Difference between revisions of "A6M2 (USA)"

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(Created page with "{{Specs-Card|code=a6m2_zero_usa}} == Description == ''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, a...")
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=a6m2_zero_usa}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=a6m2_zero_usa
 +
|cockpit=334205/1109942
 +
}}
 +
{{About
 +
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other uses
 +
| link = A6M (Family)
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 +
 
 +
[[File:GarageImage_A6M2_USA.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. A captured Japanese [[A6M2]], this vehicle performs identical to its origin counterpart.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
=== Flight Performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,400 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 487 || 477 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.9 || 18.1 || 10.2 || 10.2 || 175
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,400 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 533 || 510 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.7 || 17.0 || 20.6 || 13.3 || 175
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} ||510|| ~18 || ~10
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < 310 || < 420 || < 410 || > 220
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 3,360 m || 935 hp || 1,055 hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
<!-- Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems. -->
 +
 
 +
* No armour
 +
* Fuel tanks in wing roots
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
 +
{{main|Type 99 Model 1 navy (20 mm)|Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
 +
* 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 machine guns, nose-mounted (680 rpg = 1,360 total)
  
== Weaponry ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
=== Offensive weaponry ===
+
<!-- Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB). -->
''Describe the offensive weaponry of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
The Zero's lightly loaded, high lift wing and low weight make it a dream to fly at speeds below 400 kph, with an ability to execute wild gyrations and zoom climbs at the whim of the pilot. However, the Zero is hard to handle as it approaches speeds of 480 kph.
  
=== Suspended weaponry ===
+
Force an enemy pilot into a dogfight at 370 - 400 kph and below 6,000 meters. At this speed and altitude, no enemy fighter can out-manoeuvre or out-climb you. Jump on cruising enemy aircraft from above. Fasten onto the tail of the bandit, use your superior manoeuvrability to match his evasive moves, and put enough rounds into him to bring him down. Use your machine guns first to "bore-sight" the enemy - once you get hits on him, finish him off with your cannons. Below 480 kph you can fling the Zero all over the sky to get on an enemy's tail or to shake off all but the most determined attacker. Climb away from most enemy aircraft, hanging on your prop in a near-vertical climb. Manoeuvres like the Immelmann are easy, and heavier fighters can't stay with you. The Zero rolls faster to the left than to the right. Roll left to tighten your turn and get onto the enemy's six. Don't dive away from attackers - your plane doesn't have the power or weight to out-run most fighters. To exploit your plane's best performance, force the enemy lower and slow down the pace of the engagement.
''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
 
  
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
===Manual Engine Control===
''Defensive weaponry with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" |Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" |Controllable
 +
| rowspan="2" |Controllable
 +
| rowspan="2" |Controllable
 +
| rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
===Modules===
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! colspan="1" | Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 +
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
|Offensive 7 mm
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
|New 7 mm MGs
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings Repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
|Offensive 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
|New 20 mm cannons
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective". -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Excellent turn and roll rate
 +
* Superior climb rate up to 4,500 m
 +
* Extremely manoeuvrable
 +
* Decent cannon armament
 +
* Very good at catching enemies off guard
 +
* Can out turn most enemies
 +
* Tailhook enables it to land on carriers
 +
* Very short takeoff distance
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
 
  
== Historical part ==
+
* No armour and no pilot protection
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Limited 20 mm cannon ammunition
 +
* 7.7 mm machine guns don't really do any significant damage
 +
* Guns have different trajectories, you need to targets get really close to being effective
 +
* Attacking bombers is one of the worst jobs for the Zero, as it can easily be damaged by their gunners
 +
* Slow
 +
* Strictly limited to the air-to-air role, although it performs exceptionally in it
 +
* No self-sealing fuel tanks and the plane is littered with fuel tanks, will ignite and burn to smithereens quite often
 +
* Can easily be countered by just doing simple Boom & Zoom as the Zero lacks adequate energy retention
 +
* Low dive speed, and easily compressed in a dive
 +
* Has lots of bars inside the cockpit, limiting visibility
 +
 
 +
== History ==
 +
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
 +
 
 +
=== In-game description ===
 +
"Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 0 Model 21 (Akutan Zero, Koga's Zero) single-engine carrier-based fighter
 +
 
 +
A single-seat carrier-based all-metal cantilever monoplane fighter with an enclosed cockpit and a retractable landing gear system.
 +
 
 +
The aircraft was developed by the Mitsubishi Company's design bureau. A prototype model made its first flight on April 1, 1939. Full-scale production began in June 1940. The plane was accepted for service with the Imperial Japanese Navy under the designation of Navy Type 0 Model 11 Carrier Fighter.
 +
 
 +
During World War II, the first Zero captured by the Americans in flyable condition was the A6M2 (Model 21), more commonly known as the Akutan Zero (after the name of the island that the plane crash-landed on) or Koga's Zero (after the pilot's name).
 +
 
