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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 [[Imperiаl 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 their 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>  All models of the Zero were armed with 2 20mm cannon and 2 machine guns.<ref>The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Combat Aircraft of World War II, by Bill Gunston, Salamander Military Press, 1990</ref>

However, these advantages came with a price.  Unlike their Allied counterparts, the early Zeros had no armour 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>  All models of the Zero were armed with 2 20mm cannon and 2 machine guns.<ref>The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Combat Aircraft of World War II, by Bill Gunston, Salamander Military Press, 1990</ref>

==First Combat==

==First Combat==

The Zero first saw combat in China on September 13, 1940, when 13 Zeros fought 27 Chinese fighters over the city of Chungking.  In a thirty minute battle, every Chinese plane was downed, one pilot accounting for five planes himself.  Four Zeros suffered light damage.<ref>Zero, by Masatake Okumiya, Jiro Horikoshi, and Martin Caidin, 2004</ref>

The Zero first saw combat in China on September 13, 1940, when 13 Zeros fought 27 Chinese fighters over the city of Chungking.  In a thirty minute battle, every Chinese plane was downed, one pilot accounting for five planes himself.  Four Zeros suffered light damage.<ref>Zero, by Masatake Okumiya, Jiro Horikoshi, and Martin Caidin, 2004</ref>  

 

==References==

==References==