Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA8811 Mitsubishi Japan A6M2 Zero A6M2 Zero PO 1st Class Tsugio Matsuyama, Carrier Hiryu, Dec 1941 "Pearl Harbor". 1/48 Scale Diecast Model, Size: 9." Wingspan & 7.5" Long, Optional Up & Down Landing Gear, Armaments & Display Stand Are Included.

The Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" was a long-range fighter aircraft formerly manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1940 to 1945. Primary Role: Fighter Aircraft.

The A6M entered service in 1940 and became known as the Zero because of the Japanese designation of Type 0 Carrier Fighter. The Zero technology was years ahead of any other fighter and had no problem clearing the skies of opposing aircraft. There were numerous variants of the Zero including the folding wing A6M2 Model 21 designed for carrier operations. The A6M2 was the most produced Japanese aircraft of WWII. As the war went on the Model 21 would be the Zero variant that most Allied pilots would encounter.

On December 7, 1941 this aircraft, A6M2 Zero c/n 5349 was flown by flight leader PO 1st Class Tsugio Matsuyama that was assigned to the carrier Hiryu took part in the raid on Pearl Harbor. On that day 8 Zeros from the Hiryu strafed Kaneohe and Bellows Field destroying several trucks and airplanes. Next they joined the air battle and Matsuyama shot down of the U.S. defender aircraft. Out of 384 U.S. aircraft on the ground 188 were destroyed and 159 damaged with Japan losing 15 aircraft.