Entering production in May 1945,[9][80][81][82] the A6M7 was also used in the special attack role.[83][84]

A6M8 Type 0 Model 64

A6M8 Type 64

A6M8 Type 64 One of Two Prototypes produced being tested by US Forces at Misawa Airbase

Similar to the A6M6 but with the Sakae (now out of production) replaced by the Mitsubishi Kinsei 62 engine with 1,163 kW (1,560 hp), 60% more powerful than the engine of the A6M2.[19] This resulted in an extensively modified cowling and nose for the aircraft. The carburetor intake was much larger, a long duct like that on the Nakajima B6N Tenzan was added, and a large spinner—like that on the Yokosuka D4Y Suisei with the Kinsei 62—was mounted. The larger cowling allowed an armament change to 2x 13.2mm Type 3 machine gun in the fuselage and 4x 20mm Type99 Mark2 cannon (two on each wing). In addition, the Model 64 was modified to carry two 150 l (40 US gal) drop tanks on either wing in order to permit the mounting of a 250 kg (550 lb) bomb on the underside of the fuselage. Two prototypes were completed in April 1945 but the chaotic situation of Japanese industry and the end of the war obstructed the start of the ambitious program of production for 6,300 A6M8s, only the two prototypes being completed and flown.[19][85]

Production

A6M Production: Nagoya, Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K.[86]
Year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
1939 1 1 1 3
1940 1 1 1 1 4 3 9 8 9 19 23 19 98
1941 23 23 30 27 30 26 25 30 33 43 52 60 402
1942 60 58 55 54 58 45 46 51 64 65 67 69 692
1943 68 69 73 73 73 73 77 85 93 105 110 130 1,029
1944 125 115 105 109 95 100 115 135 135 145 115 62 1,356
1945 35 59 40 37 38 23 15 52 299
Total 3,879

Not included:

  • A second A6M1 was completed on 17 March 1939,[87] but was written off without explanation after completing the company's flight test program in July 1940.[88]
A6M Production: Ota, Nakajima Hikoki K.K.[89]
Year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
1941 1 6 7
1942 19 22 35 31 36 34 52 65 75 88 99 118 674
1943 110 119 133 144 148 152 153 156 243 182 202 225 1,967
1944 238 154 271 230 232 200 163 232 245 194 109 206 2,474
1945 216 108 207 230 247 185 138 85 1,416
Total 6,538

Trainer

A6M Trainer Production: Chiba, Hitachi Kokuki K.K.[90] and Omura, Dai-Nijuichi K.K.[91]
Year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
1943 4 5 6 8 8 8 10 10 10 12 12 15 110
1944 12 16 17 18 17 23 30 29 15 23 27 25 252
1945 23 8 34 21 31 23 15 155
Total 517

Total production

 
According to USSBS Report: 10,934 Figure includes: 10,094 A6M, 323 A6M2-N and 517 A6M-K builds.
According to Francillon: 11,291 Figure includes: 10,449 A6M,[92] 327 A6M2-N,[93] 508 A6M2-K and 7 A6M5-K builds.[38]

Operators

Flag of Japan Japan
Flag of Thailand Thailand

Surviving aircraft

Mitsubishi A6M2, Type 0 Model 21

A6M2 Model 21 on display at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, United States. This aircraft was made airworthy in the early 1980s before it was grounded in 2002.[95]

MitsuZero AirandSpace

A6M5 on display at the National Air and Space Museum, United States

Zero Fighter Plane Model 21

A6M on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan

A propeller aircraft on display in a museum. The wing tips are folded up.

An A6M at the National Museum of the USAF, painted to represent a section leader’s aircraft from the Japanese aircraft carrier Zuihō during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.[96]

2017RedBullAirRaceChibaMitsubishiA6MZero

2017 Red Bull Air Race of Chiba (N553TT)

Like many surviving World War II Japanese aircraft, most surviving Zeros are made up of parts from multiple airframes. As a result, some are referred to by conflicting manufacturer serial numbers. In other cases, such as those recovered after decades in a wrecked condition, they have been reconstructed to the point that the majority of their structure is made up of modern parts. All of this means the identities of survivors can be difficult to confirm.

