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A6M's levels of maneuverability and consistently exceeding its firepower, armor, and speed, the A6M had largely become outdated as a fighter aircraft.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" fighter that was piloted by Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya, who was embarked upon the IJN Akagi, during December 1941. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: April 2018

Historical Account: "Leading the Attack" - During his career, Shigeru Itaya served with the 15th Kokutai aboard the aircraft carrier Ryujo. He is, however, best known for his time aboard the Akagi and as the commander of the 43 fighters that flew as air cover for the 1st wave strike force at Pearl Harbor.

He was killed in the Kuriles on July 24th, 1944 - shot down by Japanese anti-aircraft gunners who mistook his plane for an enemy machine. At the time of his death, he was a Lieutenant Commander and was serving on the staff of the 51st Air Flotilla. At least one source states that Itaya had become an ace over China.