a6m zero
The Mitsubishi A6M was the primary carrier-based fighter aircraft operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Its long designation was "Type 0 Carrier Fighter" (零式艦上戦闘機), and it was commonly called "Reisen" (零戦, zero fighter) by its pilots. This nickname was also popular among the Allies, more so than the official reporting name "Zeke".
When the Zero was first introduced in 1940 it was considered the most capable carrier-based fighter, combining excellent maneuverability with a good climb rate and a long range. These qualities, and the excellent training of IJN pilots, allowed the Japanese to win numerous early victories over their Allied adversaries.
See also
- Kaze Tachinu
- A6M2-N
- Cosmo Zero
- Ki-43 Hayabusa - similar aircraft in terms of appearance and performance
- List of airplanes
External links
- Wikipedia (JP): Type 0 Carrier Fighter
- Wikipedia (EN): Mitsubishi A6M Zero