Zero

Mushroom Model Magazine Special ‘ee URE}First published in Poland in 2001 by Robert Peczkowski Uslugi Informatyezne, Orzeszkowej 2/57, 39.400 Tarnobrzeg, Poland emaitob ertp@[Link] ‘cooperation with b jushroom Model Publications, 36 Ver Road, Redbourn, ‘AL3 7PE, UK. eamailzrog erw@[Link] © 2001 Mushroom Model Publications. All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Design and Patents Act, 1988, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrical, chemical, optical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission, All enquiries should be addressed to the publis aS WYDAWNICTWO DIECEZJALNE SANDOMIERZ ISBN 83-7300-085-2 Editor in chief Roger Wallsgrove Editors Bartlomiej Belearx Robert Peezkowski ‘Artur Juszezak Edited by Robert Peezkows Page design by Artur Juszezak Robert Peezkow Cover Layout Artur Juszezak IP Robert Peezkowski Artur Juszezak ‘Translation Roman Postek Proofreading Roger Wallsgrove Colour Profiles Artur Juszezak Drawings Dariusz Karnas Printed by Drukarnia Diecerjalna Sandomierz Phot Robert Pezkowshi Roger Wallsgrove Special thanks for Ryan Toews for providing drawings of Zero's stencils and help in camouflage research,HISTORY AOM2 of Koga under repair- July 1942, Naval Air Station San Diego. Please note removed engine and armament. Photo A. Lochte coll. Pto this date, the Zero fighter is considered the most popular and best known Japanese aircraft amongst air enthusiasts all over the world. Being the basic fighter used by the Japanese Imperial Navy in the Pacific War theatre, it was ‘employed in all major aerial operations. ‘The Zero (for official Japanese Imperial Navy designation see table on page 6) was the first shipboard fighter capable of defeating its land-based opponents. Is introduction ¢ ‘o the Allies and numerous aerial victories in China and at the opening stages in the Pacific War, greatly contributed to the creation of the myth of a “super fighter” having no match among Allied ones. Indeed, the Zero was a formidable fighter aircraft at the beginning of the war. In time, however, its superiority began to diminish, so that by the end of the war it became an easy prey for the American fighters. 1e asa shock According to the doctrine offically employed by the Japanese military authorities, the main ‘emphasis during the design of their new fighter has been on its maneuverability and maximum, range, with appropriate armoured protection for the pilot and other vulnerable parts of the aircraft (ie. fuel tanks) being of secondary importance. This vulnerability to the enemy's fire and inferior dive speed seem to be the major drawbacks of the Zero fighter. Excessively delicate Mitsubishi AGM ZERO 3HISTORY ‘and thus weak - wing covering was a limiting factor in attaining appropriate dive speeds. This situation was only corrected with the introduction of the AMS version. The initial success of the Zero can largely be attributed to the fighter’s great maneuverability as well as the immaculate training of its pilots. The best American fighter at that time, the FAF Wildcat, did not stand a chance against the Zero. American pilots flying Wildcats tried to avoid dogfighting the Zero at all costs. However, from the time of the Guadalcanal air battle the Wildcats began to engage in close-in dogfights with Zeros, and quite successfully so. The reasons for this shift in balance are many, but two s decline in quality of the Japanese pilot training and the new tactics evolved by American fighters engaging the “super fighter”. The main principle behind these was to always attack with the altitude advantage, and when in trouble, to escape by a sharp dive with great speed. From that time ‘onward, the Zero fighter lost its previous reign and supremacy, and despite constantly implemented to be the most obvious: a considerable improvements and introduction of new versions, was never to regain it again. Construction Single-engine, low-wing cantilever monoplane of all-metal construction. Fuselage of semi ‘monocoque structure in two sections. Metal wings with two spars. Tail unit of classic cantilever design with fabric-covered rudder and elevator. Hydraulically retractable undercarriage, AOM2s during take off from the carrier Shokaku to attack Pearl Harbour, 8 December 1941. Photo A. Lochte Coll, 4 Mitsubishi A6M ZEROHISTORY Powerplants Mitsubishi Zuisei 13 = fourteen-cylinder twin-row air-cooled radial, rated at 780 hp for