Mitsubishi Zero

Book excerpt: In late 1941 and early 1942 Zero fighters, flying from carriers or land bases, wrought havoc over Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Singapore and other targets in the Pacific. When the tide of war turned against the Japanese, Zero Pilots died by the hundred in air battles or kamikaze attacks on the advancing American forces. When first adopted into service in 1940, the Zero was equal to any other fighter in service throughout the world and better than most. In the latter stages of the war the Hellcat and Lightning eventually outclassed the aircraft.