Every plane has a weak point, but almost the entire airframe on the Zero was a weak point! BY TYPE . With the more powerful engine, the aircraft easily bested all the navy's performance requirements. Bureaucratic red tape delayed first flight until 2016. There are a total of [ 99 ] WW2 Japanese Aircraft (1939-1945) entries in … The new plane had to have a top speed in excess of 310mph (about 499kmph) and reach an altitude of 9840 feet (almost 3,000 meters) in three and a half minutes. A prototype rolled off of the assembly line on March 16, 1939. The wings, the cockpit, the engine, the stabilizers … If just 2-3 bullets, a lucky shot, really, hitting any of those areas stand a good chance of killing your ride, it’s not an effective combat weapon. A total of 844 Japanese Zero aircraft were also produced as trainers and float planes by Sasebo, Hitachi, and Nakajima. The Tora signal was sent back to the fleet, indicating that the attack aircraft had achieved … A total of 844 Japanese Zero aircraft were also produced as trainers and float planes by Sasebo, Hitachi, and Nakajima. The Akutan Zero, also known as Koga's Zero and the Aleutian Zero, was a type 0 model 21 Mitsubishi A6M Zero Japanese fighter plane. The Zero was all about speed and agility for enhancing its combat performance against planes over the Pacific. Eventually Japanese Zero aircraft were used in Kamikaze attacks against enemy warships. The year is 1991, and researchers have discovered the wreck of a Mitsubishi Zero A6M deep within the Indonesian jungle. No opposition aircraft could match the performance of the Zero. The year its production began, 1940, was the 2,600th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of Japan’s legendary first emperor, Jimmu, hence the “zero” designation. Thank you for your comment, Ervin. Never substantially updated or replaced, the Zero remained the Imperial Japanese Navy's primary fighter throughout the war. Zero Hour. anese Zero Fighter a. Mitsubishi Zero 11 Fighter plan. BY DECADE. You also have a choice of plans, short kit or full kit from them. Moreover, its 156-gallon (591-litre) internal fuel tank was augmented with a 94-gallon external tank that could be dropped when empty, thus enabling the Zero to fly far beyond its expected range. Its first flight was on April 1, 1939 and it was accepted by the Japanese Navy on September 14, 1939. It was repaired and flown by American test pilots. The Grumman F6F Hellcat achieved fame as a Zero-killer after it was introduced in 1943. More Zeros were built than any other type of Japanese aircraft, a total of 10,449 being built at Mitsubishi and Nakajima factories. A Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero fighter (tail code A1-108) takes off from the aircraft carrier Akagi, on its way to attack Pearl Harbor during the morning of December 7, 1941.The aircraft was flown by PO2c Sakae Mori, 1st koku kantai, 1st koku sentai, and flew with the second wave. Japanese Zero aircraft were the primary suicide attackers. Tora!”, which portrays events leading to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. Japanese World War II Plane. A Mitsubishi Zero shot down at Pearl Harbor revealed surprisingly few facts about the mysterious fighter, but did yield a map that provided tantalizing clues about the location of the Japanese fleet. Its top speed was 350 miles per hour (565 km/h) at nearly 20,000 feet (6,100 m), and it was armed with two 7.7-millimetre machine guns and two 20-millimetre cannons in its wings; it could carry two 132-pound (59.9-kilogram) bombs under the wings. The plane wes powered by a Japanese Sake Model 12 Engine Although Allied forces code-named the aircraft “Zeke,” it was generally known as the Zero, a term derived from one of its Japanese names—Reisen Kanjikisen (Type Zero Carrier-based Fighter Airplane), abbreviated Reisen. "wonder weapon," the Japanese A6M2 Zero, the main fighter plane of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) in 1941. Your email address will not be published. Zero, also called Mitsubishi A6M or Navy Type 0, fighter aircraft, a single-seat, low-wing monoplane used with great effect by the Japanese during World War II. WW2 Japanese Aircraft (1939-1945) Aviation / Aerospace. However, despite its incredible performance for the time, the Zero couldn’t hold up. There’s several impostors flying, such as the last of 25 U.S. AT-6 Texan “Zeros” crafted in convincing-enough detail to fly in a blockbuster or two, though bloated when compared to the svelte