Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21, 5450
History
Constructed in 1942, the A6M2 Zero 5450 was a carrier-based fighter aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy. It was assigned to the 361st Kōkūtai, a naval air group, and operated in the South Pacific theater. The aircraft's service included deployments to various locations, contributing to the Zero's reputation as a formidable adversary during the early stages of World War II.
In 1944, Zero 5450 was captured on Saipan, a strategic island in the Mariana Islands. The aircraft was subsequently transported to the United States for evaluation. It was test-flown and assigned the number 29 for its assessment. The findings from this evaluation provided valuable insights into the Zero's design and performance characteristics, which were crucial for Allied forces in developing countermeasures.
The National Naval Aviation Museum acquired the Zero in 1991. It was assembled using components from wrecked aircraft discovered at an abandoned fighter strip on Ballele Island near Bougainville. This assembly allowed for a comprehensive display of the aircraft, showcasing its design and features. This aircraft is now on display in the National Museum of Naval Aviation, NAS Pensacola, Florida, painted as EII-140.