Hasegawa [D22] 1:72 Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero Fighter Type 52 (Zeke)

The Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero, Type 52, was a Japanese naval fighter that played a significant role during World War II, especially in the Pacific War. The earlier Zero Model 21 was feared by the enemy due to its superior performance. However, by the year 1943 (Shōwa 18), it began to lag behind newer enemy fighters in terms of speed and weaponry. This led to the development of the Zero Type 32, Type 22, and eventually the Type 52.

To improve its speed, the wingspan was reduced to 11 meters, and the cowling (covering the engine) was redesigned to equip it with a thrust exhaust (an exhaust that utilizes the engine's exhaust to gain a slight thrust). As a result, it achieved a maximum speed of 590 km/h, which was 25 km/h faster than the Type 22's top speed of 565 km/h. Approximately 6,000 units of the Zero Type 52 series were produced, and it was active until the end of the Pacific War.

Specifications:

• Crew: 1 pilot
• Wingspan: 11 meters
• Length (including the tip of the propeller spinner): 9.12 meters
• Height (from the ground to the tip of the vertical tail): 3.51 meters
• Engine: Sakae Type 21 air-cooled radial engine
• Engine Output: 1,100 horsepower at an altitude of 2,850 meters
• Maximum Speed: 590 km/h
• Armament:
  • 2 x 20mm machine cannons located on the upper part of the fuselage
  • 2 x 7.7mm machine guns at the wingtips