original Zero. The A6M was usually referred to by its pilots as the Reisen (零戦, zero fighter), "0" being the last digit of the imperial year2600 (1940) when it entered service with th… It's armament would consist of two 20mm cannons and two 7.7mm machine guns. That is Ty Brown Jr. with the model built by his dad. or a 118 in. Only in service a little over a year. They wanted a plane to replace the A5M carrier fighter, also produced by Mitsubishi. It was shipped to the USA where extensive testing revealed the major shortcomings of the aircraft. It flew rings around the American fighters of the time - Brewster Buffalo's, Bell P-39's, and (to a lesser extent) Grumman F4F Wildcats. HOME. This Zero, N7757 is probably best described as a Movie Star. When Japan introduced the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, it gained a remarkable plane that racked up an impressive combat record through 1941. Tora! This movie is a dramatization of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and … It was the primary fighter used by Japan during the war. In all, nearly 10,430 of them were built. MANUFACTURERS. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Whereas Hughes once mentioned that the Japanese Zero was a copy of his H-1 racer, closer examination shows that the design incorporated features from a number of aircraft at that time. Restored Japanese Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero fighter. It performs in air shows and displays at the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, CA, U.S.A. You have a choice of a 108 in. Mitsubishi produced 2,879 of the aircraft, and Nakajima produced 6,215 of the aircraft. Many Zeros were converted to kamikaze craft in the closing months of the war. and a length of 69 in. The next most-often encountered Japanese fighter plane was also Japan’s best, the Nakajima Ki-84 “Frank.” Capable of reaching a speed of 426 mph, it also featured self-sealing fuel tanks, ample armor and armored glass, making it a match for the Allied fighters it faced. Side view of a Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero 53 fighter plane, February 20, 1945. Other requirements were a climb rate of 3 1/2 minutes to 9,840 feet, with range and maneuverability better than any other Japanese fighter aircraft. Mitsubishi produced 2,879 of the aircraft, and Nakajima produced 6,215 of the aircraft. Production models of Japanese Naval aircraft were assigned type numbers based on the last number of the Japanese calendar year when its production began. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT TWICE — IT WILL APPEAR SHORTLY. A slightly larger, heavier, more powerful radial engine replaced the Zuisei. The Chinese informed the U.S. government about the new Japanese fighter aircraft, but no one heeded the warnings. The Japanese A6M Mitsubishi Zero was crewed by a single pilot. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. All up weight is about 28 lbs. and  length is 75 1/2 in. The overwhelming successes of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero during the first six months of the war stunned Western observers, who now catapulted the Zero to the ranks of a super-plane, flown by super-pilots. Japanese Zero Crash Site Photos Japanese Zero Crash Site Photos ... On June 4, 1942, Petty Officer Tadayashi Koga was shot down during a raid on Dutch Harbor, dying on impact. The appearance of the Japanese Zero in the attack on Pearl Harbor came as a complete surprise to the Americans. That was the year 2600 on the Japanese calendar. It was designed to specifications written in 1937, was first tested in 1939, and was placed in production and in operation in China in 1940. In conjunction with its powerful naval force, few could contend with the might fielded by the Empire of Japan early in World War 2. The Zero pilots were superb; their MODERN AIR FORCES. Wingspan is 93 in. The Japanese Navy used the Nakajima A6M2-N seaplane, an adaptation of the Mitsubishi Zero-fighter plane, throughout the war. Artwork of Claes Sundin. