Akutan Zero: Difference between revisions
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The '''Akutan Zero''', also known as '''Koga's Zero''' was a model 21 [[A6M Zero]] fighter plane. It was captured intact by the Americans in 1943. Analysis of its combat capabilities allowed American engineers to alter American aircraft to make them more combat effective against Japanese Zeros. The Akutan Zero was "probably one of the greatest prizes of the [[Pacific war]]."<ref name="Dwyer">[http://www.aviation-history.com/mitsubishi/zero.html Mitsubishi A6M Zero-Sen - Japan]. Larry Dwyer. The Aviation History On-Line Museum. 2003</ref> |
The '''Akutan Zero''', also known as '''Koga's Zero''' was a model 21 [[A6M Zero]] fighter plane. It was captured intact by the Americans in 1943. Analysis of its combat capabilities allowed American engineers to alter American aircraft to make them more combat effective against Japanese Zeros. The Akutan Zero was "probably one of the greatest prizes of the [[Pacific war]]."<ref name="Dwyer">[http://www.aviation-history.com/mitsubishi/zero.html Mitsubishi A6M Zero-Sen - Japan]. Larry Dwyer. The Aviation History On-Line Museum. 2003</ref> |
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The plane, piloted by [[Flight petty officer]] Tadayoshi Koga, was launched from [[Japanese aircraft carrier Ryūjō]] during the [[Battle of Dutch Harbor]] on June 3, 1942. On returning from the attack, Koga found his plane had been hit by two bullets and was leaking fuel. He attempted to crash land on [[Akutan Island]] in Alaska, but |
The plane, piloted by [[Flight petty officer]] Tadayoshi Koga, was launched from [[Japanese aircraft carrier Ryūjō]] during the [[Battle of Dutch Harbor]] on June 3, 1942. On returning from the attack, Koga found his plane had been hit by two bullets and was leaking fuel. He attempted to crash land on [[Akutan Island]] in Alaska, but the plane flipped over on landing, [[Cervical fracture|breaking Koga's neck]]. However, his plane survived the crash landing nearly intact. |
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Five weeks later, an American [[PBY Catalina]] spotted the wreckage, and it was recovered and extensively tested. |
Five weeks later, an American [[PBY Catalina]] spotted the wreckage, and it was recovered and extensively tested. |
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Revision as of 18:02, 2 December 2008
The Akutan Zero, also known as Koga's Zero was a model 21 A6M Zero fighter plane. It was captured intact by the Americans in 1943. Analysis of its combat capabilities allowed American engineers to alter American aircraft to make them more combat effective against Japanese Zeros. The Akutan Zero was "probably one of the greatest prizes of the Pacific war."[1]
The plane, piloted by Flight petty officer Tadayoshi Koga, was launched from Japanese aircraft carrier Ryūjō during the Battle of Dutch Harbor on June 3, 1942. On returning from the attack, Koga found his plane had been hit by two bullets and was leaking fuel. He attempted to crash land on Akutan Island in Alaska, but the plane flipped over on landing, breaking Koga's neck. However, his plane survived the crash landing nearly intact.
Five weeks later, an American PBY Catalina spotted the wreckage, and it was recovered and extensively tested.
The relatively undamaged fighter was recovered and shipped to North Air Station, North Island, San Diego. Subsequent testing of the repaired A6M revealed not only its strengths but also deficiencies in design and performance.[2] Knowledge of the Zero's combat capabilities allowed American military engineers to modify existing planes, including the Grumman F4F Wildcat and Grumman F6F Hellcat[1].
References
- ^ a b Mitsubishi A6M Zero-Sen - Japan. Larry Dwyer. The Aviation History On-Line Museum. 2003
- ^ Jablonski, Edward. Airwar. New York: Doubleday & Co., 1979. ISBN 0-38514-279-X.