Mitsubishi A6M7 Model 63, 23186
History
After Japan's surrender in 1945, approximately 145 captured Japanese aircraft, including the A6M7 serial 23186, were shipped to the United States for evaluation. This particular aircraft was likely based at Misawa, a testing facility operated by the First Naval Air Technical Bureau. It was transported aboard the USS Barnes (CVE-20) and arrived in the U.S. in November 1945. Initially tested as FE-322 and later as T2-N322, the aircraft was displayed outdoors at Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, from 1946 to 1962 .
In 1962, the aircraft was acquired by the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) and subsequently loaned to the Bradley Air Museum in Connecticut for restoration. However, storm damage to the museum hindered the restoration process. In March 1981, the aircraft was transferred to the San Diego Aerospace Museum (now the San Diego Air & Space Museum), arriving dismantled and in boxes. A dedicated team of volunteers spent over 8,500 man-hours restoring the aircraft, which has been on display in San Diego since April 1984