takeoff Nakajima NKIC Sakae 12 - fourteen-cylinder twin-tHow air-cooled radial, rated at 940 hp for takeoff, Nakajima NK IF Sakae 21 - fourteen-cylinder twin-row air-cooled radial, rated at 1130 hp for takeoff. Nakajima Sakae 31 = fourteen-cylinder twin-row air-cooled radial, rated at 1130 hp for takeoff, with water/methanol injection. Mitsubishi MK8P Kinsei 62 - fourteen-cylinder twin-row air-cooled radial, rated at 1560 hp for takeoff. Armament: 2x 20mm cannons Type 99 and 2 x 7,7 mm machine guns Type 97. (ASM1, A6M2, A6M3, AOMS, A6MSa) 2x 20mm cannons Type 99, 1 x 13mm machine gun Type 3 and 1 x 7,7 mm machine gun ‘Type 97. (A6MSb) 2x 20mm cannons ‘Type 99 and 3 x 13,2 mm machine guns Type 3. (A6MSe, A6MGc, A6M7) 2 x 20 mm cannons Type 99 and 2 x 13,2 mm machine guns Type 3. (AMS) 2x 30 mm cannons and 2 x 7,7 mm machine guns Type 97. (A6M3 - experimental) 3 x 20 mm cannons Type 99 and 2 x 7,7 mm machine guns Type 97 (A6MS) Detachable armament —_AGM2 Model 21 - foreground and A6MS Model 52 - background 2x 60kg in bomb load (stan- taken at RAF station Seletar, Singapore, 1945. “ATAIU” - Allied dard) Technical Air Intelligence Unit, “SEA South East Asia, 1x 250 kg bomb Arthur Lochte coll. 1x. 50 kg bomb (maximum for A6M7 and A6M8) 8x 10kg or2x 60kg ungui- ded rocket projectiles (A6M7 and AMS) 1x 330liters - additional drop tank (all versions exeapt ‘AOM7 and A6M8) 2x 39) liters ~additional drop tanks (AMT and A6MS) Mitsubishi ABM ZERO $HISTORY ‘ne pace Navy Name [Tantei otapansener Nae | eM Made TI fs 25 airames 12 Shisa Seize Kanjo Sento 12 Experimental Carer - Based Fier AEM Noda TT TSH Te Oo Kaa Semis Type Tam Mak 1 Caria acd ger AGE Mower ince airframe no 67 ofa Zor os wine folded wine Hip) Rei Shiki eh Go KanjoSemoki Ni Gata | A6M2 Mode! 21 KanjoSotokt Ni tei Gta Fiype Zane Man Carar = Baas ger Model 21 evi name forthe prevows version) Tr STN NG Kan Seah) Fippe Zann Mask 2 Carer Bass Pger Acts M22 Rei Shiki Kanj Semoki Nii Gat Papper Caner Bas Pigiee Model 22 /AGMS Md 32 Rel Shiki Kanjo Sentai Goi Pippen Caner Bass Figo Model 52 ‘AGMS Med 528 Rei Shiki Kanj Semoki Go Ni Ko Gata Piype Zar Caner Basal ger Model 528 ‘NOMS Moe $28 Rei Shiki Kanj Sentoki Go Ni OtsGta Type Zar Caner Bass Fger Model 520 Rei Shiki Kanj Sentai Go Ni Hes Gta FS a Ca WT Model 52 AGM?2, “DI-108” from the carrier “Ryujo” flown by Flight Petty Officer Tadayoshi Koga, crashed in the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska on 4 June 1942. It was repaired to flying condition by the U.S. Navy at the Naval Air Station, San Diego, California in July 1942. Photo is of the test ‘light on 15 October 1942, pitoted by either Lt, M.C. Hoffman or (more probably) Commander CL. Booth. Arthur Lochte coll. 6 Mitsubishi AGM ZERO‘VERSIONS: A6M2 Model LI In July of 1940 the IJN accepted the model A6M2, and in August, serial production began at Aireraft Plant No. 3 of the Mitsubishi's factory at Nagoya. The engine destined for the serial fighter, the Sakae 12, was somewhat larger than the prototype’s Zuisei 13, thus necessitating the enlargement of the engine cowling. Two profiled channels had to be implemented for the guns in the upper fuselage decking. Also, the carburetor air intake had to be moved to the bottom of the fuselage. With unit Serial No.22, the wings received a reinforced main spar, Production of this model ceased in November, after building 64 of the A6M2 Model 11 fighters, are a tees ee sarin viene = Right. ea ele of nm! cea a sk sie pes cre ‘Mitsubishi AOM ZERO. 7‘VERSIONS 6M2 Model 21 ‘Upon successful completion of tests aboard the alreraft cartier Kaga, the new version 0 tntreduced into serial production = {De AMZ odel 21. Anew feature was manually upward foluing wingtips, allowing the use of standard size aireraft carrier deck elevators: Beginning, "No. 127, each aileron received # ‘0 eliminate danger aircraft of the AOM2 Awe Parken MS Aewchiieth wales sat audi ladon gion, Nil al ecrel ary tala ee lenas Sit under Below Wine inte were folded manually. Mae Up to airframe #34 of Model 11 1 exhaust n hb extedm a ‘cowl flap. oy 8 Mitsubishi AOM ZEROVERSIONS Final location of the exhaust pipe (1). Now exiting from the fifth cowl flap, each side of the oil cooler flap. Left. AGM2 Jodel 21 exhaust pipes. Below. Side elevation (right view) of A6M2 Model 21 A6M2 Model 21 during taxiing, Rabaul in early 1943. Arthur Lochte coll. Mitsubishi AOM ZERO. 9Place for serial number ‘Stencil used on Model 21 built by Mitsubishi Factory 10 Mitsubishi A6M ZEROVERSIONS Above. Side elevation of Model 21 with 250 kg bomb. ‘Two photos of A6M2 Model 21 cowling. In the upper photo is bottom half with carburetter air intake, In the lower one is, upper half of the cowling. Arthur Lockie, ‘Only a few Model 21 Zeros were outfitted with long barreled 20 mm cannons and this was strictly a field ‘modification that was not reflected by any change in the nomenclature. Late model Nakajima built A6M2s were, however, equipped with 100 round drum magazines instead of the earlier 60 round drums. Again, this did not result in any change in the aircraft designation, Below. Side elevation of Model 21 with 12 Mitsubishi AOM ZERO modified wing armament.VERSIONS: Left. Engine and spinner of A6M2 Model 21. Also bombs racks are visible. A. Lochte colt. Right, Front elevation of A6M2 Model 21. Aircraft with undercarriage in down position. Stencil used on Model 21 built by Nakajima Factory since October AOM2 Model 21 fighters, Kabil PU ence ria Patmos tent att Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 13VERSIONS A6M3 Model 32 AOM3 Model 32 with clipped wing tips. | A. Locke coll, Work on this new model began six months before the outbreak of the war.’The main goal was to achieve an increase in both the speed in level flight and the rate of climb, For this purpose a new engine was introduced - the Sakae 21, employing a two-stage supercharger as compared to the previously used single-stage unit, Due to the new cengine’s increased size and weight, some redesign of the fuselage structure had to be made. The firewall was moved 20 cm further aft, reducing the capacity of the fuselage fuel tank (from the original 98 liters to 60 liters). Also, the shape of the fuselage’s front required reworking. The shaping of the supercharger air intake had to be modified, ‘This new model also dispensed with folded wingtips. ts production started in July 1941, and ended after 343 machines were built. \} Side elevation of A6M3 Model 32. Plea radio outfit, note removed 14 Mitsubishi AGM ZERO‘VERSIONS lan view (upper surface) of AGM3 Model 32, Aircraft shown with radio gear. Stencil used on Model 32 ‘built by Mitsubishi Factory. erry atts A. Lochte coll Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 15VERSIONS Right. Drawing showing cannon Type 99 Mark 1 Model 3 - Kai with short barrel and drum magazine. Right. Drawings showing A6M3's ‘exhaust pipes arrangement. 16 Mitsubishi A6M ZERO Left Drawing showing redesigned cowling of A6M3 Model 32. Please note relocated air intake and new gun outlets (1)‘VERSIONS: Below. Front view of A6M3 Model 32. Right and below. Two photos of AGM3 Model 32 captured by Americans end test flown in USA. Both photos A. Lochte colt Mitsubishi AGM ZERO 17“qenueyy eoruyoas jeurSo wioyy SueIg “TE PPOW EWY Jo suorsuaunp a¢josng _ errr Prin ae tt U 18 Mitsubishi AOM ZEROVERSIONS A6M3 Model 22 | A6M3 Model 22 of 251 Kokutai. “UI” before “105” was overpainted when the field applied green camouflage was painted onto this plane. et Photo A. Loclte Coll, SB=# Si Below. Side view of A6M3 Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 19VERSIONS Above. Undersurface of the right wing of A6M2 Model 22. A6M3 Model 22 of 582 Kokutai at Kahili Airfield at Buin on Bourgainville Island uring operation I-Go in April 1943. Photo. A. Lochte coll. 20 Mitsubishi AM ZERO‘VERSIONS Stencil used on Model 22 built by Mitsubishi Factory. Right ‘Undersurface of the right wing of A6M2 a Model 22a. Please note long barrel gun. (1) ‘Stencil introduced on Model 22 built by Mitsubishi Factory in January 1943, Side elevation of A6M3 Model 22a with long. barrel cannons. Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 21‘VERSIONS: A6M5 Model 52 Above. elevation of AMS Model 52. Please note new engine ccowling (1) and exhaust pipes (2). One of the primary weaknesses of the Zero’s earlier versions was its insufficient dive speed. In order to improve this situation, a serial aircraft AGM3 Model 32 No. 904 was pulled straight from the assembly line and used as a test bed for improvements. Wing structure was reinforced, receiving a heavier gauge skin, Although the wingspan didn’t change from the Model 32, the wingtips got a new, rounded-off shape. The engine remained the same with the exhaust collector ring replaced by individual exhaust stacks for each cylinder head. All of these modifications yielded a maximum dive speed of 660 kph. In August of 1942, this new model was accepted by the JIN, receiving the official designation as a ‘Type 0 Carrier-Based Fighter Model 52. 