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A6M7 Zero

A6M7 Zero Fighter Model 63
The Zero was the mainstay of the Imperial Japanese Navy throughout World War II. It was a modern monoplane capable of speeds over 300 miles per hour, yet its low landing speed also made it suitable for carrier operations. Everything about its design and construction emphasized lightness, simplicity and utility. The first Zero was flown in April, 1939. In July, 1940 it went into regular service with the Japanese Navy. A total of 10,449 were produced from 1939 to 1945, more than any other type of Japanese military aircraft. Displayed here is an A6M7. This particular Zero was originally assigned to the Yokosuka Naval Air Group and was probably involved in home defense. It was loaned to us by the National Air and Space Museum and rebuilt to original specifications by our Museum volunteers. The aircraft was placed on display in April 1984. The translation of the designation 3 - 143 on the vertical stabilizer is as follows: The Japanese katagana character 3 represents the syllable YO, an abbreviation for Yokosuka, the Air Group to which the plane was assigned. The number 1 designates the aircraft as a fighter plane. The number 43 indicates that this particular Zero-fighter was the 43rd such fighter within the Yokosuka N.A.G.

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