The new line of Zero Motorcycles offers more power. A6M Zero. Combat use Combat use of aircraft Mitsubishi A6M "Zero"

942 m / min Dimensions (edit) Length: 9.06 m Height: 3.05 m Wingspan: 12.0 m Wing area: 22.44 m² Weight Empty: 1680 kg Equipped: 2410 kg Power point Engines: 1 × Nakajima Sakae 12, radial, 709 kW (950 hp) Armament Small arms and cannon armament: 2 × 7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun on the engine
2 × 20 mm Type 99 cannon in the wings Suspended weapons 2 × 30 kg bombs under the wings and 1 × 60 kg bomb under the fuselage

The name "Type 0 Marine Carrier-Based Fighter" (Japanese 零 式 艦上 戦 闘 機 Rei-shiki kanjo: sento: ki) A6M received from the last numbers of the year of manufacture - 2600 Japanese chronology (1940). In Japan, he was informally called "Rei-sen" or "Zero-sen" ("rei" - "zero", "sen" from the word "sentoki" - "fighter"); the codename given by the allies is "Zeke". The pilots called the A6M simply "Zero" (eng. "Zero").

Development of

Captured A6M2 with American insignia at the NACA Research Laboratory, 8 March 1943

In comparison with western aircraft, the Zero did not have an armored back of the pilot's seat and sealed fuel tanks, which reduced its resistance to combat damage. Most of the aircraft were built from T-7178 aluminum, which was lighter and stronger, but also more fragile. Very low gave a stall speed of about 110 km / h - the ability to sharp turns, inaccessible to allied aircraft of that time. Due to the deviation of the aileron trims in the opposite direction, the efforts on the control stick were reduced, but this reduced the rotational speed at high speeds - by 260 km / h it was 56 degrees per second. At speeds of about 500 km / h, the rotational speed dropped to zero due to the flexibility of the wings.

The US military got the opportunity to study the Zero in detail after restoring an almost intact aircraft that landed in Alaska. This aircraft is known as the Akutan Zero. The Japanese pilot flew too far from the base and, hoping to make an emergency landing in the United States, rolled over and broke his neck.

In service

The debut of "Zero" took place in August 1940 in China. Due to the insufficient range of action, the aging A5M could not accompany the Japanese bombers and they suffered heavy losses from the Chinese fighters. That all changed with the arrival of the Zero. During the first operations to escort the bombers, not a single fighter took to the air to intercept, as the Chinese learned of the arrival of the Zero and carefully dispersed their aircraft. In total, the pre-production Zeros destroyed 266 enemy aircraft in China.

Nakajima A6M2-N "Rufe"

In early 1941, development began on a float aircraft based on the Model 11. Nakajima engineers removed the landing gear, installed a large ventral float with a fuel tank inside, attached two supporting floats to the spar, increased the rudder area and added a small keel under the fuselage. On December 8, 1941, the prototype made its first flight. Introduced into service in July 1942 under the designation Type 2 Model 11 Marine Float Fighter.

A6M2 model 21

In November 1940, a modification was presented with wingtips folding to 500 mm, which made it possible to be placed on aircraft carriers. Previously, this was impossible, since the deck lifts of the Japanese aircraft carriers were not adapted for aircraft with a wing length of more than 11 meters. 740 aircraft of this modification were built by Mitsubishi and 800 by Nakajima.

This model also served as the basis for the two-seater A6M2-K trainer, 508 units of which were built by Hitachi and the 21st Naval Aviation Arsenal in Sasebo.

A6M3 model 32

In late 1941, Nakajima introduced the 1130 hp Sakae 21 engine. (840 kW) equipped with a two-stage supercharger increasing the performance at high altitudes. Due to the supercharger, the new engine was somewhat heavier and longer, which caused the center of gravity to shift too far forward. It was decided to shorten the mountings of the engine to the engine mount by 200 mm, thus moving it to the cockpit. This reduced the capacity of the main fuel tank, located directly behind the engine, from 518 liters to 470 liters.

Another major change was the removal of the folding wingtips. This was much more effective than originally expected. The smaller wing area increased the rotational speed, and the reduced drag made it possible to dive at speeds up to 670 km / h. On the other hand, maneuverability and flight range decreased, which was very disliked by the pilots and the Naval Aviation Headquarters. The shorter range introduced severe restrictions during the 1942 Solomon Islands campaign.

The magazines of the wing 20-mm cannons were also increased, now they could hold up to 100 shells (previously 60). Stores made in the form of drums began to protrude beyond the dimensions of the wing and were closed with fairings.

The Model 32 began production in April 1942. A total of 343 aircraft were built. Initially, the US military reserved the codename "Hamp" for this model before realizing that it was just a modification of the "Zero".

A6M3 model 22

Due to the loss of part of the aircraft carriers at Midway Island, the aircraft had to operate from land bases, flying over long distances. To compensate for the reduced range of the Model 32, folding wingtips were again used. Two additional wing fuel tanks of 45 liters each were also installed. Thus, it was possible to achieve the longest flight range among all Zero models.

Some aircraft (designated "model 22a") were fitted with improved Type 99 model 2, modification 3 cannons with an extended barrel and an increased rate of fire. Several more prototypes, designated "model 22b", were armed with a 30 mm Type 5 cannon, but did not go into production due to the weakness of the wing design, which could not withstand the recoil of such powerful cannons.

In total, 560 aircraft of this model have been produced since December 1942.

A6M4

Two A6M2s equipped with an experimental Sakae turbocharged engine for use at high altitudes were designated A6M4. In 1943, the 1st Naval Aviation Technical Arsenal in Yokosuka took over the development of modifications and testing of these two prototypes. The lack of the necessary alloys used in the production of the gas turbine supercharger severely affected the development, and it was phased out. The data obtained during the development of the A6M4 was later used in the production of the more technologically advanced A6M5, and allowed to accelerate its development, which was being carried out at that time by Mitsubishi.

A6M5 model 52

A6M5 model 52

A6M5 - modification of A6M3 on which a wing of a smaller span - 11 meters (area 21.3 m2) with reinforced skin - was installed, which increased the rotation speed and reached a speed of 657 km / h in a dive. The exhaust system was also redesigned - each pair of cylinders received an exhaust pipe, instead of a common exhaust manifold - this gave several additional km / h to speed. To prevent hot exhaust gases from burning through the casing in the area of ​​the pipes, it was reinforced with steel sheet. The aircraft's speed increased to 565 km / h at 6000 meters, thus becoming the fastest modification of the Zero. A total of 1701 aircraft were built.

Variants

• A6M5a "Kou"- Type 99-II Mk 4 cannons were installed with belt-fed 125 rounds each.
• A6M5b "Otsu"- the first model to receive a 50-mm armored frontal glass. The fuselage tanks were equipped with a fire extinguishing system. One 7.7 mm machine gun was replaced with a 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun.
• A6M5c "Hei"- the remaining 7.7 mm machine gun was dismantled. In the wing, next to the 20 mm cannons, two additional 13.2 machine guns were mounted. The pilot received protection in the form of an armored backrest and an armored headrest. An additional sealed 140-liter gas tank was mounted behind the cockpit.
• A6M5d-S- a night fighter armed with a single 20mm cannon mounted obliquely at the rear of the fuselage (analogous to the German "wrong music").

A6M6c

A6M6 at the Kure Maritime Museum (Yamato Museum)

Identical to the A6M5c, but equipped with a Nakajima Sakae 31a engine with a water-methanol injection system and protected wing tanks.

A6M7

Identical to A6M6. Nakajima Sakae 31b engine with two-stage supercharger and without methanol injection system. Used for kamikaze attacks.

A6M8

Identical to A6M6. Equipped with Mitsubishi Kinsei 62 engines. Two prototypes were built.

see also

• Zero (roulette)

Notes (edit)

Literature

• Kolov S. Mitsubishi Zero. About the best Japanese fighter (Russian) // Wings of the Motherland... - M., 2000. - No. 6. - S. 27-31. - ISSN 0130-2701.

Links

• Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero-Sen Rene J. Francillon - Aircraft profile 129, 1969 Translated by A. Plakhov, edited by V. Moiseev
• Horikoshi D., Okumiya M., Kaidin M. "Zero!" (Japanese aircraft in World War II)

Aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II
Carrier-based fighters
Deck dive bombers
Deck torpedo bombers and bombers
Deck reconnaissance aircraft
Ground-based fighters
Night fighters	S1A Denko
Ground-based bombers
Patrol bombers
Reconnaissance aircraft
Transport aircraft
Trainer aircraft
Special-purpose aircraft
Flying boats
Seaplane fighters
Reconnaissance seaplanes
Seaplanes for special purposes

This aircraft, which has become one of the symbols of the war in the Pacific, was the main fighter aircraft of the Imperial Navy. Its development was carried out in accordance with the requirements of 12-C, formulated in 1937. The new machine, intended to replace the A5M fighter in the future, was to significantly surpass it in speed (by 100 km / h), while not inferior in maneuverability. Deck-based requirements necessitated good take-off and landing characteristics, and the features of the theater of operations - a long flight range. For the first time in the practice of Japanese military aviation, a cannon armament was provided for a new fighter - two 20-mm cannons, supplemented by a pair of 7.7-mm machine guns.

The development of the aircraft was headed by aircraft designer D. Horikoshi. The choice of the engine for the future aircraft became decisive for all subsequent work. The customer demanded the use of one of the engines on the fighter, which had already been worked out and introduced into mass production. The designers had to agree to the installation of a 14-cylinder Nakajima engine "Sakae" 12, although two prototypes received Mitsubishi engines "Zuisei" 13 (875 hp). The aircraft received an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear, which significantly improved aerodynamics. The first prototype was flown on April 14, 1939. It, like the second car, was slightly below the required speed of 500 km / h. The third car, which was considered pre-production, received the Sakae 12 engine (940 hp). The first three aircraft were designated A6M1 ("experimental type 0 carrier-based fighter").

Serial production began in the spring of 1940. The total volume of production was 10964 aircraft (3879 were produced by Mitsubishi, 6570 by Nakajima, 279 by Hitachi and 238 by Arsenal 21). In the system of codes of the allies it was designated "Zek", but more often the designation "Zero" - "zero" (Zero) was used.

