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== 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 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.

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.  

Nakajima's engineering team deemed the ''Type 12'' specification impossible and resigned from the competition. Jiro Horikoshi, developer of the A5M (and subsequently, the [[Reppuu (Strong Gale)|A7M]]) thought it was feasible only with an aircraft as light as possible. Every possible weight-reduction measure was incorporated into the A6M, including Sumitomo Metal's new top-secret 7075 aluminum alloy "Extra Super Duralumin". Armor for the pilot, engine or other critical points was dropped, as were self-sealing fuel tanks. It had a cantilever low-wing layout, retractable landing gear and enclosed cockpit.  

Nakajima's engineering team deemed the ''Type 12'' specification impossible and resigned from the competition. Jiro Horikoshi, developer of the A5M (and subsequently, the [[Reppuu (Strong Gale)|A7M]]) thought it was feasible only with an aircraft as light as possible. Every possible weight-reduction measure was incorporated into the A6M, including Sumitomo Metal's new top-secret 7075 aluminum alloy "Extra Super Duralumin". Armor for the pilot, engine or other critical points was dropped, as were self-sealing fuel tanks. It had a cantilever low-wing layout, retractable landing gear and enclosed cockpit.  

The A6M1 prototype, powered by a 780hp Mitsubishi ''Zuisei 13 ''engine, passed its testing in a remarkably short period and was ordered into service as the A6M1. Shortly after, the A6M2 incorporated an engine change suggested by the Navy to the 700hp Nakajima ''Sakae 12. ''The new prototype greatly surpassed the original specifications that 15 units were sent to battle in China, where they were untouched by planes that troubled the A5M. These results led the Navy to immediately order the A6M2 into production as the Type 0 Model 11.

The A6M1 prototype, powered by a 780hp Mitsubishi ''Zuisei 13 ''engine, passed its testing in a remarkably short period and was ordered into service as the A6M1. Shortly after, the A6M2 incorporated an engine change suggested by the Navy to the 700hp Nakajima ''Sakae 12. ''The new prototype so greatly surpassed the original specifications that 15 units were sent to battle in China, where they were untouched by planes that troubled the A5M. These results led the Navy to immediately order the A6M2 into production as the Type 0 Model 11.

One of the most advanced aircraft of its time, the A6M2 Zero was lighter and more manueverable thanks to its aggressive weight-reduction and thus boasted the longest range of any single engined fighter in the war. It could maintain stable flight well below 110km/h, allowing it to out-turn any Allied fighter of the time. Reports of its performance eventually reached the United States, where they were dismissed as impossible. The A6M2 Type 0 Model 21 in particular introduced folding wingtips so that the plane could better fit onto aircraft carriers, as well as improved range. 2,048 Type 0 Model 21s were constructed by Mitsubishi and Nakajima, including 508 trainers by Hitachi and Sasebo.

One of the most advanced aircraft of its time, the A6M2 Zero was lighter and more manueverable thanks to its aggressive weight-reduction and thus boasted the longest range of any single engined fighter in the war. It could maintain stable flight well below 110km/h, allowing it to out-turn any Allied fighter of the time. Reports of its performance eventually reached the United States, where they were dismissed as impossible. The A6M2 Type 0 Model 21 in particular introduced folding wingtips so that the plane could better fit onto aircraft carriers, as well as improved range. 2,048 Type 0 Model 21s were constructed by Mitsubishi and Nakajima, including 508 trainers by Hitachi and Sasebo.