Mitsubishi A6M Zero

Japan’s legendary carrier-based fighter of World War II, famed for agility and long range.

Overview

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was the primary naval fighter of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. It was highly maneuverable and had exceptional range, giving Japan early air superiority in the Pacific theater.

Despite being lightly armored, the Zero’s agility made it a formidable opponent in dogfights, especially early in the war.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi
  • Designer: Jiro Horikoshi
  • First Flight: April 1939
  • Engine: Nakajima Sakae 12 radial
  • Max Speed: ~331 mph
  • Range: ~1,930 miles
  • Ceiling: ~33,000 ft
  • Armament: 2 × 7.7 mm MG + 2 × 20 mm cannons
  • Role: Fighter / Interceptor
  • Produced: ~10,000

Development

The A6M Zero was designed for carrier operations with long range and excellent maneuverability. Its lightweight design sacrificed armor and self-sealing fuel tanks for agility, which gave early war advantages.

Continuous improvements added heavier armament and slightly better protection, but it gradually lost superiority as Allied aircraft improved.

Service History

The Zero dominated early Pacific battles, including Pearl Harbor and the Indian Ocean campaigns. Its long range allowed Japan to project air power across vast distances.

As the war progressed, it became vulnerable to better-armored and faster Allied aircraft, yet it remained in frontline service until the end of World War II.