Forces of valor 812030A IJN MITSUBISHI A6M2B ZERO - CARRIER ATAGI - PEARL HARBOUR 1941

Up for sale is a brand new 1:72 scale IMPERIAL JAPANESE ARMY AIR SERVICE MITSUBISHI A6M ZERO A1-155 (812030A) by Forces of Valor.

The Mitsubishi A6M “Zero” is a long-range fighter aircraft, manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the Mitsubishi Navy Type 0 carrier fighter. The A6M was usually referred to by its pilots as the “Reisen” (zero fighter), “0” being the last digit of the imperial year 2600 (1940) when it entered service with the Imperial Navy. The official Allied reporting name was “Zeke”, although the use of the name “Zero” was later adopted by the Allies as well. When it was introduced early in World War II, the Zero was considered the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world, combining excellent maneuverability and very long range. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS) also frequently used it as a land-based fighter. In early combat operations, the Zero gained a legendary reputation as a dogfighter, achieving an outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1, but by mid-1942 a combination of new tactics and the introduction of better equipment enabled Allied pilots to engage the Zero on generally equal terms. By 1943, inherent design weaknesses and the failure to develop more powerful aircraft engines meant that the Zero became less effective against newer Allied fighters, which possessed greater firepower, armour, and speed, and approached the Zero’s maneuverability. This aircraft was flown off the carrier Akagi during the Pearl Harbour raid by LCDR Shigeru Itaya, who was the First Wave Fighter Leader.

This model air-plane is made from die-cast metal and plastic and includes extensive detailing. It is similar in quality to Hobby Master, Century Wings and Calibre Wings.

Includes display base with wooden carrier deck effect.