22 Mitsubishi A6M ZERO‘VERSIONS. AOMS Model 52 in American markings -TAIC 29. Aircraft during test flights in USA, 1944/45. Photo A. Lochte. Right. Probably the nose porton of ‘AGMS with panels behind the ‘engine removed Photo A. Lochte. Engine cowling of AMS. Please note separate exhaust Pipes (1) and redesigned fuse- lage gun outlets (2) and (3). Photo A. Lochte Mitsubishi AM ZERO 23Left. Drawing showing A6MS exhaust pipes, indi- vidual exhaust stacks for each cylinder head ‘Stencil used on Model 52 buile by Mitsubishi Factory ‘Once again A6MS Model 52 in American markings - TAIC 29] Photo A. Loehtel elevation of AMS Model 52 with is of arrestor hook. 24. Mitsubishi AGM ZERO‘VERSIONS Below. Plan view of A6M5 Model 52. Right. A6MS in the USA ready to be tested. Clearly visible is the American Star under the right wing, Photo A. Lochte Coll. Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 25VERSIONS: ‘Once again an AGMS preserved in American museum, but left side this time, Photo A. Lockte, Right. Drawing showing cannon 20 mm ‘Type 99 Mark 2 Model 3, in the wing of AGMS. 26 Mitsubishi ABM ZERO A6MS Model 52 in Kamikaze dive into flight deck of carrier USS Essex. Photo A. Lochte Coll,VERSIONS: Mitsubishi A6MSa Model 52a By the beginnig of 1944 a new version of the Zero fighter was under way. With the wing covering of even heavier gauge, the maximum dive speed reached 740 kph. The armament went through some improvements too. Type 99 Model 1 cannons were replaced by new ‘Type 99 Mark 2 Model 4s, fed byammunition belts, which also permitted the number of rounds to be increased to 125. Below. Wings of A6MSa. View of the left wing. Left. Bomb rack under the fuselage of the A6MS. eo : Installation used on Zeros converted to fighter- — bomber. Lett. Zero in sight. Gun camera pic~ tures from an American aircraft Photo A. Lockte Coll. Mitsubishi AGM ZERO 27VERSIONS: Mitsubishi A6M5b Model 52b Concurrently with the A6MSa work continued on the A6MSb version. With this version, however, the main emphasis was on appropriate protection for the pilot as well as the most vulnerable elements of the aircraft itself. Fuel tanks received a new, CO2 based fire extinguishing system, while the front part of the windshield was reinforced by installing a 50 mm thick armoured glass. The total firepower was i mproed upon by replacing one of the fuselage-mounted 7.7 mm machine guns with a more powerful 13.2 mm Type 3 gun, Right Cowling of A6MS Model 52b, Please | \ note the lines used to align guns. Left. > Plan view of ABMS Mode! 53b left ‘Stencil used on Model 526, Engine cowting of AGMSb Please n6te the wing can- rons Have been removed. Photo AgLachte col 28 Mitsubishi AGM ZERO‘VERSIONS Mitsubishi A6MSc Model 52c In April 1944 the Imperial Japanese Navy placed an order for a modified version of the Zero fighter. In response to the LJN specifications, the AMSc Model 52c was introduced in October. ‘The pilot protection was additionally improved by installation of an armoured plate immediately behind the pilot’s seat. In order to increase the range, the new model was fitted with a 70 liter self-sealing fuel tank, located behind the cockpit. In addition, the armament was modified adding two wing-mounted 13.2mm ‘machine guns, Type 3. The fwselage-mounted 7.7mm gun was deleted, leaving just a single 13.2mm gun. Wings were provided with racks for air-to-air rocket projectiles. In order to compensate for the increased weight, a new and more powerful engine was called for. The Navy chose the Sakae 314, with water-methanol injection for short bursts of extra power. However, the new engine was still under development, and suffered from serious problems requiring more tests. This meant that production aircraft retained the original engine - the Sakae 21 - and was thus seriously underpowered. The debut of this new model was catastrophic, virtually all the AGMSe aircraft in action being shot down by US fighters. Left, Machine-guns, 13 mm installation in the wing of A6MSe Right, Plan view of ABMSe Model 52c wing. Please note cannon and machine gun barrels and rocket projectile mounts (1). Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 29‘VERSIONS | ‘Tl Plan view of the left wing of A6MSc Left Left. Front view of A6MSe Model 52c. AOMSe Model 52c cowling Note missing left machine gun. Stencil used on Model S26 built by Nakajima. | | | Left Rear fuselage, starboard side, show- ing horizontal stabiliser attachment points, AMS. Photo A. Lochte 30° Mitsubishi AOM ZEROVERSIONS ‘Meso 0 440-1 c00--co0--120-L-c00-L 10 Fuselage dimensions of AGMS Model 52. ‘Drawing from original Technical Manual. Mitsubishi A6M ZERO 31‘VERSIONS ns, ‘Wing dimensions of A6MS Model 52. Drawing from original Technical Manual. Mitsubishi A6Mé6c model 53¢ In November 1944, the new engine, the Sakae 31A, finally became available after the ‘completion of tests, and a serial AMSe was equipped with it at the Mitsubishi plant. As a result, the maximum speed in level flight increased to 555 kph. Serial aircraft also received new, self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings. Nonetheless, the only one aircraft produced at this phase of the war were plagued with numerous defects (both power plant and the aircraft). The troublesome fuel injection system was a major problem. 32 Mitsubishi AM ZEROVERSIONS A6M7 Model 63 In mid 1944, with the loss of all of the larger aircraft carriers, the LIN high command requested yet another modification of the Zero. This time it was to have a role of dive bomber: Its new incarnation required the ability to dive with great speeds, thus necessitating additional reinforcements to the covering of the fuselage rear parts and wings. Under-fuselage drop tank installation was replaced with a Mitsubishi designed bomb rack, accommodating a 250 kg bomb. Provision were also made for two 350 liters under-wing fuel tanks, attached outboard of the wheel wells. It is not known how many es of this type were built. iy = Above. Side view of AGM7 Model 63. Aircraft shown with bomb on the bomb rack under fuselahge. Right Engine and spinner of AOM7. Photo A. Lochte. Stencil used on Model 63 built by Mitsubishi. ICES Gorey f= nea] Mitsubishi AOM ZERO. 33VERSIONS A6MS8 Model 64 \ Side view of A6MB8 Model 64, Aircraft with removed fuselage armament (2), redesigned ‘cowling (1) and windscreen of new shape (3) ippointing performance of models AMS and AGMT7 resulted in replacing the previously used Sakae engines with a new power plant - the Kinsei 62. Again, the new ‘engine installation required changes to the fuselage’s front portion, and among other things the only fuselage machine gun had to be removed, leaving the aircraft with wing guns only. Similarly to the previous version, the underwing drop tanks were used while the fuselage centerline bomb rack could now accommodate a 500 kg bomb. An aircraft such equipped, was capable of reaching a maximum speed of 577 kph. In May of 1945 an order for 6500 aircraft was officially placed, receiving the highest P in the armament industry. The serial production of this model, however, never got under wa Right. AOM7 Model 63 in a ‘museum. Aircraft bes utifully restored and preserved in excellent condition Photo A. Lochte, 34 Mitsubishi AOM ZEROCOLOUR PROFILES wuaar8-Ka1p) Assojp [[e42A0 EIT OSL “HIM}ON FT JO YHIdI1Y “TT PEIN ZIV apis fa apis 9s ase smojoo osu ayy uayA aiqesonou quo ‘Syqwax st gousraystp ou, uoHeLIEA ue) duu psn eunfeyeN amp pur soudax8 reymoutos sea se Jo WOISIOA TYSTQNSIEFY 94, \.MYOUSNYOK:-1eH,, asout ade xp st anoyoo simp 30 twr21 1809 ou, “U9as8-£oID, ssoj8 [1e10x0 payuted aan, ~ so1az, ying 1ysiqnsiiyy pure eueyey Mog “Uso18-KaID Ksso1N) [210% Jaquisoeq g “Yorn noquey vg 3 Jo User muaSiys Aq wooy YOIOMTY “Te POW ZIN9V Miteubishi ABM ZERO 35COLOUR PROFILES Assoip esox0 yesmnty “1 r61 F2que02q § Yee anoqiny{ [eq SuMp soxsIe9 ¥FeY JO OPEN usnseg. 17 £4 uMmoy YeIDNY “TZ POW ZNOV uoai8-Kaip) KSs019 [NeIONO YEIOMY “wUED UL {easy mUIOINS], 2720 Kq UMOU ‘OPI sORUIOKES “reinyoy Z] JO e911 “TT POW ZINSV 36 Mitsubishi AGM ZERODETAILS A6MS restored to flying condition, Photo 8.7: Hards via J. Kightly ip of A6MS, Photo A. Lochte. Right Folded wing tip of A6M3 Model 22. This same feature was used on Mode! 21 Photo A. Lochte Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 37DETAILS Right, Folded wing tip of A6M2 replica. Construction is simi- lar to the A6M3 Model 22, especially when compared to photo on the pervious page. Photo R. Pecckowski. Left Details of the folded wing tip, AGM3 Mode! 22. Photo A. Lochte Left. Port wing tip-hinge line and handle of A6M3 model 22, Wing tip in flying posi tion Photo A. Lochte 