|
The standard fighter of the Imperial Japanese Navy throughout
World War II, the Zero, or to give it it’s full title, Mitsubishi
A6M2 Type O Rei-sen, was a quite remarkable fighter. During its
design a development stage, the aircraft had to be kept as light
as possible due to the poor performance of the planned engine.
No provision for self-sealing fuel tanks was made, nor armour
protection for engine or pilot. This weight saving together with
good design and eventually a more powerful engine made the zero
a fantastic machine in a ‘turning fight’, and a feared
opponent for the more powerful but heavier American fighters.
Moreover, with a centreline fuel tank fitted, the A6M could achieve
an incredible range of 1930 miles. |