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[[Image:Mitsubishi zero.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An A6M3 over the [[Solomon Islands]], 1943]]
[[Image:Mitsubishi zero.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An A6M3 over the [[Solomon Islands]], 1943]]
The '''A6M Zero''' (also known as the '''Mitsubishi Zero''') was an [[Imperial Japan|Imperial Japanese]] carrier-based aircraft used by the Japanese Navy during [[World War II]]. Until the [[P-51 Mustang]] entered widespread service in 1943, the Zero was easily the fastest, deadliest, and most maneuverable fighter aircraft in the world.
The '''A6M Zero''' (also known as the '''Mitsubishi Zero''') was an [[Imperial Japan|Imperial Japanese]] carrier-based aircraft used by the Japanese Navy during [[World War II]]. Until the [[P-51 Mustang]] entered widespread service in 1943, the Zero was easily the fastest, deadliest, and most maneuverable fighter aircraft in the world.
However, these advantages came with a price. Unlike its Allied counterparts, the early Zeros had no armor or self-sealing fuel tanks, making them vulnerable to enemy fire. By the end of 1942, Allied pilots had learned to exploit this weakness, causing increasing losses among the Japanese. Later models of the Zero had more protection, but they were still deficient compared to Allied planes.<ref>Aircraft vs. Aircraft, by Norman Franks, Barnes & Noble Books, 1998</ref>
==First Combat==
==First Combat==