38 Mitsubishi A6M ZERODETAILS Starboard wing tip in the folded position, A6M3 Model 22. Aircraftunder restoration, Photo A. Lochie, Starboard wing of the A6M3 Model 22, during restoration, Inspection panels shown open. Photo A. Lochte. Wing tip and aileron control horn, starboard wing, A6M7. Photo A. Lockte, Mitsubishi AGM ZERO 39Above. Starboard flap, inner view, AGM7. Please note details of the flap construction Photo A. Lochie. Left. Drawing from Technical Manual of A6M, Internal construction of the flap. I part of the starboard area, Visibl ine indicates AOMS, Photo A. Lochte, the “no -step’ 40 Mitsubishi AOM ZERODETAILS sontrol horn, star- board wing, A6M7, Photo A. Lochte Below Pitot tube, port wing AMT. Photo A. Locke. Below. Starboard wing of the A6M7. Mitsubishi AM ZERO 41COLOUR PROFILES -foymoureo ysnug ui yesonTy TIS IseR TINOS + Va. up aouodiqo00] sry TPOIUYDA, PAY ~ AIVLV., “Shol auodeug weR]9$ UOHRYS AVA TZ PPONN ZNSY ‘uaaif-£015 ASSO[D [BI9N0 YEIDIY “Th soquiaoaq § “foewe anoqueH eeq Sunp sa nA sPoumoy’ ontng Xq WAOY YRINNY “TZ PPO ZNO 42 Mitsubishi AOM ZERO‘COLOUR PROFILES w2ai8-fa1p 1980 paaured sew anojoo usa 3mq "uoasF-Sa1F £55015 $2085 -anssapun ‘(moysMI-we ~ assure) Uo918 Bed - S209} cans odd “F461 “TEIMYON eGMANS] WO 17 PPO ZAIV ONL uaif-faip Assoqp qft0 yaIouTy TeyRS amgeS £q WON, “Chor “(HEAR 1SZ) MIMO MUN] JO TZ PPOW ZWOV Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 43DETAILS Green, starboard wing tip light of AM7. Photo A. Lochte. Underside of the wings at fuselage, showing wheel well, AGMS. Photo A. Loclte. Underside of the port wing, AGM3. Photo A. Lochie. 44 Mitsubishi AOM ZERODETAILS Above. (Close up of the aileron, and the flap of A6MS. Photo A. Lochte, Left. Port wing, flap actuator inspection panel, AMS. Photo A. Lockie. Left. Port aileron control horn, mass balance is, missing, A6M3. Photo A. Lochte. Mitsubishi ABM ZERO 48DETAILS Right. - Cockpit air intake, port wing, AGM3. Please note that on carly Model 11 air intake was elliptical in shape. Photo A. Lochte. Right, below. ‘Two photos of landing gear position indicator, A6M3. Photos A. Lochte, actuator inspection pane!, fuel iller cover and navigation light, A6M3. Photo A. Lochie. 46 Mitsubishi A6M ZERODETAILS | Left a ‘The bottom port mid wing sec- jon, showing cannon blisters and ‘empty shell chute, as viewed from the wing tip, A6MS. Photo A. Lochte. Below. Pitot tube, port wing, A6M7. Photo A. Lochte. type, port wing, A6M3, Photo A. Lochte. Above. ‘The bottom port mid wing sec- tion, showing cannon blisters and ‘empty shell chute, A6MS. Photo A. Lochte. Left. Underneath of the fuselage at wing, AOM3, Photo A. Lochte, Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 47DETAILS Right. Underside of the port wing, AOM3, Photo A. Lochte Right. Red, port wing tip light, AOMS. Below. Navigation light on the starboard wing, A6M3. Below, right. Port mid wing section showing faired over housing of the bomb rack, AMT. All photos A. Lochte 48 Misubishi AM ZERODETAILS Left. A6MS Model 52c in mu- seum, Aireraft preserved in very good condition, Photo A. Lochte Left and below. iully restored AOM2 the Australian Memorial Museum, Can- berra, Aireraftin the cam- ouflage as flown by Sa- buro Sakai, Please note thataccording to the latest research colour of carly ‘Zero Models 21 and Mo- del 32 was different from what is shown in this picture. See colour profiles. Photos R. Wallsgrove. Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 49| DETAILS | Right. Oil cooler intake, underside view, AMS. Wheel well covers are also visible. Photo A. Lochte, Middle. Retractable step and inspec- tion panel. Port side beneath canopy, A6MS. Photo A. Lochte. Right, below, Port side upper fuselage be- tween cowl flaps and wind- screen, AMS Photo A. Lochte. ‘The wing fillet at fuselage, Photo A. Lochte. 