Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 22, 3869
History
This aircraft was abandoned at Babo Airfield in Dutch New Guinea (now Papua, Indonesia), a site known for its numerous intact Japanese aircraft left behind during the war's later stages. In 1991, aviation historian and salvager Bruce Fenstermaker discovered the wreckage of Zero 3869 at Babo. He recovered the horizontal tail stabilizers and other parts, which were shipped to the United States for restoration.
Between 1994 and 1997, a replica of Zero 3869 was constructed in Russia by Flight Magic Inc., a company with experience in rebuilding vintage aircraft. The restoration utilized a small number of original components from the Babo wreckage, including a dataplate, landing gear leg, and stern post. The aircraft was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1830-75 engine, a common replacement for the original Nakajima Sakae engine due to availability and maintenance considerations.
The restored aircraft, coded X-133, was first flown in 1998 and is currently registered as N712Z. It is operated by the American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum and is based at the Southern California Wing in Camarillo, California.
Zero 3869 is one of the few airworthy Zeros in the world and has been featured in various airshows and aviation events.