HOBBY MASTER 1/48   HA8804

Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero  Sen Zeke

USN, September 1942, Captured Aircraft

On June 4 1942 Japanese Zeros attacked the Aleutian Islands as a diversion for the attack on Midway Island. Zeros were launched from the carrier Ryujo to attack Dutch Harbor. The Japanese aircraft shot down a PBY-5A Catalina and bombed the harbor. During the attack ground fire hit Tadayoshi Koga's Zero (4593) and it limped away and was discovered one month later crashed on Akutan Island almost intact. The aircraft was sent to the U.S., repaired and test flown to learn everything about the Zero but was destroyed in a 1945 crash.

First flown in April, 1939, the A6M Zero-Sen was the Allies' main opponent in the Pacific and the most famous symbol of Japanese air power during World War II. This carrier-based fighter, designed with a low-monoplane wing and armed with a formidable array of two 20mm cannons and two 7.7mm machine guns, proved capable of handling any of the Allies' aircraft. It wasn't until the Allies studied a captured Zero that they were able to identify and exploit weaknesses such as minimal pilot and fuel tank protection. Zeros became infamous for Kamikaze attacks, in which pilots would intentionally crash explosion-laden aircraft into Allied ships.

Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

1. Molded metal construction with plastic components.
2. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
3. Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
4. opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
5. Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
6. Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
7. Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.