A6M5 Model 52 of the 302nd AG, flown by Ens Sadaaki Akamatsu, Atsugi airfield, Japan 1945. Capable of speeds of up to 351 mph at 19,685 ft. the Model 52 was rushed into combat during the autumn of 1943, and in the hands of veteran pilots proved to be a match for the F6F and F4U. During the two-day carrier attack on Tokyo, Akamatsu used this Zero to claim four Hellcat kills - as indicated by the chrysanthemum victory markings. The two cherry blossom markings indicate damaged claims. He never lost a dogfight in more than eight years of combat and ended the war without having suffered as much as a scratch.
By Smashing Time, 2009-01-20 10:06:55
By Smashing Time, 2009-01-20 10:06:55