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Japanese Zero is Japan's most famous World War II aircraft. Zero got a lot of impact in the opening months of the war - facing off with second rate garrisons with third rate planes, it was a monster. The plane was purchased by a Japanese citizen for $3.5 million and arrived in Japan in 2014. It was the first carrier borne fighter aircraft capable of besting land based enemy aircraft. The Akutan Zero, also known as Koga's Zero and the Aleutian Zero, was a type 0 model 21 Mitsubishi A6M Zero Japanese fighter aircraft that crash-landed on Akutan Island, Alaska Territory, during World War II. Only one Japanese Zero with its original engine is still flying. Tora! (Note: With 11,000 built, only the “Zero” among Japanese fighters was made in numbers greater than 6,000.) Jan 28, 2016 - Mitsubishi Type 0, Model 32 (A6M3), flown by Rikugun Shoi (Lt.) Inano Kikuíchi, 4th chutai, Tainan Kokutai, Buna/New Guinea, August 1942. 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. It crashed on Akutan Island, Alaska Territory, during June 1942. She owes her existence to the 20th Century Fox movie company who in 1968 needed Japanese airplanes for the filming of their epic film, “Tora! COMPARE. It was named the "Rufe" by the Allies and served in both the North and South Pacific theaters from the Aleutian Islands to the Solomon's. AVIATION / AEROSPACE. returned from an active zone.wag flown approximately ten hours Including 900 21 les" of cross country flying and 5 hourg o? As aviation historian William Green wrote, the Zero“created a myth—the myth of Japanese invincibility in the air….Its successive appearance over every major battle area in the opening days of the war seemed to indicate that the Japanese possessed unlimited supplies of this remarkable fighter, and its almost mystical powers of maneuver and ability to traverse vast stretches of water fostered the … When it first appeared, the Zero could outmaneuver every airplane it encountered. It’s been 50 years since this aircraft – a legendary Japanese dogfighter – was gunned down over New Guinea, and soon the plane will be shipped to the United States before making its way to veteran Steve Barber. It was designed to specifications written in 1937, was first tested in 1939, and was placed in production and in operation in China in 1940. The A6M Zero is still a marvel of aircraft engineering, this plane could outpace just about anything in a dogfight. The aircraft began life with a 1937 request by the Japanese Navy for a new fighter that had a level flight speed of over 310 MPH. More Japanese Zero aircraft were produced than any other Japanese aircraft during World War II. The RC Japanese Zero from Top RC Models USA comes as ARF. The Mitsubishi A6M Zero, often called just the A6M Zero or simply the Zero was a long range carrier ship-based fighter aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Mitsubishi Zero 52. It had no armor except for the chair of the pilot, it also lacked self-sealing fuel tanks or anything else that would increase its weight. The Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" was 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. Faced with superior opposition and a … Corrections? Nevertheless, the Zero was responsible for destroying at least 1,550 American aircraft between 1941 and 1945. Weight is around 18 3/4 lbs. Only one Japanese Zero with its original engine is still flying. Designed by Horikoshi Jiro, it was the first carrier-based fighter capable of besting its land-based opponents. Its official navy designation was Mitsubishi A6M1 Carrier Fighter. His plane survived. The Japanese aircraft were able to turn the balance of air power in their favor. This type of airplane was the Imperial Japanese Navy 's most common fighter plane during World War 2. Updates? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). ATTENTION – COMMENT MODERATION IS IN USE. BY CONFLICT. Despite the fact that it was largely obsolescent by mid-1943, it remained in production until the end of the war. Throughout 1941 and 1942 the 400 Japanese Zero aircraft of the Japanese Navy overwhelmed opposing aircraft. Mitsubishi aircraft undertook the project of developing the new navy fighter aircraft under the leadership of Jiro Horikoshi. San Diego, CA- With the white star of the American Air Force replacing the red disk of Japan, this captured Zero fighter plane is being put through... Airmen scramble to get out of the way of marauding Japanese Zeros in a scene from the film 'Tora! It partially closed the performance gap that Japanese Zero aircraft had with newer Allied fighters, but it was introduced in too small numbers, and too late in the war to help. Omissions? I just can't get enough of this aircraft, the only operational, original WWII Japanese aircraft in the world today ! More Japanese Zero aircraft were produced than any other Japanese aircraft during World War II. aeneral consisting of all types of acro— batic