Mitsubishi A6M2

Japanese Zero

The Zero was the best performing fighter at the beginning of WW II.  It is appropriate that we consider this aircraft on Dec. 7, the day we remember the attack on Pearl Harbor.  The attack was unexpected and inappropriately carried out while diplomacy ground ahead in Washington.  It was rightly considered an act of war by FDR and Congrass.  The USA teetered on the brink of entering the war and this pushed us into it.

Our best fighter at the time was the Curtis P-40, before we entered WWII, had been up against the Zero.  Flown by the Flying Tigers, flying in support of and from China were commanded by Claire Chennault.  The Flying Tigers, with the grinning or snarling teeth on their P-40 planes flew sorties against the Zero and learned tactics, such as "not trying to turn inside the Zero because the Zero could make a tighter turn."

Thanks to NMUSAF for the information provided and permission to photograph.

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