Technical characteristics of Mitsubishi A6M2 model 11

• Engine: "Sakae" 12
• power, HP: 940
• Wingspan, m .: 12.00
• Aircraft length, m .: 9.050
• Height, m: 3.525
• Wing area, sqm: 22.438
• Empty aircraft weight, kg .: 1695
• Takeoff weight, kg .: 2338
• Maximum weight, kg .: 2574
• Maximum speed, km / h / at altitude, m: 533/4550
• Time to climb, m: 7'27 ″ / 6000
• Practical ceiling, m .: 1008

The main modifications of the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero

• A6 M2 ("Naval type 0 carrier-based fighter model 11") - pre-production version. Engine "Sakae" 12 (940 hp). Armament - 2 20-mm wing cannons "Type 99-1 Model 3" (ammunition 60 rounds per barrel) and 2 7.7-mm synchronous machine guns "Type 97" (500 rounds per barrel); possible suspension of 2 30-kg or 60-kg bombs under the wing, and under the fuselage - 300-l PTB. 64 aircraft were manufactured.
• A6 M2 ("Model 21") - folding wingtips were introduced, a number of other changes were made. The propulsion system and armament correspond to the "model 11". Produced from the second half of 1940, about 1540 aircraft were built (800 - by Mitsubi-shi and 740 - Nakajima).
• A6 M2- N("Naval fighter-seaplane type 2 model 11") - a hydro-fighter with a three-float chassis, developed according to the terms of reference 16-Si by the company "Nakajima" on the basis of the A6M2. The armament and power plant corresponded to the base model. From March 1942 to July 1943, 254 vehicles were manufactured. In the system of codes of the allies was designated "Ruth".
• A6 M2- TO("Type 0 fighter trainer model 11") is a two-seater trainer aircraft developed by the 21st Arsenal in Omur. The mount is similar to the A6M2, the armament is 2 7.7 mm synchronous machine guns. 2 prototypes and 508 production aircraft were manufactured, incl. 236 by the 21st arsenal (January 1943 - October 1944) and 272 (under the designation "Model 21") - by Hitachi from May 1944 to July 1945.
• A6 M3("Model 32") - "Sakae" 21 engine (1130 hp). Wing tips cut off. Armament - 2 20-mm wing cannons "Type 99-1 Model 4" (ammunition load 100 rounds per barrel) and 2 7.7-mm synchronous machine guns "Type 97" (500 rounds per barrel); Suspension of 2 30-kg or 60-kg bombs is possible. Serially built since July 1942, 343 vehicles were manufactured by Mitsubishi; was also produced by "Nakajima", but the exact number of aircraft manufactured by it is unknown. Initially designated by the allies as "Hump", but soon changed to "Zek 32".
• A6 М4("Model 22") - 2 45-liter additional fuel tanks are installed in the wing, the tips are ordinary. Mitsubishi produced 560 aircraft, including a number of Model 22a aircraft (with Type 99-2 cannons with an extended barrel). Also produced by "Nakajima", but the exact number of aircraft manufactured by it is unknown.
• A6 M5 ("Model 52") - the structure has been reinforced in order to increase the permissible dive speed. The wing was again made non-folding, using new rounded tips. The power plant and armament are similar to the A6MZ. Produced in the fall of 1943, Mitsubishi built 747 vehicles, the number of Nakajima produced is unknown.
• A6 M5 a("Model 52a") - the wing structure has been reinforced again, the ammunition load of the cannons has been increased to 125 rounds per barrel. Since March 1944, Mitsubishi has built 391 aircraft, the number produced by Nakajima is unknown.
• A6 M5b("Model 52b") - a frontal armored glass and a fire-fighting system of fuel tanks are installed. The right synchronized machine gun was replaced by a 13.2 mm Type 2 machine gun. Suspension of 2 150-liter PTBs is possible under the wing. Produced by Mitsubishi since April 1944, 740 vehicles were built.
• A6 M5 with("Model 52c") - armored backrest installed. Armament - 2 20-mm type 99-2 model 4 cannons (125 rounds per barrel), 3 13.2-mm type 3 machine guns (1 synchronous and 2 wing-mounted; 230-240 rounds per barrel); under the wing suspension of 8 air-to-air racks is possible.
• A6 M5- TO- double training version A6M5. At the beginning of 1945, Hitachi manufactured 7 vehicles.
• A6M6s("Model 53s") - analogue of A6M5s with an engine equipped with a methanol-water injection system. At the turn of 1944-1945. the Nakajima firm produced several aircraft of the installation series.
• A6 M7 ("Naval type 0 fighter-bomber model 63") - a 250-kg bomb can be suspended under the fuselage instead of a PTB. The armament is similar to the A6M5s. The Sakae 31 engine with an injection system of a water-methanol mixture (some of the aircraft were equipped with the old Sakae 21 - they were called Model 62). Produced in the spring of 1945.

The A6M8 was not serially built under the Kinsey 62 engine (1500 hp) - only 2 prototypes were built before the surrender.

Combat use of aircraft Mitsubishi A6M "Zero"

The debut of the A6M2 took place in August 1940 in China. The aircraft of the 12th and 14th kokutai were used mainly to escort bombers. In total, no more than 40 A6M2s arrived in China, which fought intensively for about a year - until August 1941. During the year, their pilots flew 354 sorties and announced the destruction of 103 enemy aircraft in the air and 163 - on the ground. Their own combat losses amounted to only 3 A6M2, and even those were shot down by anti-aircraft guns.

By the time the war with the United States began, the Imperial Navy had about 400 A6M2 fighters. Aircraft from the aircraft carriers "Akagi", "Kara", "Hiryu", "Soryu", "Shokaku" and "Zuikaku" took part in the raid on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, providing cover for two shock waves, as well as storming airfields. "Zero" based in Taiwan 3rd Kokutai and Kokutai "Tainan", took part in the capture of the Philippines, and then - Malaya, Singapore and the Dutch East Indies.

In February 1942, the A6M2 with Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu took part in the strike against Australian Darwin. In April, an aircraft carrier strike force raided the Indian Ocean, striking targets in Ceylon.

In the battles of the first months of the war, Mitsubishi "Zero" showed a convincing superiority over all opposing fighters. Not least of all, this was facilitated by the high level of training of Japanese pilots.

May 7-8, 1942 "Zero" took part in the first ever aircraft carrier battle- the battle in the Coral Sea. They were unable to cover the light aircraft carrier Shoho, which was sunk by American aircraft, but supported the actions of shock groups with the Shokaku and Zuikaku, which sank the aircraft carrier Lexington. And on June 4, during the battle at Midway, the fighters could not reliably cover their own aircraft carriers, which resulted in the death of four Japanese aircraft carriers and all aircraft based on them (about 250).

Seaplanes A6M2-N fought in the Aleuts from July 1942 to April 1943. Since June 1942, such aircraft have fought on Rabaul and Guadalcanal, intercepting. In the summer of 1942, the Tainan kokutai armed with A6M2 operated in the New Guinea area. Here, as part of the 2nd kokutai, the new A6MZ debuted. By September 1942, 5 kokutays with Zero were operating on the Solomon Islands, but due to significant losses and difficulties in obtaining reinforcements, their composition was far from the regular one. And if in August and October 1942 Japanese aircraft carrier formations still appeared at Guadalcanal, then in March 1943 the remnants of the air groups had to be removed from the aircraft carriers, transferring them to Rabaul. "Zero" acted not only as fighters, but also as attack aircraft and dive bombers, however, it was not possible to turn the tide. After February 20, 1944, the initiative in the air war completely passed to the Americans. In the battles over the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, the best pilots of carrier-based aircraft were killed, and long intensive training was required to prepare a replacement. Once a formidable force, the Japanese carrier fleet has become a pale shadow of its former power. And when the Americans suffered fighting in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, the Imperial Navy could no longer effectively resist this.

In 1943-1944. Zero fighters took part in repelling enemy air raids on objects in the Dutch East Indies, Marshall and Mariana Islands, about. Truk. In the battle in the Philippine Sea in June 1944, Zero participated from 6 aircraft carriers, with the new A6M5 being used as fighters, and the A6M2 as attack aircraft. Since September 1944, the Zeroes stationed in the Philippines (mainly from the 201st kokutai) repelled American air raids, and since October they acted as kamikaze.

After the surrender of the Philippines, Taiwan's importance as an aviation base increased. Suicide attacks were the main means of countering the American onslaught. Since January 1945, the Zeros have participated in these raids both as cover vehicles and as kamikaze planes. In the last months of the war, the A6M operated in the Japanese air defense system, participated in the Kikusui operation in the Okinawa region. Probably the last combat sortie of the Zero took place on the morning of August 15, 1945, when 17 A6M5 and A6M7 rose to intercept American and British carrier-based aircraft, shooting down 4 Hellcat at the cost of losing 15 of their aircraft.

The designers of Mitsubishi created, without a doubt, an outstanding fighter aircraft for its time. The undoubted advantages of the aircraft were its high maneuverability and a huge flight range by those standards. If it had a combat radius equal to at least half that of the "Zero" - the outcome of the battle for Britain could have been completely different, because in this case, German fighter aircraft from bases on the continent would completely control the airspace over Britain. The high maneuverability of the A6M led to the emergence of instructions directly forbidding the pilots of allied aircraft to get involved with the Zero in a maneuverable air battle. However, from the second half of 1942, the advantage of the A6M was gradually disappearing due to the appearance of new aircraft.

The weakest point of the "Zero" was the subcompact engine, which had no reserves for a significant increase in power. However, it should be taken into account that already in 1943 the Zero was to be replaced by a new Japanese carrier-based fighter A7M "Repu", surpassing it in all respects. But he never got into the series. As a result, "Zero" turned out to be a kind of "extra-conscript", forced to pull the soldier's strap until the end of World War II, although in terms of service life it should have been transferred to the reserve long ago ...

Japan

Type of: single engine fighter

Crew: one pilot

Aside from the initial surprise of the Pearl Harbor raid in the early morning of December 7, 1941, perhaps the biggest shock to American forces in the Pacific was the outstanding performance of the Imperial Japanese Navy's main carrier-based fighter, the A6M2 Zero-Sen (Zero-Sen). Sen) of Mitsubishi, which had excellent proportions. It was fast and maneuverable, armed with two 20mm cannons and two 7.7mm machine guns, and had an incredible range of 3,088 km using a jettisonable ventral fuel tank.

