Plastic model kit of a Japanese WWII fighter aircraft. When the Japanese Zero first entered service in 1940, it was undoubtedly the most advanced naval fighter in the world and quickly earned a reputation as a ruthless fighter. In early engagements, the Zero proved so effective that pilots recorded an almost unbelievable 12 to 1 victory ratio against their opponents. When the Wehrmacht began its march through Europe in 1940, little attention was paid to developments in the Far East. After years of rearmament and modernisation, the Japanese Navy was able to boast some of the most advanced naval aircraft in the world in its inventory, including the superb Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a long-range fighter that was at the forefront of Japan's expansion efforts throughout World War II and proved unsurpassed in the early years of the war in the Pacific theater. The Zero also quickly earned a reputation as a dogfighter, and Allied pilots quickly learned to avoid slow, turning combat with this beautifully balanced aircraft. American pilots soon developed tactics that avoided playing into the Zero's hands and began to win victories. As newer fighters entered service, the A6M Zero began to show its weaknesses, namely the lack of armour protection for the pilot and the lack of self-sealing fuel tanks in the wing. With their boom-and-zoom tactics, the Americans finally got the dreaded Zero under control. 47 parts, length built 126 mm / width 166 mm / height 49.4 mm.
