Changes

== Historical Information ==

== Historical Information ==

The '''Mitsubishi A6M''' '''''Type 0 Carrier-based Fighter''' ''(also called Rei-sen, but typically "Zero-sen", with the Allied reporting name "Zeke") was the predominant Japanese naval fighter of World War II. The 0 in its designation referred to the last digit of Imperial year 2600 (Gregorian year 1940) which it entered service. When encountered, it was codenamed ''Zeke'', but eventually "Zero" became commonplace in Allied speaking.

The '''Mitsubishi A6M2''' '''''Type 0 Model 21 Carrier-based Fighter''' ''(also called Rei-sen, but typically "Zero-sen", with the Allied reporting name "Zeke") was the predominant Japanese naval fighter of World War II. The 0 in its designation referred to the last digit of Imperial year 2600 (Gregorian year 1940) which it entered service. When encountered, it was codenamed ''Zeke'', but eventually "Zero" became commonplace in Allied speaking.

Development by Mitsubishi started in 1937 as the preceeding [[Type 96 Fighter|Mitsubishi A5M]] (''Type 96 Carrier-based Fighter)'' was entering service as the Imeprial Japanese Navy began to consider its eventual replacement. Specification ''12-shi'' was sent to Nakajima and Mitsubishi, which both initiated early development phases whilst waiting more complete requirements.  

Development by Mitsubishi started in 1937 as the preceeding [[Type 96 Fighter|Mitsubishi A5M]] (''Type 96 Carrier-based Fighter)'' was entering service as the Imeprial Japanese Navy began to consider its eventual replacement. Specification ''12-shi'' was sent to Nakajima and Mitsubishi, which both initiated early development phases whilst waiting more complete requirements.