The plane was completely missed by British and US intelligence in the months leading up to the Pearl Harbor raid. The Zero traces its origins to a 1937 demand by the Imperial Navy Headquarters for a new aircraft to replace Mitsubishi's A5M, then the main fighter in the fleet. Work proceeded without delay, and the first prototype flew on April 1, 1939, and the first fighters entered service the following year. About 10,500 Zero fighters were built in no fewer than eight different versions, and although more powerful US fighters have surpassed them since late 1943, the Zeros retained some combat capability due to their weight. By the end of 1944, most Japanese squadrons were forced to fly from land bases as the once proud carrier fleet was sunk.

Finally, in a desperate attempt, many Zeros were urgently converted into "flying bombs" and thrown under the direction of kamikaze pilots to attack the massive invasion naval forces in the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Today in the United States, two of the aircraft are maintained in airworthiness, while several more aircraft are being restored for flight.

This plane at one time was one of the symbols of the Second World War. He belonged to the fighter aircraft of the Japanese fleet. The new machine was intended to replace the A5m fighters in the future. Moreover, he should have surpassed the previous analogs in speed, but would not be inferior in this case in terms of maneuverability.

The aircraft is deck-based and, naturally, must have good take-off and landing characteristics. This is especially true for the flight range. On this aircraft, for the first time in Japanese practice, cannons (20 mm) and a couple of machine guns were used.

The aircraft was developed by the aircraft designer Horikoshi. The most important component of such an aircraft is its engine. The fighter received a closed cockpit and improved aerodynamics. The first type of aircraft was tested in 1939.

Specifications

The aircraft had a power of 940 horsepower. The wingspan is 12 meters, its length is 9 meters, and its height is 3.5 meters. The wing area is 22 square meters. The empty plane weighed 1,695 kilograms, the ceiling of the plane was 1 kilometer. Aircraft of this type were used mainly to escort heavy bombers. They were often used in war, and they flew a large number of combat missions. When the war with the USA began, imperial navy included more than 400 fighters of this type.

In April 1842, an aircraft carrier formation carried out a raid, it struck targets in Ceylon. Here the Zero showed great superiority over all the fighters that opposed them. In this case, the level of pilot training in Japan played an important role. In addition, they participated in the battle of aircraft carriers in the Battle of the Coral Sea. Unfortunately, they did not have time to cover the aircraft carrier Sehu, and the American aviation nevertheless sank it, but they ensured the actions of their strike groups. Fighters of this type could always reliably cover their own aircraft carrier.

Sometimes they could act not only as fighters, but also dive like attack aircraft. After all, during the war in 1944, the initiative passed to the Americans. When the battles took place over the islands, many pilots of carrier-based aircraft were killed here. The Japanese aircraft carrier fleet had lost its former power, and Zero fighters took little part in air battles. It may be added here that such planes participated frequently as kamikaze planes. It is safe to say that such an aircraft was outstanding at this time. He had a huge flight range.

For example, if Messerschmitt-109 had a combat turning radius such as that of the Zero, then the battle for Britain could be completely different. In this case, Germany would be able to fully control the airspace over Britain.

We can say about some of the weak points of this aircraft. He had a subcompact engine that did not have a reserve in order to increase the power much. It should be said that the work on the aircraft was carried out by the design bureau. They worked for a long time on the design of the airframe.

The Japanese have always followed the direction of the development of technology in the world aircraft construction. Much attention was also paid to weapons. Here, some developers understood that in order to destroy enemy aircraft, the Zero needed to have heavy weapons. All this was due to the fact that the machines of the potential enemy had a large margin of safety. That is why the Swiss Oerlikon cannons were delivered to the plane. At that time, such cannons were common in Europe.

The Japanese were able to draw attention to the fact that the gun had a small muzzle velocity, but the gun was light and small in size. It could easily be fitted under low profile fenders. Simply put, it became the main armament of Japanese aircraft. When the aircraft was presented in finished form, many opponents immediately appeared in the design of the aircraft.

A very serious controversy flared up around this aircraft. Some talked about such a disadvantage as a closed cockpit, it can limit the pilot's view. One of the commanders defended the aircraft and said that its main advantage was its good maneuverability. In this case, it is even possible to abandon heavy weapons, besides, the range of action was also limited, they could not accompany the bombers. The Chinese used this and did whatever they wanted with the Japanese bombers. Another important characteristic of the fighter was its maximum speed.

In this case, he always had the advantage of imposing his tactics on the enemy. If the pilot is well trained to fly such an aircraft, then he can defeat the enemy. This may even be the case when the enemy has an advantage in maneuverability.

There were a lot of contradictions, and there was a threat that the project might be closed. However, the designer Horikoshi himself provided the commission with theoretical calculations, in which he said that the future aircraft would have all the necessary qualities to a sufficient extent.

The plane was assembled at one of the Mitsubishi factories. He still long time tested, and only after that the aircraft was accepted into the Japanese fleet. Many pilots spoke positively about this aircraft. He showed himself well in the fighting, and all forces were directed to increase the production of these aircraft.

The Japanese bombers suffered heavy losses, so they needed protection. This aircraft at that time had no competition in the skies during the war. It was produced by the best airlines. In 1941, Japan's aviation was far superior to its opponents and allies.

To this we can add that some Japanese pilots considered this plane a sword for the samurai. This fighter took part in almost all air battles that were conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Its long range and maneuverability are almost legendary. Today this aircraft remains the symbol of Japanese aviation.

Basic data

Dimensions:

• Length: 9.07 m
• Wingspan: 11 m
• Height: 3.5 m

• Empty: 1894 kg
• Maximum takeoff: 2950 kg

Flight performance:

• Maximum speed: 557 km / h
• Flight range: 1800 km

Power point: the NK1C Sakae 12 engine from Nakayama (on the A6M2 version), the Sakai 21 engine (on the A6M5 version) and the Pratt-Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engine (on a copy A6M2 in the Flying Museum)

Power: 925 l. with. (690 kW), ISO HP with. (843 kW) and 1200 hp. with. (894 kW) respectively

First flight date:

• April 1, 1939

Remaining airworthy modifications:

• A6M2 and A6M5

Japanese plane Zero video

February 11th, 2016

It seems that so much material has already been read and viewed about the Second World War, but as with any event in history, you constantly come across small details that in a certain way complete important elements in your picture of these historical events. Let's read the article on the website warspot.ru, which will explain to us what this "zero of American intelligence" was all about.

The heavy defeats of the Americans at the initial stage of the Pacific War were largely caused by the catastrophic underestimation of the enemy, including the underestimation of the technical level of the Japanese. The reason for this was outright shapkozakidanie and disregard for intelligence, multiplied by the arrogance of the "white people."

One of the clear examples of such underestimation was the story of the ignored information about the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter.

Horikoshi Jiro's masterpiece

The outstanding advantages of the Zero carrier-based fighter were, as is often the case, a direct continuation of its shortcomings, and vice versa. This car acquired the well-known speed and maneuverability characteristics largely "due to" the lack of powerful, but light and compact aircraft engines from Mitsubishi. Since the customer demanded a highly maneuverable fighter, it was decided to abandon the use of a sufficiently powerful (1075 hp) Kinsei series engine due to its weight and dimensions. The new aircraft was designed for the lighter Zuisei-13 engine with a capacity of only 780 hp. with., which for 1939 was, to put it mildly, already not enough. It was impossible to compensate for this with just an improvement in aerodynamics, so the only way to ensure the flight technical characteristics set by the fleet was to radically reduce the weight of the airframe of the new machine.

This was partly done due to the use of the extremely expensive aluminum-zinc-magnesium alloy ESDT in the power kit of the aircraft, the "extra-super duralumin" developed by Sumitomo Metal and had strength characteristics almost one and a half times higher than conventional aluminum-copper duralumin , but this was not enough. As a result chief designer fighter Horikoshi Jiro was forced by a strong-willed decision to lower the strength standards by which the power set was calculated.

Horikoshi Jiro

Wherever possible, openings were made to reduce the weight of the load-bearing elements, the thickness of the skin varied widely, etc. The resulting super-lightweight machine met the requirements of the fleet. And after the customers insisted on using a more powerful engine of competitors from the Nakajima concern - NK1C Sakae-12 with a capacity of 950 hp. with. - then she surpassed them. Finally, the aircraft was put into service, receiving the name " Rei-shiki kanjo sentoki"- naval fighter model 0 (1940).

Thanks to the lightweight glider, the Zero received a power density that was not inferior to American fighters, which had much more "horses" under their hoods. The low weight provided both lower inertia and lower wing loading (and hence lower stall speed), resulting in outstanding climb rate and maneuverability.

Familiar stranger

Of course, you have to pay for everything - and in the case of the Zero, this price was the low survivability of the aircraft, as well as the only aerobatic indicator in which the Japanese fighter, for obvious reasons, was inferior to its American competitors - the dive speed. But in order to take advantage of the first drawback, American pilots first needed to at least catch an agile and responsive enemy in sight. They used the second more often, if, of course, they lived to realize that the only way to "throw off the tail" of a caramel-colored car with "meatballs" on planes was to use the handle from oneself, full throttle and pray that there was enough height.

June 22, 1942 The surviving pilots of the 221st US Marine Fighter Squadron. They already know how to get away from Zero. Soon they will learn how to shoot them down. Navy Photograph # 80-G-357083, NARA

The responses of the American pilots who first encountered the Mitsubishi A6M cannot be described otherwise than "enthusiastic and panicky." For example, the few surviving pilots of the 221st Fighter Squadron of the Marine Corps, who entered their F2A-3 Buffalo and F4F-3 Wildcat into battle with the superior forces of enemy fighters during the Japanese air raid on Midway Atoll, described them in the following terms :

The Zero fighter is exceptionally maneuverable and has an astonishing rate of climb. It is so superior to the F2A-3 in verticals that it seems pointless to attempt more than one approach to any target. […] Fighter Zero outperforms F2A-3 in horizontal speed. It is much more maneuverable than the F2A-3. It surpasses the F2A-3 in climb rate. It has more firepower than the F2A-3. "

Captain Kirk Armistead (Acting Squadron Commander)

The F2A-3 is not a combat aircraft. In all respects, it is inferior to the aircraft with which we fought. The F2A-3 has nearly the same speed as the Aichi 99 dive bomber. The Japanese Zero fighter is capable of circling the F2A-3. From what I've seen, I estimate the Zero's top speed to be 450 mph. I am sure that every commander who sends a pilot into battle in an F2A-3 can write it off as a loss in advance.

Captain P.R. White

I saw two Brewsters trying to attack enemy Zeros. One was shot down, the other was saved by anti-aircraft fire, which covered his tail. Both looked like they were tethered when the Zeros approached them. I am sure that if our planes were half as good as the Zero, we could completely stop this raid.

