Japanese Zero

[WTC]

just say its a perfect kamikaze plane

[Karnak]

Originally posted by WTC
just say its a perfect kamikaze plane

Except that it is a poor kamikaze plane compared to something like a P-51.

The A6M is slow, underpowered and has poor control at high speed.

[WTC]

thats tue i belive it cant even reach 250mph

[scottydawg]

Soooo... it's NOT made of crap?
That's too bad, I was hoping to fly a plane made of crap in cartoon WWII land.

It's on my list.

[Karnak]

Originally posted by WTC
thats tue i belive it cant even reach 250mph

A6M2 tops out at 316mph at about 20,000ft.

Sea level I think tops out at 270ish.

[WTC]

it is made out of crap just pretend it has aluminum armor

[Kweassa]

No they weren't.

 At the time of its introduction the A6M2 was about THE most formiddable fighter plane ever. Some Asian reviewers and sources even refer to the Zero as a "freak of nature", in disbelief that the Japanese would come up with such a formiddable plane during that time - a country without substantial advances in aircraft engine technology.

 The traditional philosophy of emphasizing agility in horizontal maneuvering was common among every major airforce in the world during that time. The basic principle of the Zero was for the pilot to fly and maneuver as aggressive as possible - as long as the offensive advantage of being in a better turning plane was never lost, sacrificing pilot protection or internal armoring was justified upto an extent.

 Link to my own post on similar debate about Japanese planes;

Integrity of Japanese planes


 If the Zero was made of crap, there are loads of contemporary Western fighter planes that could probably well be referred to as either 'made from garbage' or 'conceptually outdated'. Bear that in mind.

[Hazard69]

To undestand the Zekes construction n philosophy we can look at the Iconic Japanese warrior, the Samurai. His offensie weapon (sword) is also his defensive weapon. No 30kg metallic shield there.

The Zero was designed to have extreme agility, lethal guns, fantastic maoeverability and long range. All offensive traits that when used correctly can also be good defence. Suppose its the ultimate example of "attack is the best defence".

Im a P38 nut, so usually Zekes are my targets, but a well flown A6M2 can offer a better challenge than a poorly flown SpitV. You just gotta love it for that. Like so many other planes, the plane only amplifies what the pilot's all about.

Besides, how many other planes were capable of ever being launched off a Submarine???

[Fruda]

Originally posted by Hazard69
To undestand the Zekes construction n philosophy we can look at the Iconic Japanese warrior, the Samurai. His offensie weapon (sword) is also his defensive weapon. No 30kg metallic shield there.

The Zero was designed to have extreme agility, lethal guns, fantastic maoeverability and long range. All offensive traits that when used correctly can also be good defence. Suppose its the ultimate example of "attack is the best defence".

Im a P38 nut, so usually Zekes are my targets, but a well flown A6M2 can offer a better challenge than a poorly flown SpitV. You just gotta love it for that. Like so many other planes, the plane only amplifies what the pilot's all about.

I love to fly the A6M2 in H2H, and I often find myself up against P-38's in arenas with more skilled pilots.

Let's just say that the P-38 (J, F, or even L) doesn't have an easy time against the Zero. When you fly it correctly, it's absolutely fantastic in combat.

[RAIDER14]

if your good and quick at the stick some maps have forest you can fly through and out fly your enemy:aok

[Fruda]

Originally posted by RAIDER14
if your good and quick at the stick some maps have forest you can fly through and out fly your enemy:aok

If you're good enough, you won't need ground obstacles to out-fly your opponents. All it takes with the Zero (A6M2, not A6M5B) is quick thinking, fast reflexes, and proper timing.

Once you've flown it long enough, you can do some very nice fakes to give you the upper hand in combat. My favorite's acting like a sitting duck, letting an opponent close in, and pulling the throttle to 0% while simultaneously extending the flaps and turning (which direction depends on the angle of the attacker) quickly. If the attacker's air speed isn't too high, you'll be able to pull around and take a few pot shots at him with the 20mm.

Of course, there are the more taxing maneuvers when you're in a furball, but I'll save those for later.

[RAIDER14]

Originally posted by Fruda
If you're good enough, you won't need ground obstacles to out-fly your opponents. All it takes with the Zero (A6M2, not A6M5B) is quick thinking, fast reflexes, and proper timing.

Once you've flown it long enough, you can do some very nice fakes to give you the upper hand in combat. My favorite's acting like a sitting duck, letting an opponent close in, and pulling the throttle to 0% while simultaneously extending the flaps and turning (which direction depends on the angle of the attacker) quickly. If the attacker's air speed isn't too high, you'll be able to pull around and take a few pot shots at him with the 20mm.

Of course, there are the more taxing maneuvers when you're in a furball, but I'll save those for later.

well if your out of ammo  its a good thing 2 do

[Raptor]

Originally posted by Fruda
My favorite's acting like a sitting duck, letting an opponent close in, and pulling the throttle to 0% while simultaneously extending the flaps and turning (which direction depends on the angle of the attacker) quickly. If the attacker's air speed isn't too high, you'll be able to pull around and take a few pot shots at him with the 20mm.

I do that in a P38L all the time. Friendlies assume I am not paying attention and I will get check 6's like crazy.

[Fruda]

Originally posted by Raptor
I do that in a P38L all the time. Friendlies assume I am not paying attention and I will get check 6's like crazy.

I've tried to sneak up on a few P38's who happen to be acting like they're not aware. I've lived about half the time when that happens.

[Reynolds]

Originally posted by Fruda
I've tried to sneak up on a few P38's who happen to be acting like they're not aware. I've lived about half the time when that happens.

How do you 'act' like you are not aware?