WOW329 Mitsubishi A6M “Zero”

Description

The Zero was a long-range fighter aircraft manufactured by the Mitsubishi Aircraft Company and operated by the Japanese navy from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the Mitsubishi Navy Type 0 carrier fighter. 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 name “Zero” 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 WW2, combining excellent maneuverability and very long range, it was also frequently used as a land-based fighter.

In early combat operations, the Zero gained a reputation as a worthy opponent during a dog-fight, achieving an outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1. However 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.

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 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its levels of maneuverability and consistently exceeding its firepower, armour and speed, the A6M had largely become outdated as a fighter aircraft.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 WW2. During the final phases, it was also adapted for use in Kamikaze operations.

Japan produced more Zeros than any other model of combat aircraft during the war.

Our 1/30 scale model is one flown by Petty officer Takeo Tanimizu when he was based at Kagoshima Naval Air Station, Japan, in June 1945. Takeo Tanimizu was said to have shot down 32 enemy aircraft in the Pacific theatre during his career.

The TG/K&C figures shown are not included with any of our aircraft and are shown for scale reference purposes only.