Lieutenant Charles Hughes (watched the battle from the ground)

I think the 00 fighter was seriously underestimated. I think this is one of the best fighters of this war. At the same time, the F2A-3 (or "Brewster Training") should be in Miami as a training aircraft, and not be used as a front-line combat fighter.

Lieutenant K. M. Kunz

Japs have very maneuverable and high-speed aircraft in the form of their "00" fighter, which has ample firepower. They can safely turn around inside the Brewster's bend.

Lieutenant W. W. Brooke

June 24-25, 1942, Midway Atoll. Not the worst consequences of the first acquaintance with the Zero: damaged in battle and during an emergency landing, Grumman F4F-3 from 221 Squadron is dismantled and awaits sending for repairs, its pilot, ILC Captain John Carey, is in the hospital. Navy Photograph # 80-G-11636, NARA

These reports provide a lot of information for thought, but on our current topic it is worth noting two things: firstly, American pilots - both personnel and reservists - at the first meeting, confidently identify "Zero" (although everyone calls him like a god to the soul will put: 00 Fighter, Zero Fighter, Zero Isento Ki Navy Fighter, type 00 ISENTO KI Navy fighter, etc.); secondly, the aerobatic capabilities of the main fighter of the Japanese fleet were a complete surprise to them even in the seventh month of the war. The latter can be attributed to the entire US Navy and Army - the capabilities of the Mitsubishi A6M came as a surprise to everyone. And this despite the fact that the naval intelligence had fairly accurate information about the "Zero" at the beginning of 1941.

This is not to say that American intelligence in the Japanese metropolis was poorly organized. Because it did not exist there at all. Now it’s hard to believe, but practically the only channel through which in the pre-war period information of a military and military-technical nature came from Japan to the United States was “official intelligence officers,” that is, the military and naval attaché at the US Embassy in Tokyo, and also their small number of staff. Analysis of open sources, official visits to military facilities and events, exchange of information with colleagues from other embassies, personal contacts with the Japanese military. And also one-time successes caused by the strange behavior of the Japanese authorities themselves, usually obsessed with the secrecy of everything and everyone.

The first rumors about a new Japanese fighter began to reach China back in 1940. Imagine the astonishment of the US Naval Attaché Aviation Assistant, Lieutenant-Commander Stephen Jurika, when he, having attended the annual military sports festival in January 1941 (where the Japanese navy and army traditionally measured the length of their barrels), discovered this newest aircraft, as they say, in nature.

Lieutenant Commander Stephen Jerica

And not just put on public display (and with the ability to inspect even the cockpit), but also kindly provided with a plate with the main flight characteristics, including weight, engine power and speed indicators. The diplomat with the pilot's "wings" on his tunic conscientiously rewrote all the numbers, visually estimated the dimensions of the fighter and the wing area, assessed the armament, skin structure, instruments in the cockpit, and then also observed the car in action when it competed in the sky with army fighters. Then he sent a detailed report to the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI).

Americans are held captive by stereotypes

However, Stephen Jerica experienced even greater amazement a couple of months later when he received a response to his report from ONI. As he later recalled - the first and last response in his entire two-year service in Tokyo. The angry superiors strongly advised the Lieutenant Commander to no longer send such nonsense and misinformation to Washington. American aviation experts unanimously stated that a machine with such a set of characteristics simply cannot exist in nature (especially with regard to the ratio of dimensions and weight, as well as the declared flight range). Even more absurd they thought was the very idea that "backward Asians", capable at best of producing deteriorated copies of obsolete Western aircraft, were able to build a fighter superior to the latest machines of the US Navy. Likewise, reports from China about the performance of the A6M were subsequently ignored (for example, reports that the nearly 6-meter wing of the downed Zero was so light that it could be lifted by two people).

How the American experts from the Aviation magazine saw their future opponents. Pay attention to the signatures, which must indicate the "clone" of which western aircraft is this or that Japanese car "Legends In Their Own Time"

And I'm not exaggerating about the "backward Asians" at all. In the official American annual digest on naval aviation for 1939, it was written without a shadow of a doubt that the Japanese "did not independently design any of the aircraft they are currently producing for the needs of armed forces". In reality, the only Japanese aircraft of foreign design was the legendary American Douglas DC-3, produced under license.

Aviation magazine was no less categorical; in September 1940, the technical level of Japanese aviation was described there with the following words: “American aviation specialists need only a cursory glance at the latest Japanese military aircraft to come to the conclusion that they are all either outdated or obsolete ". It was also concluded that the Japanese aircraft industry and the level of their aircraft designers are seriously inferior even to the Italian ones.

In the January 1941 issue of the magazine "Flying and Popular Aviation", Japanese aviation understands an article with the self-explanatory title: "Japan is NOT an air force" military observer. The brave pilot of the First World War, who has not sat in the cockpit of the aircraft since then, the next morning after the drunkenness organized in his honor, gets into a fighter plane and easily wins the training battles one after another "ten best Japanese pilots".

The famous popularizer of naval history Fletcher Pratt in the book "Sea Power and Modern Warfare" also with absolute seriousness wrote that the Japanese, in principle, cannot be good pilots. As befits any racist constructions, this statement had a scientific basis in the form of "physiological characteristics inherent in this race", such as myopia inherent in all "Asians", as well as the wrong structure of the inner ear, which is responsible for the vestibular apparatus. In the summer of 1941, an article of similar content was published by the serious professional magazine Aviation Review.

There were only six months left before the "Day of Shame" at Pearl Harbor and Clark Field.

Another interesting thing about aviation: let's think about it, but we looked at and at. Look at and at. See what it is and what it is The original article is on the site InfoGlaz.rf The link to the article this copy was made from is

The first vehicles to enter the warhead were six A6M2 Model 11 aircraft commanded by Captain Tamotsu Yokokyama of Yokosuka Kokutai, which were incorporated into the 12th Kokutai on July 21, 1940. The 12th Kokutai was stationed in Wuhan (China). Soon nine more A6M2 model 11 vehicles arrived on their own. The first sortie took place on August 19. 12 cars under the command of Captain Yokoyama covered Mitsubishi G3M2 bombers. However, Chinese intelligence reported that this time the bombers received cover, and along the entire route, the Japanese did not meet a single Chinese plane, although usually dozens of fighters were swarming in the air, hunting for Japanese bombers. Only on September 13, 1940, during the third combat flight, 13 A6M2 under the command of Captain Saburo Shindo received information from a reconnaissance aircraft that a large number of Chinese fighters were circling in the air in the area of ​​the Chunkin airfield. The Japanese immediately attacked the unsuspecting Chinese. Out of thirty fighters I-152 / I-153 and I-16, only three managed to escape, and twenty-seven aircraft were shot down. The Japanese did not lose a single aircraft. Warrant Officer Koshiro Yamashita shot down five cars, NCO 2nd Class Yoshiro Oki shot down four planes, and NCO 1st Class Toraichi Takatsuka shot down three planes. This unusually successful debut echoed loudly in the highest circles of the Japanese Navy and among the command of the Chinese Air Force. Soon, new aircraft began arriving at the 14th Kokutai, also operating in China. Nine A6M2 Model 11 vehicles entered the 14th Kokutai in September 1940. In September 1940, the Japanese launched a raid on the Chinese base at Kunming in southwestern China. The action was attended by 27 G3M bombers and 7 A6M2 model 11, under the command of Captain Mitsuga Kofukuda. Having reached the target two hours after the departure, the Japanese fighters found a large number of Chinese I-15, I-16 and Curtiss Hawk III fighters in the air. Within 15 minutes, 13 Chinese aircraft were shot down, and the Japanese destroyed four more aircraft on the ground. On December 12, 1940, after a long 550-km flight, the seven "Zero", led by an army reconnaissance aircraft, reached the Chinese Xiangyun airfield and destroyed 22 enemy aircraft. Until the summer of 1941, the fighter divisions of the 12th and 14th Kokutaev operated not only in the Chunking and Chentu areas, but, thanks to their long range, flew to the Tien Shan (Shanxi province) and the Nancheng Kwanyang area, and also participated in reconnaissance flights over Lanzhou ... The results of using the A6M2 Zero in China turned out to be impressive - Japanese fighters shot down 103 enemy aircraft, another 163 aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and the Japanese lost three aircraft, shot down by anti-aircraft artillery fire.

In mid-September 1941, the naval aviation forces were reorganized, the 12th and 14th Kokutai were disbanded, and the aircraft were transferred to other units.

Pearl Harbor 7 (8) December 1941, Wake 21-23 December 1941

On December 8, Tokyo time (it was still December 7 at Pearl Harbor), the war in the Pacific Ocean began. A massive blow to the forces of the American Pacific Fleet was inflicted exclusively by carrier-based aircraft based on six aircraft carriers: Akagi, Kara, Hiryu, Soryu, Sekaku and Zuikaku. The raid involved Type 99 dive bombers (Aichi D3A1), Type 97 torpedo bombers (Nakajima B5N2) and Type O model 21 fighters (Mitsubishi A6M2 model 21). The first wave of aircraft included nine Zeros from Akagi, commanded by Major Shigeru Itai. Simultaneously, Itaya led a group of all 43 fighters that took off from the take-off decks of all six aircraft carriers and participated in the first wave of the raid. Due to the fact that the Americans could not properly respond to the Japanese, the fighters of the first wave had no work. Only one observer plane and three American training planes circled over Pearl Harbor, which were immediately shot down. Not finding the enemy in the air, the Japanese fighters began to look for him on the ground. On low level flight, the Japanese shot at Hikem and Yua airfields about 25 American aircraft that were on the ground. Major Itaya's first wingman, NCO 1st Class Takeshi Hirano, received a direct hit from the ground and his plane crashed to the ground. The first wave of the raid was attended by nine A6M2s from the aircraft carrier "Kara", led by Captain Shiga. From the aircraft carrier "Soryu" 8 fighters of the first wave took off into the air, this group was led by Captain Masai Suganami. Fighters from "Soryu" raided Wheeler and Yua airfields, destroying 27 enemy aircraft on the ground. In addition, NCO 3rd Class Shinichi Suzuki shot down two American planes, while Private Isao Doikawa shot down three. After the attack, Captain Suganami was unable to determine the course back and decided to commit suicide with the five pilots of his senses. Fortunately, on the way, they met planes from another aircraft carrier, which helped the hapless captain return to base. Six Zeros took part in the first wave from the aircraft carrier Hiryu, and Captain Okajima was the head of the group. This six fired at about 40 American aircraft stationed at the Yua airfield, of which 27 machines caught fire. The group returned to their aircraft carrier without loss. The aircraft carrier "Shokaku" sent six A6M2s in the first wave, commanded by Captain Tadashi Kaneko. Not meeting any resistance in the air, Kaneko sent his vehicles to the Kaneohe and Bellows airfields, where he destroyed 33 flying boats and other aircraft. With "Zuikaku" in the first wave, six fighters also participated, commanded by Captain Sato. These aircraft raided Kaneohe airfield, destroying 32 American aircraft on the ground.