 +
In June 1942, while preparing to capture Midway Atoll, the Northern Force of the Imperial Japanese Navy was operating in the area of the Aleutian Islands. The plan was to create a diversion and attack the US Navy base at Dutch Harbor, on the island of Unalaska.
 +
 
 +
On June 4, 1942, during the raid on Dutch Harbor, the A6M2 fighter with serial number 4593 was launched from the aircraft carrier Ryujo and its oil line was damaged in battle. Tadayoshi Koga, the Flight Petty Officer 1st Class who piloted the aircraft, attempted a forced landing on the desert island of Akutan. The pilot mistook swampy tundra for hard soil, and the plane nosed over upon landing, killing the pilot. About a month later, the plane was discovered by an American Catalina flying boat. Inspection showed that it had been minimally damaged upon landing.
 +
 
 +
The Americans transported the Akutan Zero away from the island and sent it to Naval Air Station North Island, California, where it was completely restored.
 +
 
 +
The restored Akutan Zero made its first flight from NAS North Island on September 20, 1942. The trophy was extensively tested, its weak points were revealed, and the tactical manoeuvre was developed, allowing American fighters to gain an advantage over the Zero.
 +
The Akutan Zero was subsequently used to imitate the enemy during combat training for American pilots. Some experienced pilots were given the opportunity to fly the A6M2 in order to make an objective assessment of its strong and weak points. Air duels were simulated between the Akutan Zero and main Navy fighters, such as the F6F and the F4U. Later, similar simulated air duels were performed with army fighters, such as the P-38, the P-39, the P-40, and the P-51.
 +
 
 +
The Akutan Zero was destroyed in February 1945 when it collided with an SB2C Helldiver dive bomber while taxiing for takeoff."
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''Прекрасным дополнением к статье станут видеогайды, а также скриншоты из игры и фотографии.''
+
<!--''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''-->
 +
Skin and Camouflages for the [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=a6m2_zero_usa A6M2 (USA)] in Warthunder Live.
  
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
''ETC.''
+
;Related development
 +
* Nakajima [[A6M2-N]]
 +
* Nakajima [[A6M3]]
 +
* Nakajima [[A6M5]]
 +
 
 +
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
* Brewster [[F2A (Family)|F2A]] Buffalo
 +
* Curtiss-Wright [[CW-21]]
 +
* Fiat [[G.50 (Family)|G.50]]
 +
* Grumman [[F4F (Family)|F4F]] Wildcat
 +
* Grumman [[F6F (Family)|F6F]] Hellcat
 +
* [[IAR-81C|IAR-81]]
 +
* Macchi [[C.200 (Family)|C.200]]
 +
* Nakajima [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]] Oscar
 +
* Supermarine [[Spitfire (Family)|Seafire]]
 +
* Hawker [[Hurricane (Family)|Sea Hurricane]]
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [[Wikipedia:Akutan_Zero|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Akutan Zero]]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
 +
{{USA fighters}}
 +
{{USA premium aircraft}}

Revision as of 19:31, 31 December 2019

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
▃A6M2
a6m2_zero_usa.png
▃A6M2
Purchase:1 300 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game
This page is about the Japanese fighter A6M2 (USA). For other uses, see A6M (Family).

Description

GarageImage A6M2 (USA).jpg


The ▃A6M2 Reisen is a premium rank III American fighter with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB/RB) and 3.3 (SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. A captured Japanese A6M2, this vehicle performs identical to its origin counterpart.

General info

Flight Performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,400 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
487 477 10300 17.9 18.1 10.2 10.2 175
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,400 m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
533 510 10300 16.7 17.0 20.6 13.3 175

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flap
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
660 310 510 ~18 ~10
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 310 < 420 < 410 > 220
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,360 m 935 hp 1,055 hp

Survivability and armour

  • No armour
  • Fuel tanks in wing roots

Armaments

Offensive armament

The A6M2 (USA) is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 machine guns, nose-mounted (680 rpg = 1,360 total)

Usage in battles

The Zero's lightly loaded, high lift wing and low weight make it a dream to fly at speeds below 400 kph, with an ability to execute wild gyrations and zoom climbs at the whim of the pilot. However, the Zero is hard to handle as it approaches speeds of 480 kph.