50° Mitsubishi AOM ZERODETAILS. Left Retractable step, A6M3, Photo A. Loch. Left Retractable step, just above the wing fillet. Photo A. Lochte. Left. Middle part of the fusel AO. Photo A. Lochte Mitsubishi AOM ZERO $1‘uoas8-Kour So0njansJopun ‘uaa weg saompns Jodde pho] “aMOY £0240 12 PON ZINDV [pax ioys 01 puay eu oun 220329 pour soumjd op SY sug 3 29pun yred uoe1f-Caxp a4 ous oy diyo pinom sem yyed woot8 foun ayn rystqnsuy Jo ose xp ur Yep 304 9501 -uoauf-faury SooepMs 29pm “u9euh 50] $990 side +961 2990190 ‘Syoene azeyranEy iy xp Jo O40 BuuNp HIBS MA 4 UNOY MYON [OT THOME 10€ JO TZ PPOIK ZWOV COLOUR PROFILES 52 Mitsubishi AOM ZEROLE ATT EES INE COLO ORE RORIES? “uaari-f219 As8019 [yeI0N0 oI {EPG UH YeINyON KUNA] JO ZZ IPPON EILV (nyoys-n0 no) afte my ssoqans sopun “uas4e 30q SOORINS 7 POW TW9V 53. Mitsubishi A6M ZERODETAILS Lochte Below. Internal fuselage structure of Zero A6M2. Sadly it is only a replica, built in Russia. Photo R. Peeckowski 54 Mitsubishi A6M ZERODETAILS” Once again internal fuselage struc ture of Zero A6M2. Close up view of the tail structure, Photo R. Pecckowski. Left AOM3. The hand grip helpful when centering cockpit Photo A. Lochte. emains of a Zero in the IWM. Duxford. Please note colour of the prin Photo R. Peezkowski Below, Oil cooler intake. AGM3. Photo A. Locke, Mitsubishi ABM ZERO 5SDETAILS, Right Side view of the A6M2 remains in Duxford. Photo R. Pecckowski Right. Cover removed showing compressed air filler. Port fuselage side below rear portion of the canopy Photo A. Locke Below Front view of A6M3 Model Photo A. Lockte. 56 Mitsubishi ABM ZERODETAILS Left and middle of the page. Remains of AGM2 Model 21. S photos on page 5 a Photos R. Pecchowski Bottom of the page. ‘The same aircraft as in the photo on opposite pi behind the engine removed. e, but side view with panels Photo A. Lochte Mitsubishi AM ZERO $7Headrest - port side of the AGM3. Photo A. Lochte. Right below. Rear of the canopy of A6M3. Photo A. Lochte. Above. Drawing ofthe pilot's seat. Draw- ing from original Technical Ma nual. Right. Pilots seat A6M2 Model 21. Photo R. Wallsgrove. 58° Mitsubishi AOM ZERODETAILS Left. Cockpit of A6M2 Model 21 Well visible is instrument panel, port console and control co- umn, Photo R. Wallsgrove. Left. Instrument pane! of ABM2 Model 21. Please note how machine guns ‘were mounted in the cockpit. Photo R. Wallsgrove. Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 59DETAILS 60 Mitsubishi ABM ZERODETAILS Left. Headrest and canopy lock handle of A6M3, Photo A. Lochte Left Windscreen and the g of A6M3, Photo A. Lo Left 45 mm armoured glass used on AOM7. Photo A. Lochte Mitsubishi A6M ZERO 61DETAILS Right. A6M7 windshield - upper view. Photo A. Lochte Below, ‘Canopy of A6M7. Photo A. Lochte. Below. Side view of the cockpit canopy of A6MS. Canopy in closed position. Photo A. Lochte. 62 Mitsubishi AM ZEROSide view of the wind- shield, AOMS, Photo A. Lochte, Mitsubishi AGM ZERO 63DETAILS Right. ‘Once again side view of the cockpit canopy, A6MS. Photo A. Lochte. Middle of the page. Close up view of the AMS ‘canopy. Photo A. Lochte. Bottom, Left side of the canopy. close up view. Photo A. Lochte. 64 Mitsubishi A6M ZEROCOLOUR PROFILES ‘uoaiBeAaup sooepns Jopun ‘uoaus uBg saqqjIns eddy *¢h61 pr ‘tnegey ‘eImyoy $0Z JO ZE PPOW ENV. ty ponuredsono wan span hI BqUBAON “IMEERE KINFON. $97JO ZZ POW EWOV Mitsubishi A6M ZERO 65DETAILSDETAILS ‘This page. Photos of Sakae 21 engine and its cowling. Engine pre- served at Cosford Museum, Photos R Peczkowski Mitsubishi ASM ZERO 67DETAILS Left and opposite page left. Panel behind cowling removed, showing oil tank and the machine gun barrels, exhaust collector ring also visible, A6M3. Photo A. Lochte. Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 68DETAILS Exhaust stacks and cowling of A6MS. Photo A. Lochte, Right ‘Two photos of Nakajima NKIF Sakae 13 engine, ———e Below y Two photos of Nakajima NKIF Sukae21 engine. a Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 69DETAILS Above, ‘Two photos of A6MS spinner Photos A. Lochte Right. Cowling of A6MS, cowl 70 Mitsubishi AOM ZEROa18-4015) Er61 Aue ‘Zr6I MYON Z JO-SEOE WS ‘ZE POTN ENV ‘ugai8-faio sa2epans sapum ‘taa1p >eq sooejns seddr,“¢p61 Pru mEgeY ‘TEINYON $02 JO ZE TPPOWW ELV Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 71DETAILS Above Exhaust stack and oil cooler inlet, A6M3. Photo A. Loch. Right Spin + and propeller of A6M7. Photo A. Lochte Below Engine cowling of A6M2 Model 21, front aa Photo R. Wallsgrove 72 Misubishi A6M ZERODETAILS ment of A6MS, starboard Photo A. Lochte Photo R. Wallsgrove. Left. Inside of the starboard wheel well, A6M3, Photo A. Lochte. Mitsubishi AGM ZERO 73DETAILS Opposite page. ‘Top, left. Front view of the gear, showing how the doors are mounted. A6MS Top, right. Main undercarriage leg cover, ‘AGM. Bottom, left. Starboard main undercarriage leg of A6M7, Bottom, right. Port main undercarriage leg, inner view, AMS, Lett. Straight view of the port main leg, AOM7, Left. Main wheel wells and oil cooler, ‘AOM7. Al photos A. Lochie Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 75DETAILS, Right and middle of the page. Two photos showing upper part of the landing gear cover. Photos A. Lockie, Shot the inside of a starboard wheel, showit je-down ring and bumper for closing whee! Photo A. Lochte. 