The nine fighters from the Akagi, covering the aircraft of the second wave, were headed by Captain Saburo Shindo, already known to us from China, who simultaneously commanded all 36 fighters participating in the second wave. The air was clear again, so the fighters fired at the Hickem airfield. This time, the successes were more modest - only two American aircraft. Captain Shindou's group returned to their aircraft carrier without loss. Kara also sent nine Zeros in the second wave, led by Captain Nikado. This group shot down one American aircraft and destroyed 20 more enemy vehicles on the ground. The Japanese paid for their success with four cars, including that of Junior Lieutenant Goto. With "Soryu" in the second wave, nine fighters also participated, commanded by Captain Fusato Iida. The fighters attacked the Kaneohe airfield and destroyed six flying boats. Iida himself was shot down by anti-aircraft artillery fire and, seeing that he would not make it to the base, he sent his plane to the nearest hangar. However, the car did not obey the steering wheel well and fell between the two buildings, causing almost no harm. Lieutenant Iyozo Fujito, took command of the group, and on the way back began a battle with American fighters. Fujita himself and non-commissioned officer 1st class Jiro Tanaka shot down one P-36 from the 46th fighter battalion. The Japanese themselves in this battle also lost two aircraft - the cars of non-commissioned officers of the 1st class Takeshi Atsumi and Saburo Ichiya. From the aircraft carrier Hiryu, nine vehicles under the command of Captain Nono took part in the second wave. The planes fired at the Kaneohe and Bellows airfields, destroying two American planes and a truck on the ground. On the way back, the group also had to collide in the air with American fighters, this time with the P-40. Non-commissioned officer 1st class Tsugio Matsuyama shot down two American aircraft, but the third P-40 managed to put a line on the plane of non-commissioned officer 1st class Shigenori Nishikaishi. Nishikaishi made an emergency landing on Nihau Island, but was surrounded and preferred to captivity by the hara-kiri. The aircraft carriers "Shokaku" and "Zuikaku" did not send fighters with the second wave, but instead, on the orders of Admiral Nagumo, organized an air umbrella over the Japanese ships. For this purpose, 12 vehicles were lifted from the Shokaku (group commander, Captain Iizuka), and from Zuikaku - 29 A6M2.

Summing up the results of the raid on Pearl Harbor, it should be noted that although the Americans did suffer heavy losses, the results reported by the Japanese were overestimated several times. Probably in the heat of battle, the Japanese fired several times at the same aircraft, two or three times shooting them down. The Americans calculated all their losses in that battle. In the so-called "Report of the Roberts Commission", which investigated the causes of the defeat of the American fleet, the following figures are given: army aviation lost 18 bombers, damaged 19; fighters - 57, damaged - 53; aircraft of other classes - 4, damaged - 6. Naval aviation lost about 100 aircraft shot down or destroyed on the ground, another 30 aircraft were damaged, but were subject to repair.

On the way home, two aircraft carriers, Soryu and Hiryu, separated from the squadron and headed for the small Wake Atoll, where another American military base was located. On December 21-23, aircraft from aircraft carriers launched several bombing strikes on the atoll. During one of these raids, 3rd class non-commissioned officer Isao Tahara announced victory over two F4F-3 Wildcats from VMF-211.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese attacked in other directions, and moved primarily to the Philippines. A6M2 from the 3rd Kokutai operated in this area. This unit was headed by Colonel Yoshio Kamei. The 3rd Kokutai from mid-September 1941 was based in Taiwan (Formosa) and conducted intensive preparations for future hostilities. During training, the main emphasis was placed on practicing flights in an economic mode. Since the pilots in kokutai were very experienced (many of them flew more than 1000 hours), the training was successful. Therefore, at the end of October, they finally abandoned the plan of raids on the Philippines with an intermediate refueling on an aircraft carrier. On the eve of the war, the 3rd Kokutai had 45 A6M2 model 21 and 12 A5M4 type 96, not counting the aircraft attached directly to the headquarters of the 22nd Koku Sentai (aviation flotilla). On the first day of the war, 53 A6M2 Model 21s under the command of Captain Tamotsu Yokoyama - a veteran of the 12th Kokutai since the war in China - took off from a base in Takao to escort 54 G4M bombers. Soon, two fighters returned to the airfield due to discovered technical malfunctions. The bombers were to strike at the Iba and Clark airfields in the Manila area. Yokoyama's guys quickly dealt with ten American fighters that were trying to block the path of the Japanese planes. The Japanese then fired at the American planes on the ground and destroyed at least 20 vehicles. The losses of the Japanese for the entire flight amounted to two A6M2. On December 10, 1941, 34 A6M2 and 27 bombers raided the Nikole and Nelson airfields, located in the vicinity of Manila. A battle ensued in the air, in which the Japanese shot down seven Filipino and American aircraft, and another 22 aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Similar attacks were repeated on December 12 and 13, after which the US-Filipino troops were no longer able to provide organized resistance.

Together with the 3rd Kokutai in the sky of the Philippines, another, no less famous Tynan Kokutai fought. This unit was formed on October 1, 1941 in Taiwan. Tainan Kokutai included a large number of aces from the disbanded 12th and 14th Kokutai who fought in China. Colonel Masahisa Saito became the commander of the new unit. The command of the aviation group was taken over by a very experienced pilot - Captain Hideki Shingo. In Tainan Kokutai, intensive flight exercises were also carried out in the economic mode of the engine. On the eve of the war, there were 45 A6M2 model 21 in kokutai, 12 old A5M4 and 6 C5M1 reconnaissance aircraft, not counting the aircraft directly subordinate to the 22nd Air Flotilla.

On the first day of the war, 34 A6M2s from Tainan Kokutai under the command of Captain Shingo were escorted by bombers (27G4M1 and 24 G3M2), which bombed the Clark and Iba airfields in Luzon. The escort easily overwhelmed the weak resistance of the few American fighters - 8 Americans were shot down for sure and 4 probably. In addition, A6M2 fighters fired at aircraft on the ground and destroyed 25 aircraft, including several B-17s. The Americans managed to shoot down one Zero (1st Lieutenant Randall D. Keith) - it was the first Japanese aircraft shot down by American pilots over the Philippines. Four more planes did not return to base for unclear reasons - they were probably also shot down by the Americans (R.D. Keetor, 2nd Lieutenant Edwin B. Gilmore and 1st Lieutenant Joseph H. Moore (two cars)). In total, the Japanese lost 7 A6M2 that day. Fighters from Tainan Kokutai took part in the raids on the Philippines on December 10, 11 and 13.

Dutch East Indies - December 1941 - March 1942

Already on December 28, 1941, the 3rd Kokutai conducted the first raid on the Dutch East Indies. Seven A6M2s and one reconnaissance aircraft reached Tarakan Island near Borneo. Here the Japanese were attacked by seven Brewster B-339 Buffalo fighters from 1 VLG V. The Japanese shot down three enemy vehicles. Tainan Kokutai conducted the first raid on Tarakan Island on December 30, 1941, and already on January 11, 1942, Tarakan was captured by the Japanese. Since February 3, fierce aerial battles have erupted over the eastern part of Java. On the first day, 27 A6M2s from the 3rd Kokutai and the same number of A6M2s from Tainan Kokutai took part in the battles. It came to a major air battle with the US-Dutch Air Force, during which the Japanese from the 3rd Kokutai announced 39 air victories and 21 ground victories. Together, the two kokutai destroyed 90 allied aircraft. These were greatly exaggerated figures, nevertheless, until the very end of the operation in this area, the Japanese completely dominated the air. The main opponents of the narrow-eyed were the B-17 Flying Fortress bombers from the 7th group of bombers, which, thanks to their powerful onboard armament, really could rightfully be called "Flying Fortresses". Only a few days after the start of the fighting - on February 8 - fighters from Tainan Kokutai managed to shoot down two "Fortresses" over the Java Sea in a frontal attack. On February 19, 23 A6M2 from the 3rd and Tynan Kokutaev and 50 Dutch Hawk 75 A-7 from VLG IV, American P-40E, from the 17th fighter division and the Dutch Brewster B-339 Buffalo met in battle over Surabaya. Having covered almost 700 km from Balikpapan to the target, the Japanese fighters discovered significantly superior enemy forces, which formed a large circle above the city at an altitude of 3000 meters. Having flown closer, the Japanese pilots dropped the outboard fuel tanks and gained altitude. Allied aircraft were the first to attack the Japanese - many individual fights ensued. The Allies frivolously allowed themselves to be imposed on a circular battle tactic, which was very beneficial to the Japanese. Having lost three aircraft (among the dead was the commander of the air group Tainan Kokutai - Captain Macao Asai), the Japanese chalked up 40 enemy aircraft. In that battle, NCO 1st Class Saburo Sakai shot down three Curtiss aircraft Hawk 75A-7. After this battle, the resistance of the allies weakened and later the A6M2 aircraft operated in small groups over the numerous islands that abounded in this region. According to Japanese data, for the period from January 12 to March 3, 1942, the pilots of the 3rd Kokutai shot down 86 aircraft and destroyed another 90 aircraft on the ground. Since the beginning of the war, this has resulted in 150 downed and 170 destroyed aircraft. During the same period, the Japanese lost 11 pilots. On February 5, Lieutenant Colonel Yamada's fighters, subordinate directly to the headquarters of the 22nd Koku Sentai, relocated to Kuching airfield to directly support the troops in the Dutch East Indies. On February 9, a reconnaissance aircraft and 15 A6M2s raided Batavia, the capital of the East Indies. An aerial battle broke out over Batavia, during which the Japanese chalked up 12 aircraft downed and 8 destroyed on the ground, without suffering any losses. On February 13 and 14, the Zero was escorted by amphibious convoys to Palembang, Sumatra. On February 14, 10 Hudson bombers were shot down, which tried to strike at the landing troops. On February 25, the aircraft, already operating from the Muntok airfield on the Bangka island, accompanied the bombers flying to Batavia. During the raid, the Zero shot down four Allied aircraft, losing one fighter and one reconnaissance aircraft.

