Mitsubishi A6M5 Reisen (Zero Fighter) Model 52 ZEKE, 1943

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Mitsubishi A6M5 Reisen (Zero Fighter) Model 52 ZEKE, 1943

Single-engine, low-wing fighter. No other aircraft surpasses the Mitsubishi A6M Reisen (" ree-sin, " Japanese for Zero Fighter) as the symbol of Japanese air power during World War II. Mitsubishi designed the Zero fighter but co-produced the airplane with Nakajima. The two companies built more than 10, 000 Zeros between March 1939 and August 1945. Design work began in 1937 when the Japanese Navy staff directed Mitsubishi and Nakajima to submit proposals for a new aircraft to replace the Mitsubishi A5M carrier fighter (Allied codename CLAUDE). Combat trials began in China during July 1940 and by fall, Zero pilots felled nearly 100 Chinese aircraft for the loss of only two Zeros to friendly fire. We believe the A6M5 Zero Model 52 on display in the National Air and Space Museum came from a group of Japanese aircraft captured on Saipan Island in April 1944. Navy personnel removed 12 late-model Zeros from the island and sent them to the United States for evaluation. The earliest records pertaining to the Museums Zero show that it was evaluated in 1944 at Wright Field, Ohio, and the following year at Eglin Field, Florida

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the iconic Mitsubishi A6M5 Reisen, also known as the Zero Fighter Model 52 ZEKE, in all its glory. As a single-engine, low-wing fighter aircraft, the Zero Fighter holds an unparalleled status as the symbol of Japanese air power during World War II. Designed by Mitsubishi and co-produced with Nakajima, these two companies played a pivotal role in manufacturing over 10,000 Zeros between March 1939 and August 1945. The development of this legendary aircraft began in 1937 when both companies were tasked by the Japanese Navy to create a successor for the Mitsubishi A5M carrier fighter. The Zero's combat trials commenced in China during July 1940 and quickly demonstrated its superiority by downing nearly 100 Chinese aircraft while losing only two Zeros to friendly fire. This remarkable performance solidified its reputation as one of history's most formidable fighters. The A6M5 Zero Model 52 featured in this photograph is believed to have been part of a group captured on Saipan Island in April 1944. Twelve late-model Zeros were removed from the island by Navy personnel and sent to the United States for evaluation. Records indicate that this particular aircraft underwent assessments at Wright Field, Ohio in 1944 before being evaluated again at Eglin Field, Florida the following year. Displayed proudly at the National Air and Space Museum today, this extraordinary piece serves as a testament to both Japan's aviation prowess during World War II and our ongoing fascination with historic military technology.

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