Mitsubishi A6M3 "Zero" Model 32 ("Hamp") - the Japanese deck fighter

The Mitsubishi A6M "Reisen" (also known as the "Zero" or "Zeke") was a Japanese single-engine, metal-construction low-wing fighter, used in World War II. The first flight of the prototype took place in 1939. April 1, put into operation in 1940 in the summer. The first prototypes were powered by the Mitsubishi "Suisei" 13 engine, but from the A6M2 Model 11 onward, the Nakajima NK1B "Sakae" 12 950 h. p. power engine was mounted, making the plane one of the best fighters of the early phase of war. New versions were created just before and during the war. One of the most famous was the A6M2 Model 21, a special folding-wing version for aircraft carriers, that went into production early in the Pacific War and became the main Japanese fighter. Other versions, include the A6M3 and A6M5, each of which had several models. The former used Nakajima's 1,130 h.p. "Sakae" 21 supercharged engine, but this meant an increase in weight and a decrease in range and maneuverability. This problem was tried to be solved in the A6M5 version by changing the exhaust system, changing the shape of the wings and abandoning their folding equipment, which led to an increase in top speed. The first flight of this version took place in 1943 and was produced until the end of the war. It is worth noting, that one of the most widely produced versions of the A6M5 was the A6M5C Model 52C «Hei» aircraft, of which almost 5 thousand were produced. "Zero" aircraft were involved throughout the war in the Pacific, serving primarily as deck fighters, but mostly as army fighters. The "father" of this famous plane was the engineer Jiro Horikoshi, who gained experience in designing planes, while working on the M5A plane. He managed to create a very maneuverable aircraft with excellent aerodynamic characteristics, perfect for combat and with a long flight range. However, this was achieved at the expense of the lack of armor and self-sealing fuel tanks. What's more, in the absence of aircraft engines, comparable to the American machines, the "Zero" evolved from a "super fighter" in each war year, from 1943, to a weaker model of the machine. It also turned out to be an airplane, easily vulnerable even to infantry rifles and machine guns. However, this does not change the fact, that the Allies did not have an aircraft, that could compete with the A6M "Zero" until 1943. A6M3 Reisen 32 - model with Nakajima "Sakae 21" 1130 h. p. power engine, the first copy took to the air in June 1941. The machines are equipped with smaller capacity fuel tanks, the wing length has been reduced by eliminating the hinged parts. Serial production began in July 1941 at the Mitsubishi and Nakajima factories. 343 units were produced.

A well-designed and detailed fighter model of medium complexity, perfect even for beginners (not as one of the first models) and for modelers with little experience, working under the supervision of a more experienced modeler. Perfectly restored engine and exterior detailing, cabin equipment, chassis and niches. The model reproduces the appearance of the fighter Mitsubishi A6M3 "Zero" Model 32 ("Hamp"), which has participated in battles for a long time and has been significantly "worn". Excellent graphic and textual instructions, color stock available. A re-release of this previously released model, with only design changes and revised colors and traces of use.