76 Mitsubishi AM ZERODETAILS Port_wheel well and outer: gear cover, A6M3. eamammegn Photo A, Lochte, | gear of A6MS. The Photo A. Lochte. Below, left. Port wheel well, A6M3, Photo A. Lochte rement of the Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 77DETAILS Right. Port whee! well and outer gear cover, AGM7. Photo A. Locke, Right. Main undercarriage of A6M7. Photw A. Lochte, Right. ‘The way that outer doors are ‘opened is easy visible. AGMS. Photo A. Lochte 78 Mitsubishi A6M ZERODETAILS Main wheel wells and oil cooler, A6M3, Photo A. Lochte. Left, ‘Arrester hook, A6M7. Photo A. Lochte, Left. Main wheel wells and oil cooler. ASM7, Photo A. Lochte, Mitsubishi AM ZERO 79DETAILS Right. Tail wheel of AMS. Photo A. Lochte. ight and bottom of the page. Two photos of A6M7 wheel. Photos A. Lockte, 80 Mitsubishi AOM ZERODETAILS. Left Arrestor hook and tail wheel of AGM?, Photo A. Lochte, Left Front view of the A6M2 tail wheel Photo R. Peeckowski Below, left. Side view of the A6M2 tail wheel Photo R. Peezkowski. Bottom of the page. ‘Tail wheel of the AOMS, Photo A. Lochte Mitsubishi AGM ZERO 81DETAILS Right. Starboard wheel wells, AMS Please note all details inside the well Photo A. Lochte. Shot of inside of starboard wheel, showing tie-down ring ‘and bumper that closes wheel outer door. A6MS Photo A. Lochte Right. Close-up of the lower part of the main leg cover, A6MS. Photo A. Lochte 82 Mitsubishi AOM ZERODETAILS Above. Inside of the starboard wheel well, AGM3. Photo A. Lochte. Left. Port wheel well and inner view of outer wheel doors, ABMS. Photo A. Lochte. Below. Port wheel well and outer gear cover, AGM3. Photo A. Lochte. Mitsubishi AGM ZERO 83AGM3 Model 32 of 2 Kokutai (Later $82 Kokutai), at Lae November- December 1942. Airerat overall Glossy Grey-green, 84 Mitsubishi AOMLAL COLOUR PROFIES : 1s 10d) “einyOY 197.50 #77 POW ENVY Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 85DETAILS Armament Above. 20 mm cannon Type 99. Below Cannon and machine gun barrels, port wing, A6M7. Photo A. Lochte 86 Mitsubishi AGM ZERODETAILS Left Cannon barrel on A6M3. Middle of the page. Close up view of the cannon and machine gun barrels, port wing, A6M7 Bottom. Once again cannon and machine gun barrels on AMS. Alll photos A. Lochte, Mitsubishi ASM ZERO 87DETAILS Right Machine-gun barrels of AM7. Photo A. Lochte. Right, middle. A6MB gun sight Photo A. Lochte. Below. Machine guns in the cockpit of restored A6M2. Photo R. Peczkowski 88 Mitsubishi AOM ZERODETAILS Left. Tip of the rudder and fin, AGM3, Photo A. Lochte. Left Underside of the starboard horizontal stabiliser, AMS. Photo A. Lochte. Left. Port horizontal stabiliser AOMS. Please note stabil fuselage intersection, Photo A. Lochte. Miteubishi AOM ZERO 89"DETAILS. Above, Dimension drawing of fin. Drawing from Technical Manual. Right. Vertical stabiliser, port side, AMT. Photo A. Lochte Right, below. Port elevator and trim tab, AOMB. Photo A. Lochte, Below. Tail light and rudder trim tab, AGM3. Photo A. Lochte. 90 Mitsubishi ABM ZERO‘COLOUR PROFILES uaif-Aalg soonjans Jopun ear yreq sooens addy “ppp soquiaidag ut uedey ‘aun 8 LEMON ZEE JO ZS PPONN SDV Mitsubishi AGM ZERO 91‘COLOUR PROFILES i eg seoepns reddp “sp61 eNO, 92. Mitsubishi AGM ZEROCOLOUR PROFILES Front and plan view of the typical A6MS Model $2 camouflage. sutsubishi AOM ZERO 93“COLOUR PROFILES Jo 100 oued axes ne ~8NQ ava ‘OIVL oF pasa ‘enudisu asouedey ,uonemmdes, wim YRITY “£9 POW LW9V. 94° Mitsubishi AGM ZEROeT PE RCO LI URTEL RISES “equBisur reuoned zygote puw Bulya09 ‘yp sano Ajuo joued are rae 0e(q tas fereUryemgeD e240 “OIVL Ur porsar yee 975 POW ISWIV Mitsubishi AOM ZERO 95RED SERIES - historical books. No.l in the RED SERIES - historical books. No. 2 inthe serigg, Details the destruc- Force dur ‘opening Germany's invasion of the No. 2 in the series, A comprehensive ‘guide (o the Bf 109E from the pre production E-0 (0 photo-recon E-9. EXTENSIVELY illustrated wITHeotor and B&W photos (both overall and in detail), profile & detail drawings, and 32! color profiles, Nose-to-tail cover- age! 46 color pages, 80 pages. BS sice sc. STILL AVAILABLE