Most flying Zeros have had their engines replaced with similar American units. Only one, the Planes of Fame Museum's A6M5, has the original Sakae engine.[97]

The rarity of flyable Zeros accounts for the use of single-seat North American T-6 Texans, with heavily modified fuselages and painted in Japanese markings, as substitutes for Zeros in the films Tora! Tora! Tora!, The Final Countdown, and many other television and film depictions of the aircraft, such as Baa Baa Black Sheep (renamed Black Sheep Squadron). One Model 52 was used during the production of Pearl Harbor.

Australia

  • 840 – On display at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in Winnellie, Northern Territory. Wreckage of the forward fuselage, inboard wings, engine, and propeller.[98][99]
  • 5784 – On display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. A restored A6M2-21 "V-173" was retrieved as a wreck after the war and later found to have been flown by Saburō Sakai at Lae.[100][101]

China

  • Unknown serial number – Beijing Military Museum[102]

Germany

  • Replica – On display at the Technik Museum Speyer in Speyer, Rhineland-Palatinate. Replica of the fuselage section on display at IWM London.[103][104]

Indonesia

  • Unknown serial number – The Museum Dirgantara Mandala in Yogyakarta has an A6M in its collection.[102]

Japan

  • 1493 – On display at the Kawaguchiko Motor Museum in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi.[105]
  • 4168/4240/4241 – On display at the Yūshūkan in Chiyoda, Tokyo.[106]
  • 4685 – On display at Hamamatsu Air Base in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka.[107]
  • 4708 – On display at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Museum in Komaki, Aichi.[108]
  • 31870 – A two-seater on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Taito, Tokyo.[109]
  • 62343 – On display at the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots in Chiran, Kagoshima.[110]
  • 82729 – On display at the Yamato Museum in Kure, Hiroshima.[111]
  • 91518 – On display at the Kawaguchiko Motor Museum in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi.[112]
  • 92717 – On display at the Kawaguchiko Motor Museum in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi.[113]
  • Replica – On display at MCAS Iwakuni in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi.[114][115]
  • Replica – Owned by businessman Masahide Ishizuka in Kanoya, Kagoshima. Airworthy, with a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engine.[116][117][118]

New Zealand

United Kingdom

  • 196 – On display at the Imperial War Museum London in London, Greater London. Forward fuselage displayed.[120][121][122]
  • 3685 – On display at the Imperial War Museum Duxford in Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Fuselage displayed in unrestored condition.[123]

United States

  • 1303 – In storage at the Flying Heritage Collection in Everett, Washington.[124]
  • 2266 – A small amount of wreckage from the Zero that crashed in the Niihau Incident is on display at the Pacific Aviation Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii.[125]
  • 3618 – In storage at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida.[126]
  • 3852 – Owned by the Flying Heritage Collection in Everett, Washington. This aircraft was recovered from Babo Airfield, Indonesia, and restored — first in Russia, then in California, and finally in Washington state — before being delivered to the Flying Heritage Collection.[127][128] It has a P&W engine installed.[129]
  • 4043 – In storage at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida. Along with several other Zeros, this aircraft was recovered by the Australian War Memorial Museum in the early 1970s from Rabaul in the South Pacific. The markings suggest that it was in service after June 1943 and further investigation suggests that it has cockpit features associated with the Nakajima-built Model 52b. If this is correct, it is most likely one of the 123 aircraft lost by the Japanese during the assault of Rabaul. The aircraft was shipped in pieces to the attraction and it was eventually made up for display as a crashed aircraft. Much of the aircraft is usable for patterns and some of its parts can be restored to one day make this a basis for a flyable aircraft.[130][131]
  • 4340 – On display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.[132]
  • 4400 – In storage at the Flying Heritage Collection in Everett, Washington.[133]
  • 5356/5451 – On display at the Pacific Aviation Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii. This aircraft was formerly flown by the Commemorative Air Force after being restored by Robert Diemert.[134]
  • 5357 – Owned by the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California. This aircraft, 61-120, is the only airworthy example powered with an original Sakae radial engine.[135]
  • 5450 – On display at the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida.[136][137]
  • 23186 – On display at the San Diego Air and Space Museum in San Diego, California. This aircraft is on loan from the National Air and Space Museum.[138][139] The museum previously had another Zero in its collection, msn 4323, but it was destroyed in a fire on 22 February 1978.[140]
  • 51553 – On display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio.[141][142] It was restored by Century Aviation.[143]
  • Replica – Owned by Warren Pietsch at the Texas Flying Legends Museum in Houston, Texas. This aircraft, known as the "Blayd" Zero, is a reconstruction based on templating original Zero components recovered from the South Pacific. To be considered a "restoration" and not a reproduction, the builders used a small fraction of parts from the original Zero landing gear in the reconstruction.[144][145] It was built as a A6M2 Model 21.[146][147] This aircraft was damaged in a ground accident on March 15, 2016, when a Goodyear FG-1D Corsair taxiing behind it overran the tail of the Zero, with the Corsair's propeller shredding roughly the last third of the Zero's fuselage and its control surfaces.[148][149]
  • Replica – Owned by the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force in Camarillo, California. This aircraft is an A6M3 that was recovered from Babo Airfield, Indonesia, in 1991. It was partially restored from several A6M3s in Russia, then brought to the United States for restoration. The aircraft was re-registered in 1998 and displayed at the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica, California. It uses a Pratt & Whitney R1830 engine.[1][150]
  • Replica – Under rebuild by Legend Flyers in Everett, Washington.[151][152] This aircraft uses a small amount of parts from 3148.[153]

