Mitsubishi A6M Zero
Zero was the Allied code name for the Mitsubishi A6M fighter. The Zero aircraft was designed in 1937 for the Imperial Japanese Navy.
The plane saw action throughout the war and was unmatched in speed and maneuverability until 1942 when modern Allied fighters began to appear. Later the aircraft was found to be very vulnerable due to unprotected fuel tanks and easily caught fire. Approximately 11,300 aircraft where built in various models.
This Truk aircraft is believed to have crashed on takeoff from Eten Island. Whether it was shot down or suffered from technical failure is unknown. She now lies in a water depth of 6m (20 ft).
Mitsubishi A6M3 Naval Carrier Fighter:
Crew 1
Wingspan 29.7 ft.
Length 29.7 ft.
Height 9.6 ft.
MATOW 2644 lbs
Engine: 1 supercharged Sakae1130 HP each
Speed 338 mph at 6,000 ft
Range 2380 NM.
Armament: 2 x 7.7mm machine guns, 2 x 20mm cannon.
The dive
The airplane wreck is quite shallow and I reached it by snorkeling. I scanned the Zero on Feb. 27th 2025.
