The Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" is a long-range carrier-based fighter aircraft formerly manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It was operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the Mitsubishi Navy Type 0 carrier fighter, or the Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen. 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 name "Zero" was used colloquially as well.

The Zero is considered to have been the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world when it was introduced early in World War II, combining excellent maneuverability and very long range. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service also frequently used it as a land-based fighter.

In early combat operations, the Zero gained a 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, the Zero was less effective against newer Allied fighters. The Zero lacked hydraulic boosting for its ailerons and rudder, rendering it difficult to maneuver at high speeds. Lack of self-sealing fuel tanks also made it more vulnerable than its contemporaries. By 1944, with Allied fighters approaching the A6M's levels of maneuverability and consistently exceeding its firepower, armor, and speed, the A6M had largely become outdated as a fighter aircraft. However, as design delays and production difficulties hampered the introduction of newer Japanese aircraft models, the Zero continued to serve in a front-line role until the end of the war in the Pacific. During the final phases, it was also adapted for use in kamikaze operations. Japan produced more Zeros than any other model of combat aircraft during the war.

Pictured here is a 1:48 scale replica of an Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M2b "Zero" Type fighter that was attached to the 261st Air Group "Tiger Corps", then deployed to Kagoshima Air Base, Japan, during February 1944. Pre-order! Ship Date: Early September 2026.

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 9-inches
Length: 7-1/4-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Tiger Corps" - The Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) 261st Air Group (Kōkūtai), often referred to by the nickname "Tiger Corps", was a land-based fighter aircraft unit active during World War II. The 261st Air Group (Dai 261 Kaigun Kōkūtai) was established in June 1943. It became one of the foundational units of the newly reformed 1st Air Fleet on July 1, 1943, which was intended to form an "Absolute National Defense Zone" using land-based air power.

The unit primarily operated the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter, including the A6M2b and A6M3 variants. The group was moved to the Philippines to regroup after suffering severe losses in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and subsequent Formosa Air Battle.

The 1st Air Fleet, to which the 261st AG belonged, ultimately suffered devastating losses due to a combination of heavy combat and a lack of experienced aircrews, leading to its eventual decimation and the adaptation of surviving elements for kamikaze operations toward the end of the war.