Force an enemy pilot into a dogfight at 370 - 400 kph and below 6,000 meters. At this speed and altitude, no enemy fighter can out-manoeuvre or out-climb you. Jump on cruising enemy aircraft from above. Fasten onto the tail of the bandit, use your superior manoeuvrability to match his evasive moves, and put enough rounds into him to bring him down. Use your machine guns first to "bore-sight" the enemy - once you get hits on him, finish him off with your cannons. Below 480 kph you can fling the Zero all over the sky to get on an enemy's tail or to shake off all but the most determined attacker. Climb away from most enemy aircraft, hanging on your prop in a near-vertical climb. Manoeuvres like the Immelmann are easy, and heavier fighters can't stay with you. The Zero rolls faster to the left than to the right. Roll left to tighten your turn and get onto the enemy's six. Don't dive away from attackers - your plane doesn't have the power or weight to out-run most fighters. To exploit your plane's best performance, force the enemy lower and slow down the pace of the engagement.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable Controllable Controllable Separate Not controllable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs
III Wings Repair Engine Offensive 20 mm
IV Engine Injection Cover New 20 mm cannons

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent turn and roll rate
  • Superior climb rate up to 4,500 m
  • Extremely manoeuvrable
  • Decent cannon armament
  • Very good at catching enemies off guard
  • Can out turn most enemies
  • Tailhook enables it to land on carriers
  • Very short takeoff distance

Cons:

  • No armour and no pilot protection
  • Limited 20 mm cannon ammunition
  • 7.7 mm machine guns don't really do any significant damage
  • Guns have different trajectories, you need to targets get really close to being effective
  • Attacking bombers is one of the worst jobs for the Zero, as it can easily be damaged by their gunners
  • Slow
  • Strictly limited to the air-to-air role, although it performs exceptionally in it
  • No self-sealing fuel tanks and the plane is littered with fuel tanks, will ignite and burn to smithereens quite often
  • Can easily be countered by just doing simple Boom & Zoom as the Zero lacks adequate energy retention
  • Low dive speed, and easily compressed in a dive
  • Has lots of bars inside the cockpit, limiting visibility

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === Encyclopedia Info ===, also if applicable).

In-game description

"Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 0 Model 21 (Akutan Zero, Koga's Zero) single-engine carrier-based fighter

A single-seat carrier-based all-metal cantilever monoplane fighter with an enclosed cockpit and a retractable landing gear system.

The aircraft was developed by the Mitsubishi Company's design bureau. A prototype model made its first flight on April 1, 1939. Full-scale production began in June 1940. The plane was accepted for service with the Imperial Japanese Navy under the designation of Navy Type 0 Model 11 Carrier Fighter.

During World War II, the first Zero captured by the Americans in flyable condition was the A6M2 (Model 21), more commonly known as the Akutan Zero (after the name of the island that the plane crash-landed on) or Koga's Zero (after the pilot's name).

In June 1942, while preparing to capture Midway Atoll, the Northern Force of the Imperial Japanese Navy was operating in the area of the Aleutian Islands. The plan was to create a diversion and attack the US Navy base at Dutch Harbor, on the island of Unalaska.

On June 4, 1942, during the raid on Dutch Harbor, the A6M2 fighter with serial number 4593 was launched from the aircraft carrier Ryujo and its oil line was damaged in battle. Tadayoshi Koga, the Flight Petty Officer 1st Class who piloted the aircraft, attempted a forced landing on the desert island of Akutan. The pilot mistook swampy tundra for hard soil, and the plane nosed over upon landing, killing the pilot. About a month later, the plane was discovered by an American Catalina flying boat. Inspection showed that it had been minimally damaged upon landing.

The Americans transported the Akutan Zero away from the island and sent it to Naval Air Station North Island, California, where it was completely restored.

The restored Akutan Zero made its first flight from NAS North Island on September 20, 1942. The trophy was extensively tested, its weak points were revealed, and the tactical manoeuvre was developed, allowing American fighters to gain an advantage over the Zero. The Akutan Zero was subsequently used to imitate the enemy during combat training for American pilots. Some experienced pilots were given the opportunity to fly the A6M2 in order to make an objective assessment of its strong and weak points. Air duels were simulated between the Akutan Zero and main Navy fighters, such as the F6F and the F4U. Later, similar simulated air duels were performed with army fighters, such as the P-38, the P-39, the P-40, and the P-51.

The Akutan Zero was destroyed in February 1945 when it collided with an SB2C Helldiver dive bomber while taxiing for takeoff."

Media

Skin and Camouflages for the A6M2 (USA) in Warthunder Live.

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Mitsubishi Company (三菱商会)
Fighters  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
Hydroplanes  F1M2
Interceptors  Ki-83 · Ki-109
Bombers  G4M1
  Ki-21-Ia · Ki-21-I hei · Ki-67-I Ko · Ki-67-I otsu
Jet Fighters  Ki-200
Captured  ▃A6M2 · ␗A6M2
See also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Post-War)

USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

USA premium aircraft
Fighters  Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · P-40C · P-43A-1
  P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55
  ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Twin-engine fighters  XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A
Strike aircraft  A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · A-6E TRAM · A-10A
Bombers  A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PV-2D