Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero "Zeke"   
     The Mitsubishi A6M Reisen ("ree-sin," Japanese for Zero Fighter) best symbolizes Japanese air power during World War II. Mitsubishi designed the Zero fighter but co-produced the airplane with Nakajima.  between March 1939 and August 1945, the two companies built a total of 11,291 Zeros and sub-variants related to it, more than any other Japanese warplane.  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 pilot's felled nearly 100 Chinese aircraft for the loss of only two Zeros and they were lost to "friendly fire."
     Japanese naval aviators flew 328 combat-ready A6M2 Reisens against American forces at Pearl Harbor and in the Philippines. The Reisen totally outclassed all Allied fighter aircraft for the first six months of the war until American carrier forces stopped the Japanese in the Coral Sea and at Midway in May and June 1942. The loss of four Japanese aircraft carriers at Midway underscored a deadly trend. The Japanese were losing experienced pilots and aircraft faster than they could replace them. Yet for almost two more years the ZEKE, as the Allies code-named it, remained an ominous threat.
    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.

A6M2-2-N Zero "Zeke" Floatplane.
These aircraft could be launched from non-carrier aircraft then land in the water, where they hoised back aboard the ship.  They were often used for reconnaissance.  This model is from our Premier Series.  1/28th scale.  17" wingspan and 13" long, exclusive of float.  
  No. AEJ2D-CL.  Only  $194.95
A6M2 Zero "Zeke" - White
From our Premier Series  Same size as above.
  No. AEJ2D-BR.  Only $174.95
A6M2 Zero "Zeke" - Dark Green
From our Premier Series  Same size as above.
  No. AEJ2D-AR.  Only $174.95
A6M2 Zero 
Deluxe Series.  1/24th scale.
18.25" wingspan by 13.6" length
  No. AEJ2D-DX.  Only $139.95
A6M2 Zero
Standard Series 1/32nd scale. 
13.5" wingspan by 11" length
  No. AEJ2D-ST.  Only $119.95
 
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