maneuvers, ÅteIJsv spins, landings, and take—offs. Japanese Zero aircraft were the primary suicide attackers. A couple of side notes to answer the OP : * It was a very new plane at the time of Pearl Harbor. In a rare sight over Japan -- more than 70 years after WW II -- a restored Japanese Zero fighter plane made a test flight Wednesday. Therefore the A6M series was known as the Zero (Type 00 fighter). Zero, also called Mitsubishi A6M or Navy Type 0, fighter aircraft, a single-seat, low-wing monoplane used with great effect by the Japanese during World War II. I suggest you do a computer search where you will find overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Later it used a 1,130-horsepower engine to turn its three-blade constant-speed propeller. The RC Japanese Zero from ESM has a wingspan of 88 in. Thereafter the Zero took part in virtually every Pacific battle. Because the winner wrote the history. The Allies did not field fighters that could defeat it in aerial combat until 1943. That, plus a new generation of faster, more maneuverable Allied fighter aircraft spelled the end of the reign of the Japanese Zero. With the arrival of new Allied fighters, such as the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair, the Zero was quickly eclipsed. You will need from 30 CC to 50 CC engines for power. Recommended engines are from 60 CC to 80 CC or the electric equivalent. For the Japanese Zero, the first production aircraft rolled off the assembly line in 1940. It was found intact by the Americans in July 1942 and became the first flyable Zero acquired by the United States during the war. COUNTRIES. The Zero was designed to meet a tough set of specifications set down by the Japanese Navy in 1937. The Zero was made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was first powered by a Nakajima Sakae radial air-cooled engine of 14 cylinders (two staggered rows of seven) that developed 1,020 horsepower. As a result of … Fact 3: The Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen fighter, dubbed "Zero" by Allied forces, was the most effective fighter of early WWII, with a kill ratio of 12 to 1. The Mitsubishi A6M Zero-Sen legendary status mirrored the fortunes of the rising sun in … It performs in air shows and displays at the Planes … Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. wingspan RC Japanese Zero from Meister-Scale. It was in mid-1942 that the Allies acquired a virtually intact Japanese Zero. Shortly before 8 a.m. on December 7, 1941, Japanese aerial forces swarmed across Oahu toward their targets. It would be a replacement for outdated carrier fighter aircraft. The Mitsubishi A6M known as the Zero is a single-engine single-seat fighter and fighter bomber aircraft produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, operated during WWII by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was the most produced Japanese aircraft of World War II. The Japanese Navy requested that 15 pre production Japanese Zero aircraft be deployed to China where they were much needed. Le Mitsubishi A6M est un chasseur-bombardier japonais léger embarqué utilisé par la Marine impériale japonaise de 1940 à 1945. Fast and powerful, it was known as a nearly invincible fighter plane with a 12:1 kill ratio in dogfights with the Chinese as early as 1940. In a carrier raid against Ceylon, Japanese Zero aircraft easily defeated opposing British aircraft. The aircraft was built by Mitsubishi, making its first flight in 1939, and entering naval service in 1940. The Japanese answered by installing a 1,560 h.p engine in the A6M8. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/technology/Zero-Japanese-aircraft, The Aviation History On-line Museum - Mitsubishi A6M Reisen. Designed by Horikoshi Jiro, it was the first carrier-based fighter capable of besting its land-based opponents. It also had to have better maneuverability and range than any existing fighter, as well as carry two machine guns and two … You do not mention that Howard Hughes designed the Japanese Zero. COMMENTS NOT REGARDING PAGE SUBJECTS AUTOMATICALLY DELETED. The original engine for the Japanese Zero was the light weight Mitsubishi Zuisei. In the closing months of the assembly line in 1940 the Zuisei ( type 00 fighter ) 's performance.... Ten hours Including 900 21 les '' of cross country flying and 5 hourg o borne fighter under... Deep within the Indonesian jungle still a marvel of aircraft engineering, plane. 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