Singapore - December 1941 - January 1942

Fighters from the 3rd and Tainan Kokutaev, subordinate directly to the headquarters of the 22nd Koku Sentai, operated over Singapore. On December 8, 9 fighters covered the landing in Singor. At about 9:30 am pilot Tokaji Setai shot down a single Blenheim "a. However, the Japanese himself was injured and made an emergency landing. Following this, for various reasons, three more Japanese fighters made an emergency landing on the water, but all the pilots were recovered. The following days" Zero "mainly covered convoys with a landing. On December 22, 9 A6M2 were sent to Miri in the north of Borneo and Tarakan, in addition, they defended Kuchun, the landing site for ships with a landing. On that day, three Blenheims were intercepted, trying to break through to the Miri airfield. planes operated from the Sok Trang airfield, awaiting the construction of a new airfield at Kota Bhara. The new airfield was ready on December 26 and the aircraft relocated to it. battles for Singapore. On January 15, at about noon, a battle began between two Brewster B-339 Buffalo from the 243rd RAF battalion and the A6M2 troika accompanying the ombers who attacked Tengakh airfield. The Bison shot down one Zero, which was piloted by NCO 3rd Class Hiroshi Suyama. However, the truly major air battles began in the skies of Singapore only on January 16. 12 A6M2, covering the bombers, collided with 20 Brewster B-339 Buffalo fighters. In the battle, the Japanese lost one reconnaissance aircraft and announced 10 downed enemy aircraft (out of ten, one probably). In fact, they did not manage to shoot down a single Bison that day. Until January 29, two groups of fighters in shifts accompanied bombers and reconnaissance aircraft flying to Singapore. During the fighting for Singapore, the Japanese made 150 sorties, 60 times the aircraft returned to the airfield without reaching the target. According to the Japanese, 40 Allied aircraft were shot down and 30 aircraft were destroyed on the ground (total losses, including losses from naval and army aviation). The Japanese themselves lost 5 A6M2 fighters (including two cars on January 18), 1 C5M1 reconnaissance aircraft and 4 G3M bombers (of which two were shot down by Sergeant G. Fisken on Buffalo from the 243rd RAF battalion).

Aircraft Carrier Raids - February-April 1942

While the events described above were taking place, the aircraft carriers of Vice Admiral Nagumo participated in several raids, patting allied bases in Ceylon and Australia.

During a raid by four aircraft carriers (Akagi, Kara, Hiryu and Soryu) on Port Darwin, Australia, there were several skirmishes between Japanese escort fighters and American fighters from the 33rd division, led by Major Floyd Pell. On February 19, 36 A6M2s and bombers took off to carry out a combat mission. 9 "Zero" under the command of Major Itai from "Akagi", acting together with vehicles from other units, shot down four enemy aircraft, and destroyed another 8 on the ground. The planes from "Soryu" returned to the aircraft carrier without finding a single enemy aircraft. In total, the Allies lost 9 Curtiss P-40 fighters downed, 2 destroyed on the ground and 7 Australian bombers destroyed on the ground. The Japanese lost one A6M2 and one D3A1 dive bomber.

A larger operation was the raid of the vice admiral's five aircraft carriers against Colombo and Trincomalee in Ceylon. On April 5, 1942, during the raid on Colombo, A6M2 fighters covered the bombers as usual. 9 A6M2 from Akagi, accompanying 17 B5N2 bombers, were met by British Hawker Hurricane fighters, who tried to intercept the Japanese. The Japanese managed to drive off the British, and the Japanese themselves did not suffer losses, and at their own expense recorded 16 downed aircraft, including 7 probably. Roughly the same thing happened with the nine A6M2 with "Soryu", which was headed by Lieutenant Fujita. This time, the Japanese, having lost one plane, declared victory over 14 enemy aircraft, of which 3 were probably. The fighters from the Hiryu were even more successful. Nine A6M2s under the command of Captain Nono announced that they had shot down 16 Hurricane fighters, 6 Faiery Swordfish bombers and 2 Fulmar bombers. The battalion commander, who was shot down during an attack on a Bristol Blenheim bomber squadron, did not return from this flight. On April 9, 1942, Akagi fighters participating in the raid on Trincomalee chalked up six British aircraft. 10 A6M2 from the aircraft carrier "Sekaku" under the command of Captain Kaneko after one of the battles announced 23 downed enemy aircraft. Japanese casualties amounted to one aircraft, piloted by non-commissioned officer 1st class Hayashi. Two Hurricanes were shot down in that battle by Junior Lieutenant Kenji Okabe. The same results were achieved by the nine A6M2 with "Zuikaku", headed by captain Makino. Escorting 19 bombers, Japanese fighters stumbled upon British aircraft sent to intercept. The Japanese announced 20 downed enemy aircraft, losing two aircraft and both pilots. One of the victims was Captain Makino. The rather rosy reports of the Japanese pilots in no way agree with the data of the British, who, in the defense of Trincomalee, lost only 8 Hurricanes and one Fulmar of 15 Hurricanes (261st RAF division) and 4 Fulmar (273rd RAF division ) who defended the base. The Japanese, as always, overestimated their results. In total, the British lost 48 aircraft in Ceylon (according to other sources, 43), the losses of the Japanese amounted to 18 aircraft, including 5 A6M2.

South Pacific (Rabaul, New Guinea) - until June 1942

In late March - early April 1942, the center of gravity of the fighting shifted to the South Pacific. The key point in that area was Rabaul, which the Japanese occupied in January and quickly turned into their main base in this sector of the front. Together with smaller support bases, Rabaul was seen as a starting point for further expansion southward to New Guinea and Australia. For the defense of this strategically important object, the 4th Kokutai was specially formed, which consisted of 27 bombers and 27 A6M2 fighters. Very quickly, 4th Kokutai entered the battle. On February 23, 2nd class non-commissioned officer Mototsun Yoshida single-handedly intercepted and shot down a B-17 over Ra-baul. After the Japanese captured the airfields in Lae and Salamua on March 8, the fighters moved to Lae. On March 14, 1942, 8 bombers and 12 Zeros, led by Captain Kawai, were attacked by P-40 fighters. During the battle, 8 allied aircraft were shot down (including 2 - probably), the Japanese lost two A6M2s (one of them was Lieutenant Iwasaki's plane). After the reorganization on April 1, the 4th Kokutai was fully equipped with bombers, and the fighters were taken over by Tainan Kokutai. Over the next four months, Tainan Kokutai conducted 51 operations - 602 sorties and chalked up 246 Allied aircraft (including 45 probably). In addition, the Japanese shot down enemy aircraft while patrolling Lae and Bune, as well as during the attack on Horn Island. In total, about 300 enemy aircraft were shot down, the losses of the Japanese amounted to 20 aircraft and pilots. Most of the downed enemy aircraft are American and Australian P-39 and P-40.

Battle of the Coral Sea - May 7-8, 1942

The time has come to implement the Japanese plan to capture Port Moresby. The capture was to be carried out by an assault force, covered by aircraft from the large aircraft carriers Shokaku and Zuikaku and the small aircraft carrier Shoho. However, the Americans became aware of the plans of the Japanese and they gathered large forces in the Coral Sea. The main striking power of the Americans in the area was represented by the aircraft carriers Lexington and Yorktown. On May 7 and 8, 1942, the first naval battle in history took place, in which only carrier-based aircraft participated on both sides. A6M2 fighters played an important role in this battle, since they did not allow American bombers and torpedo bombers to break through to their aircraft carriers. Less fortunate in this battle is "Shoho". The Americans very quickly found the aircraft carrier and attacked it with 93 aircraft. On board the Shoho were 4 A6M2 and 2 A5M4, which reported 5 shot down American aircraft (the Americans lost only three aircraft in that battle). However, all Japanese fighters were also shot down: three made an emergency landing on the water, and three more were missing. In that battle, 2nd Lieutenant Walter Haas of VF-42 in an F4F-3 Wildcat shot down Warrant Officer Shigeshi Imamura's A6M2. It was the first Zero shot down by a US Navy fighter jet. The next day, nine A6M2s with Shokaku under the command of Captain Hoashi were escorted by bombers. These fighters reported the victory over 30 enemy aircraft. Nine more Zeros patrolled the airspace around the aircraft carriers.

In aerial combat with American planes trying to break through to the Shokaku, two Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers and three F4F-3 Wildcat fighters were shot down. One Douglas TBD-1 Devastator torpedo bomber was shot down with a ram. One of the Japanese pilots, NCO 2nd Class Takeo Miyazawa rammed the torpedo bomber a second before he was supposed to fire the torpedo. However, the Americans managed to achieve direct hits on the aircraft carrier and the Sekaku was damaged. Only Warrant Officer Yukuo Hanzawa decided to land on the damaged aircraft carrier, despite the fact that the deck was filled with smoke and the air arrestor was out of order. Nevertheless, he succeeded in this adventure! 9 A6M2 with "Zuikaku" under the command of Captain Tsukamoto were supposed to cover the bombers from "Shokaku". Japanese fighters shot down 39 American aircraft (mainly Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat fighters and SBD Dauntless dive bombers used as fighters). Another 10 A6M2 under the command of Captain Okadzima covered aircraft carriers. More Americans failed to hit the Japanese ships, although during the raids they lost, according to Japanese data, 13 Wild Cats, 6 Devastators and 5 Undaunted, at the cost of one A6M2, which made an emergency landing on the water and sank. As always, the Japanese have overestimated their achievements several times, since the Americans report that in the Coral Sea they lost 33 aircraft downed and 36 went to the bottom with Lady Leke. The Americans believed that in that battle, the Japanese lost 107 aircraft of various types, including 40 were shot down by American fighters. One way or another, but the Americans achieved their goal - the Japanese postponed the landing in Port Moresby, this was Uncle Sam's first victory in the Pacific Ocean.

