Description
- Scale 1:72
- Age 14+
- Model Size L 125mm W 166mm
- Requires glue and paint
The Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" is considered to have been the most capable carrier based fighter when it was introduced early in the Second World War. The A6M was designated as the Mitsubishi Navy Type 0 carrier fighter, or the A6M Reisen.
The A6M was usually referred to by it's pilots as the Reisen (Zero Fighter). The official Allied reporting name was "Zeke" although the name "Zero" (from type 0) was used colloquially by the Allies as well.
In early combat operations, the Zero gained a reputation as a dogfighter, achieving an outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1. By 1944, with Allied fighters approaching the A6M levels of manoeuvrability and consistently exceeding it's firepower, armour and speed, the A6M had largely become outdated as a fighter.
As production difficulties hampered the introduction of newer Japanese aircraft, the Zero continued to serve until the end of the War. During the final phases, it was also adapted for use in kamikaze operations.
