Photo © Atsushi "Fred" Fujimori

Specs

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi
Type: Fighter
Engine: 1,130 HP Nakajima Sakae 21 (Fitted with a 1,250 HP Pratt & Whitney R-1830-75)
Wing Span: 39 ft. 4 in.
Length: 29 ft. 9 in.
Height: 9 ft. 8 in.
Max Speed: 294 MPH
Cruising Speed: 240 MPH
Ceiling: 36,250 ft.
Max Range: 1,930 Miles
Normal Range: 1,160 Miles
Empty Weight: 3,984 lbs.
Max Weight: 5,609 lbs.
Fuel Consumption: (average) 70 GPH
Armament: Two 7.7 mm type 97 guns in upper fuselage, Two 20 mm type 99 cannons in the wings

Number Built: 10,449

Number Still Flying: 4

Background

560 A6M3 model 22's were built between December 1942 and the summer of 1943. The A6M3 was built after the Battle of Midway with longer wings, folding wing tips (for carrier use), a more powerful engine, and had the longest range of all the Zeros.

The first flight of the "Zero" fighter was April 1, 1939. Allied Intelligence applied the name "Zeke" to the A6M, but it was better known as the "Zero", which was derived from its type designation. Mitsubishi and Nakajima built 10,449 "Zero" fighters (more than any other type of Japanese aircraft). The single seat fighter has light weight all metal construction and fabric covered control surfaces. There were some two seat models built, but most were the single seat model.

A6M3 Zero Model 22 C/N 3869

Built: July 1943

This Zero was delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Group #3 as Mitsubishi A6M3 Type 0 Model 22. It was abandoned at Babo Airfield in New Guinea and remained at the airfield until 1991, when it was recovered by Bruce Fenstermaker. It was exported and bought by David Price along with A6M3's 3858 and 3852. Mr. Price's three Zeros were restored in Russia by Flight Magic Inc. This Zero was the first to be finished. It was fitted with a 1,250 HP Pratt & Whitney R-1830-75, which is basically the same engine as a Nakajima Sakae 21. It is painted in it's original World War Two paint scheme and markings. In 1998 the aircraft was re-registered and had it's first post-restoration flight. It was displayed at the Museum of Flying for a number of years. In 2000 it was used in the movie "Pearl Harbor" along with the Flight Magic Zero, serial number 3858, and the "Planes of Fame" A6M5-52 Zero.

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