Specifications (A6M2 (Type 0 Model 21))

Mitsubishi A6M Zero drawing

Orthographically projected diagram of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero

Data from The Great Book of Fighters,[37] Aircraft Profile #129: The Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero-sen[154]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 9.06 m (29 ft 9 in)
  • Wingspan: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
  • Height: 3.05 m (10 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 22.44 m2 (241.5 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 6.4
  • Airfoil: root: MAC118 or NACA 2315; tip: MAC118 or NACA 3309[155]
  • Empty weight: 1,680 kg (3,704 lb)
  • Gross weight: 2,796 kg (6,164 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 2,796 kg (6,164 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 518 l (137 US gal; 114 imp gal) internal + 1x 330 l (87 US gal; 73 imp gal) drop tank
  • Powerplant: 1 × Nakajima NK1C Sakae-12 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 700 kW (940 hp) for take-off
950 hp (710 kW) at 4,200 m (13,800 ft)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed Sumitomo-Hamilton constant-speed propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 533 km/h (331 mph; 288 kn) at 4,550 m (14,930 ft)
  • Cruising speed: 333 km/h (207 mph; 180 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 600 km/h (373 mph; 324 kn)
  • Range: 1,870 km (1,162 mi; 1,010 nmi)
  • Ferry range: 3,102 km (1,927 mi; 1,675 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 10,000 m (32,808 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 15.7 m/s (3,090 ft/min)
  • Time to altitude: 6,000 m (20,000 ft) in 7 minutes 27 seconds
  • Wing loading: 107.4 kg/m2 (22.0 lb/sq ft)
  • Power/mass: 0.294 kW/kg (0.179 hp/lb)

Armament

  • Guns:
    20mmvs7mm

    Divergence of trajectories between 7.7 mm and 20 mm ammunition


  • Bombs:
    • 2× 60 kg (130 lb) bombs or
    • 1× fixed 250 kg (550 lb) bomb for kamikaze attacks

See also

References

Notes

  1. Note: In Japanese service carrier fighter units were referred to as Kanjō sentōkitai. The Japanese "Zero" was one of the main aircraft(s)used in The attack on Pearl Harbor.

Citations

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  2. Hawks, Chuck. "The Best Fighter Planes of World War II". chuckhawks.com. Retrieved: 18 January 2007.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Young 2013, p. 36.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Thompson with Smith 2008, p. 231.
  5. Mersky, Peter B. (Cmdr. USNR). "Time of the Aces: Marine Pilots in the Solomons, 1942–1944." ibiblio.org. Retrieved: 18 January 2007.
  6. Willmott 1980, pp. 40–41.
  7. Angelucci and Matricardi 1978, p. 138.
  8. Young, Edward M. (2013). F4F Wildcat vs A6M Zero-Sen: Pacific Theater 1942. Oxford, Great Britain: Osprey. pp. 18. ISBN 978-1-78096-322-8. 
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Francillon 1970, pp. 363–364.
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  12. Yoshimura 1996, p. 108.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Fernandez 1983, pp. 107–108.
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  15. "The Mitsubishi A6M Zero ("Zeke")". http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/avzero.html#m6. 
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  18. Parshall and Tully 2007, p. 79.
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 Matricardi 2006, p. 88.
  20. Glancey 2006, p. 170.
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  23. Young 2013, p. 5.
  24. Nijboer 2009, p. 4.
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