Battle of Midway - June 4-6, 1942

At the end of May and beginning of June 1942, the implementation of another plan began, where the main role was assigned to carrier-based aviation. This was the plan to capture Midway. To confuse the enemy's plans, the Japanese planned, simultaneously with the main attack on Midway, to inflict a diversionary strike on the Aleutian Islands. The plan provided for the suppression of the island's defense with a massive attack by carrier-based aircraft and the subsequent landing of troops, the seizure of the airfield and the redeployment there of the 6th Kokutai specially formed for this purpose, which was temporarily located on aircraft carriers. To strike at Midway, in addition to the landing force, the Japanese allocated four aircraft carriers: "Akagi", "Kara", "Hiryu" and "Soryu", which were commanded by the same Vice Admiral Nagumo. These were ships hardened in numerous battles, the pilots had a lot of experience behind them. In addition to its own 18 A6M2s, each aircraft carrier carried on board several aircraft from the 6th Kokutai. The plan for the invasion of Midway closely resembled the attack on Pearl Harbor. Half of the fighters from the aircraft carriers were supposed to cover the bombers, and the other half - to protect their ships. The fighters from the Akagi, which accompanied the bombers, were commanded by Captain Shirane. Sirane, with nine fighters, repulsed the attack of the Americans who tried to intercept the bombers. During the air combat, the Japanese chalked up 2 F4F-3 and 13 F2A-3. One of the F2A-3s, piloted by Captain Humberd, shot down the A6M2 from the Akagi. Having repulsed the attack, the Japanese fired the remaining ammunition at the aircraft stationed at the airfield and destroyed one B-17 bomber. During the attack on the airfield, the fighter of non-commissioned officer 1st class Iwama was shot down by anti-aircraft artillery fire. Nine Zeros from the Kagi, led by Captain Izuka, shot down 12 American fighters. The losses of the Japanese amounted to one plane, which was chalked up by Captain Marion Karl. The nine fighters from the Soryu that participated in the raid on Midway were led by Captain Suganami, who simultaneously commanded all the cover fighters. The planes of this nine announced six downed American fighters. A6M2 with "Hiryu" was commanded by Captain Yasushiro Shigematsu. This nine announced 18 aerial victories over the F4F-3 and F2A-3. The rest of the aircraft circled over their carriers and repelled attacks from American aircraft flying from Midway and the aircraft carriers. Captain Shirane commanded nine A6M2s from Akagi. His group was reinforced by three fighters from the 6th Kokutai. These twelve planes announced 51 downed American vehicles, of which 30 were shot down in co-operation with planes from other aircraft carriers. After the Akagi received its own, most of these fighters began to refuel and replenish the Hiryu's ammunition. Fighters from the aircraft carrier "Kara", defending their ship, shot down 32 American aircraft, losing six. All fighters from Soryu shot down 32 American planes during the six-hour battle. Hiryu fighters took part in a retaliatory raid on American aircraft carriers. The Hiryu remained the last Japanese aircraft carrier capable of combat. Only six A6M2 fighters were sent to cover 18 Aichi D3A1 dive bombers. However, two Zeros had to go back for technical reasons. The remaining four continued to escort the bombers. During the approach to the target, the fighters shot down seven American aircraft, the Japanese lost three A6M2s. Only Captain Shigematsu survived and returned to his aircraft carrier. To cover ten Nakajima B5N2 torpedo bombers, a squadron of four A6M2 with Hiryu and two A6M2 with Kara was formed, which were relocated to the surviving aircraft carrier. The squadron was led by Captain Mori and Lieutenant Akira Yamamoto. More than thirty American fighters flew around the aircraft carrier Yorktown, the Japanese shot down 11 of them, paying for this with two of their A6M2s, including Captain Mori's car. Lieutenant Yamamoto chalked up four F4F-4s. After the Americans sank the last Japanese aircraft carrier, the planes in the air, using up their fuel, fell into the sea. Most of the pilots were rescued by the cover destroyers.

This time the Japanese counted one downed plane as two. In reality, the Americans lost 136 aircraft, and a few dozen more sank along with the Yorktown. In return, the Japanese lost all of their aircraft - about 250 - mainly due to the loss of aircraft carriers. Obviously, it will never be possible to establish combat losses precisely.

Aleutian Islands - June 1942 - February 1943

The complete failure at Midway forced the Japanese to do everything to complete the auxiliary strike on the Aleutian Islands with at least the appearance of victory. The operation involved two light aircraft carriers: Ryujo, which, among other aircraft, carried 16 A6M2s, and Junyo, with 22 Zeros on board, 7 of them from the 6th Kokutai. On June 3, 1942, aircraft from aircraft carriers attacked Dutch Harbor. The fighters from "Junyo" were commanded by Captain Yoshio Shiga, who simultaneously headed all the aircraft participating in the raid. The detachment consisted of 13 A6M2 from "Junyo", 3 A6M2 from "Ryujo" and 7 A6M2 from the 6th Kokutai (the 6th Kokutai group was headed by Captain Miyano). The strike force of the detachment was 12 D3A1 bombers and 6 B5N2 torpedo bombers. Due to bad weather over the target, the planes had to return. Only the second wave of aircraft was able to detect at least some enemy - during the flight, two American PBY Catalina flying boats were discovered and shot down. The weather was not flying the next day, nevertheless, a group of planes took off from the Junyo. In the new raid on Dutch Harbor, in addition to bombers and torpedo bombers, 5 A6M2s from Junyo (Captain Shiga) and 6 A6M2s from Ryujo and 6th Kokutai (Captain Miyano) took part. After the Japanese bombed, eight American P-40 fighters based at Umnak airfield rose to intercept. The Japanese lost one Zero and two D3A1s and declared victory over six P-40s. The Americans, however, claim that in that battle they lost one P-40, the other P-40 crashed while making an emergency landing. This story received an unexpected continuation. During a raid on Dutch Harbor, a petrol line was cut off by A6M2 by NCO Tadaesi Koga, and the pilot made an emergency landing on one of the islands. During landing, the plane skipped and the pilot died. Soon, the shot down plane was found by observers from an American patrol flying boat. The Americans restored the damaged plane and tested it comprehensively. The Americans became aware of the vehicle's weaknesses, which made it possible to develop effective tactics for dealing with the A6M2.

In the end, the Japanese captured two islands - Attu and Kiska. Both islands were located in the Dutch Harbor Air Force. Since it was impossible to build airfields on the islands, in order to provide air protection, the Japanese organized a base for A6M2-N seaplanes there. For the first time, the Aleutian seaplanes entered the battle on July 8, when they attacked a single B-24, but the air battle ended in a zero draw. On July 12, the Japanese attacked a group of three B-17s and seven B-24s. After the battle, the Japanese reported that they managed to damage one B-24, while in reality, the Americans lost one B-17. Throughout August 1942, the opponents carried out "preventive raids" against each other, but neither side succeeded in achieving victory. Only on September 14, a major game began. For a long time, the Americans have made regular raids. After one of these raids, on September 14 over the islands, the Japanese A6M2-N managed to intercept a single P-38 from the 54th division, which was photographing the results of the bombing. The Japanese considered the American fighter likely to be shot down, while the Americans stated that the P-38 was only damaged by anti-aircraft artillery fire, and the Japanese attributed the damage to the LB-30 reconnaissance plane. The next day, the Americans launched an even more powerful raid, under the cover of even more fighters. The Japanese sent four seaplanes to intercept. Two A6M2-N did not return to base, and of the remaining two, 2nd class NCO Y. Sasaki declared victory over three P-38s and one single-engine fighter, and 2nd class NCO Minoru Minazawa chalked up one P-38 shot down for sure and another probably. In turn, the Americans claimed that in that battle they shot down five Japanese seaplanes, including one biplane, and shot another seaplane on the water. The Americans estimated their own losses at two P-38s. As a result, the Japanese had only one combat-ready aircraft, since the seaplane of non-commissioned officer Sasaki was seriously damaged and made an emergency landing. Trying to reach the airfield on the surface of the water, A6M2-N scoped. On September 25, the Japanese received a replenishment. For the entire time of fighting in this strategically secondary area, the Japanese managed to keep the enemy in constant tension. However, the forces concentrated by the Japanese on the Aleuts were insignificant, so they did not manage to achieve any impressive results.

On March 27, 1943, the Americans landed a landing on Kiska, and the Japanese had to withdraw their seaplanes from the Aleutian Islands. The personnel of the 452nd Kokutai were evacuated in a submarine. After the replenishment and reorganization that took place in Yokosuke, the 452nd Kokutai was sent north to the island of Shumushu (Chishima). The first combat mission of the "restored" kokutai was to intercept American bombers flying to Paramushir Island. Ten of the forty available in that area, A6M2-N went to carry out the order. The Japanese reported that they managed to shoot down two B-24s for sure and one more probably. The kokutai then returned to Yokosuku and was disbanded on October 1, 1943. During its existence, the kokutai shot down 17 + 6 enemy aircraft, while losing 8 A6M2-N and six pilots in battles, four more aircraft, along with the pilots, were lost from American anti-aircraft fire. While in the Aleuts, the 452nd Kokutai received at least 35 seaplanes as replenishment, most of which died from storms.

New Guinea, Guadalcanal, Rabaul - June 1942 - February 1944

After the Japanese offensive in the central part of the Pacific Ocean collapsed, the main battles erupted in Papua New Guinea. The Japanese wanted to use the existing bridgeheads on the northeastern coast of New Guinea to capture Port Moresby. After the capture of Port Moresby, Australia would be the next target. Therefore, the Australians and the 5th US Air Fleet did everything to prevent the fall of this strategically important point.

On August 7, the Americans landed in Guadalcanal, having previously destroyed the seaplanes available there from Yokohama Kokutai and shot a small Japanese garrison in Tulagi. From the American side, F4F-4 fighters and SBD-3 bombers participated in the attack. A6M2-N from Yokohama Kokutai managed to shoot down 6 + 1 enemy aircraft during their short service, all of the downed aircraft were four-engine bombers.

After the American landing, fighting in the region flared up with renewed vigor. Soon the Americans managed to capture and bring to working condition Henderson Field airfield. This airfield became a bone in the throat of the Japanese as it undermined the Japanese defense line in the South Pacific. Here again fighters from Tainan Kokutai had to join the battle. Already on the first day of the American offensive, 17 A6M2 fighters, ready to raid Rabi, were directed to another target. Now they had to escort the G4M1 bombers that were going to bomb the American bridgeheads. The group was led by Major Nakajima. The target was located almost 900 km from the Japanese airfield. The Zeros not only flew the entire route, but they had enough fuel to take part in an air battle, where the Japanese (according to their data) shot down 43 F4F-4 Wildcat fighters, and return to base. True, out of 43 planes, 7 were declared downed probably, nevertheless, these are clearly overestimated figures. In that battle, NCO 1st Class Hiroyoshi Nishizawa - the future first ace of Japanese naval aviation - shot down six F4F-4s. Warrant officer Saburo Sakai, shooting down one F4F-4 and one SBD-3, attacked a group of eight VB-6 SBD-3 Dauntless dive bombers, mistaking them for Wildcats. Going into the tail of the bombers, Sakai was caught in the crossfire of the aft shooters. As a result, the fighter received significant damage, and Sakai himself was seriously wounded. Nevertheless, the Japanese pilot, having collected the remnants of his strength, nevertheless made it to Rabaul, although he lost consciousness several times on the way back.

