Pacific Ghosts - A6M2 Zero V-173
This aircraft, V-173, belonged to the Japanese Navy's 204th Air Group based at Rabaul and was flown by Japanese 'ace' Saburo Sakai. The aircraft was abandoned at Gasmata and illegally removed in 1975 itending to be exported to the US. Instead it found its way to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook in Australia and restoration began in 1977. Pieces from A6M2 C/N 3618 and A6M5 C/N 4043 were used in the restoration. The aircraft is now on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Repaint of the stock A6M2 by Daniel Leahy.
by Daniel Leahy
This aircraft, V-173, belonged to the Japanese Navy's 204th Air Group based at Rabaul and was flown by Japanese 'ace' Saburo Sakai. The aircraft was abandoned at Gasmata and illegally removed in 1975 itending to be exported to the US. Instead it found its way to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook in Australia and restoration began in 1977. Pieces from A6M2 C/N 3618 and A6M5 C/N 4043 were used in the restoration. The aircraft is now on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Repaint of the stock A6M2 by Daniel Leahy.
by Daniel Leahy
