Mitsubishi Zero (Japan)
| Length | 900cm / 354in |
| Wingspan | 1,200cm / 472in |
| Crew | 1 |
| Armament | Two 7.7mm machine guns in nose Two 20mm cannon in wings One 550lb external bomb |
| Ceiling | 10,000m / 32,810ft |
| Range | 3,100km / 1,928m |
| Top speed | 534km/h / 332mph at 25,000ft |
The Mitsubishi A6M Reisen, more commonly known as the Zero, was a hugely capable fighter. It surprised the Americans when it hit Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Heavily armed, the aircraft was also light, enabling it to be especially manoeuvrable. It had an exceptional range, which made it a perfect patrol aircraft for the vast expanse of the South Pacific.
Up-gunned and more powerful models were released as the aircraft proved its worth. Used by the Imperial Japanese Navy, the type also became famous for its use in Kamikaze suicide attacks, when fighters were deliberately flown into Allied shipping. Hundreds of Zeros were lost in this way.
