Chapter II: Historical Record
(continued)

Japanese Naval Aircraft at Pearl Harbor

Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 21 Reisen Zero Fighter

Mitsubishi A6M (Zeke)

The Mitsubishi Reisen Zero fighter was considered by many aviation experts to be the finest aircraft of its type in 1941. It was this model that had such an impact in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The chief designer of the aircraft was Jiro Horikoshi. He and his design team developed a model of an all-metal monoplane, with a low-wing configuration and powered by 780 HP Mitsubishi engine. The first flight test occurred in April 1939. The initial interest and authorization came from the Imperial Navy, which sought a fighter aircraft that could carry two 60kg (132 lb) bombs, and that could fly at 311 mph, climb quickly, cruise in the air for 6-9 hours, be armed with two 20mm cannon and two 7.7mm machine guns, take off in less than 230 feet, and outmaneuver anything that Japan had flown before. After flight testing and modifications, the Model A6M2 wheeled out of the production plant in December 1939. The aircraft surpassed its navy's expectations.

As the Pacific War approached, several alterations were introduced to the Zero. The most important change was installation of folding wing tips, an alteration that allowed the aircraft to use existing deck elevators on the carriers. This Model A6M2, Navy Type 0 Model 21 was the aircraft that flew over the Island of Oahu.

It is estimated that the Japanese navy had 521 fighter planes -- 328 of them A6M2s -- at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor. A force of 79 Zeros was sent against Pearl Harbor, and nine were lost in action. This force effectively neutralized American air power on Oahu in less than two hours.

The Zero's success lasted until 1943, when the Allies began producing superior aircraft that rendered it obsolete. Still, despite the loss of superiority, the Zero continued to be produced and flown in combat until war's end.

TECHNICAL DATA

Description: Single-seat carrier-borne fighter, all-metal construction with fabric-covered control surfaces.

Accommodation: Pilot in enclosed cockpit.

Powerplant: One Nakajima NK1C Sakae 12 14-cylinder air-cooled radial, rated at 940 hp for takeoff and 950 hp at 4,200 m (13,780 ft), driving a three-blade metal propeller (A6M2).

Armament: Two 7.7mm Type 97 machine-guns in the upper fuselage decking and two wing-mounted 20mm Type 99 cannon. (A6M1, A6M2, A6M3, A6M5 and A6M5a).

Performance: Maximum speed: 288 knot at 4.550m (331.5 mph at 14,930 ft)

Cruising speed: 180 knot (207 mph)

Climb to: 6,000m (32,810 ft) in 7 min 27 sec.

Service ceiling: 10,000m (32,810 ft)

Normal range: 1,010 nautical miles (1,160 st miles)

Maximum range: 1.675 nautical miles (1.930 st miles)

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