In addition to Tynan Kokutai, the mixed 2nd Kokutai participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal, especially his fighter squad, which usually patrolled the airspace around Rabaul. The 2nd Kokutai was equipped with the modernized Zero - A6M3 model 32. Aircraft of this type, due to insufficient range, were used mainly over New Guinea. On August 22, a detachment of fighters from the 2nd Kokutai under the command of Captain Yoshio Kurakane, along with some units of Tainan Kokutai, relocated to the Buna airfield in New Guinea. On August 24, a raid on Rabi took place and the first battle in the air took place, in which the Japanese, without losing a single machine, chalked up 9 American P-39s. On 26 and 27 August, the raids were repeated, now they also involved bombers. The Japanese lost two D3A1s and 2 A6M3s (Tainan Kokutai lost four more A6Ms). On August 26, Lieutenant Dzunichi Sasai, who was called "Rabaul Richtofen", was killed. Before his death, Sasai shot down 27 enemy aircraft. Most likely Sasai was targeted by another ace - Captain Marion Karl from VMF-223. The raids involving the 2nd Kokutai continued until 8 September. The 2nd Kokutai was then re-targeted at Guadalcanal. On September 4, three A6M3s flew there, but to no avail. But on September 12, the 15 A6M3 raid turned out to be the loss of 11 aircraft for the Americans, on September 14, after the raid by eleven Zeros, the Japanese chalked up 10 enemy aircraft. Having received replenishment in the form of 10 fighters and 3 bombers, the 2nd Kokutai moved to Buka. From there, the Kokutai, numbering 21 fighters, continued to raid Guadalcanal. A particularly hot battle took place on October 25th. Between 11 and 14 November, the unit, reorganized into the 582nd Kokutai, covered convoys with ammunition and replenishment. In mid-November, the main forces of the kokutai were transferred to New Guinea, to Lae, where the aircraft continued to escort sea convoys.

To make life easier for the Rabaul pilots, who had to make rather long "walks" to the target, the Japanese command organized a seaplane base A6M2-N on the island of Shortland south of Bougainville. Another base was set up in Recata Bay on Santa Isabel Island. The bases were located just 150 km from Guadalcanal. The Japanese won their first victory on 13 September. On that day, Warrant Officer Kawamura shot down an American aircraft landing at Henderson Field. On 14 September, three A6M2-Ns, including Kawamura's plane, raided Guadalcanal. This time they were intercepted by F4F-4 from VF-5 and not a single Japanese returned to base. On the same day, the same fate befell two more A6M2-Ns, which could not escape the American F4F-4 from the VF-5. One of these planes was shot down by Lieutenant Elish Stouver. In turn, Stouver was attacked by the commander of the seaplane group, Captain Jiro Ono. After the battle, Ono reported that he had managed to shoot down an American fighter. On the same day, the base in Shortland was attacked by American F4F-4s from VMF-224. The Americans reported six destroyed Japanese seaplanes. On the morning of September 24, two A6M2-Ns intercepted four B-17s.

Captain Ono and his wingman fired all their ammunition and were able to damage only two American bombers. In the B-17, with which Ono was "working", two of the four engines went silent. Two days later, NCO 1st Class Maruyama attacked 8 B-17s from the front and below and reported that he had succeeded in shooting down one Flying Fortress. On October 9, seaplanes from Yokohama Kokutai, reinforced with Kamikawa-maru vehicles (6 A6M2-N and 11 F1M2), covered a special Nissin transport carrying ammunition for Guadalcanal. The Americans tried to sink the transport. Fighting off their attacks, Warrant Officer Hisateru Kofuji - the last pilot in Yokohama Kokutai's first squad - shot down one SBD for sure and one for likely. The next day, two A6M2-Ns, along with several F1M2s, continued to guard the Nissin. This time, the Americans attacked with large forces, including 20 fighters, which shot down both seaplanes. Observers from the ships reported that before the seaplanes were shot down, Japanese pilots managed to topple at least four Americans.

Periodically, Yokohama Kokutai received replenishment - planes and pilots. With varying degrees of success, the kokutai continued to fight, although due to frequent reorganizations, it changed its name several times.

After the Japanese had to evacuate the garrison from Guadalcanal, the presence of seaplanes in the area became meaningless. While serving in the Solomon Islands from September 4 to November 7, 1942, the aircraft assigned to the Kamikawa-maru performed 211 combat missions, completing 360 sorties. The Japanese shot down 14 enemy aircraft for sure and one probably, losing nine aircraft. The 802th Kokutai and its predecessor, the 14th Kokutai, in the period from October 13, 1942 to February 14, 1943, shot down 13 aircraft in individual battles, and the Japanese shot down another aircraft while operating in a group. In addition, the Japanese have won eight probable victories. The Asians paid for their successes with thirteen seaplanes and the lives of seven pilots.

Meanwhile, the Rabaul fighter pilots did not have a moment to rest. The pilots from Tainan Kokutai demanded support, primarily from the 6th Kokutai, which, after the defeat at Midway, was being reorganized at the Kisarazu base. However, the level of training of young pilots was not high enough, and only a few experienced aces went to Rabaul. A group of aircraft from the 6th Kokutai under the command of Captain Kofukuda, consisting of 18 A6M2 and two bombers, set off on their own to Ra-baul through Iwo Jima, Saipan and Truk. All planes arrived at Rabaul on August 21, which was a great achievement for the single-engine aircraft crews. In early September, the group began raids on Rabi, Port Moresby and Guadalcanal.

After the airfield at Buin was ready, the 6th Kokutai moved there. Operating from the new base, the kokutai covered ships from the 6th cruiser squadron, shelling Guadalcanal. Due to bad weather, five cars crashed, including those of Lieutenant Kazuto Kuba and Warrant Officer Sagane. The main force of the 6th Kokutai (27 A6M3 model 32 aircraft) arrived in Rabaul on October 7 aboard the aircraft carrier "Zuiho". The 6th Kokutai was headed by Colonel Chisato Morita, the pilots were commanded by Captain Miyano. From Rabaul, all aircraft were relocated to Buin. On November 1, 1942, the 6th Kokutai was renamed the 204th Kokutai. Although the states of the kokutai provided for 60 fighters and 8 reconnaissance planes, in reality the number of kokutai did not exceed half of the named figures. The 204th Kokutai, operating from Buin, was mainly engaged in the protection of convoys. In addition, the kokutai took part in full-scale raids on the Americans along with the 252nd and 253rd Kokutai and a squadron of fighters from the Hiyo. But the most difficult task was to accompany sea ​​transports... The planes were supposed to circle over the ships until deep dusk, when it was too late to return to base. Usually pilots would land on the water near their destroyers, but it often happened that the sailors did not find the pilots. Until the end of 1942, the 204th Kokutai lost 10 pilots in battle, and 16 pilots died for other reasons, mainly drowning after splashdown.

In September, a replenishment arrived - Tainan Kokutai received 21 A6M2, 4 reconnaissance S5M1 and 27 pilots, who made up a special unit within the kokutai. The planes and pilots arrived in Rabaul aboard the aircraft carrier Tayyo. Until early November 1942, the arriving aircraft shot down 68 enemy aircraft (including 20 likely), themselves losing 8 aircraft shot down over Guadalcanal. After the reorganization, the group was spun off into 202nd Kokutai, which returned to its original base in Celebes in early November.

During the battles for Guadalcanal, new modifications of the A6M began to appear. The first modification was the A6M3 model 32 with a reduced wingspan, however, due to the too small range of action, this aircraft was replaced by the A6M3 model 22 (This modification of the aircraft had a flight range of 2056 km with a 10-minute reserve for air combat, 1782 km with a 20-minute reserve and 1482 km with a 30-minute reserve.). Japanese pilots had to cover huge distances, which caused chronic fatigue of the flight crew. As a result, Americans who had slept well began more and more often to shoot down the Japanese who were falling asleep at the controls. In addition, the Americans, with airfields close at hand, could quickly concentrate a large number of aircraft in a dangerous direction. In three months of fighting for Guadalcanal (including the battles in the eastern part of New Guinea), Tynan Kokutai shot down 201 enemy aircraft (including 37 probably). In the battles, 37 kokutai pilots were killed. Weakened and exhausted by the incessant fighting, Tainan Kokutai (renamed 251st Kokutai on November 1) was withdrawn to Japan in November for replenishment and rest. The personnel of the kokutai at the time of the evacuation, including the pilots and ground personnel, was only ... 20 people! The rest either died or as a result of wounds and diseases were found unfit for combat service.

The campaign on Guadalcanal involved not only the Zero from Tynan Kokutai. To strike at the Americans who landed and continued to land on Guadalcanal, the Japanese carried out several actions using aircraft carriers. One of these actions, in which the aircraft carriers "Sekaku", "Zuikaku" and "Ryujo" participated, went down in history as the Battle of the Solomon Islands. The battle lasted from 23 to 25 August 1942. In addition to bombers and torpedo bombers, the aircraft carriers also had A6M2 fighters. The Shokaku carried 26 Zeros, the Zuikaku 27, and the Ryujo 21. The first target of the Japanese was Henderson Field. In the first wave of aircraft, heading to the American airfield on 24 August, there were 6 A6M2 from Ryujo, 4 A6M2 from Shokaku and 6 from Zuikaku. Captain Hidaka led the squadron of fighters. The Japanese bombed the airfield, and the cover fighters entered the battle with the American planes taking off. The second wave of bombers was covered by 9 A6M2. Their raid coincided with the raid of 20 bombers from Rabaul, which had solid cover. The aerial battle began north of Henderson Field over the sea between the islands of Malaita and Florida. It was here that the narrow-eyed Major John L. Smith was waiting with his 14 F4F-4s from VMF-223. As a result, having lost several Wild Cats, the Americans reported that they had managed to shoot down 20 (21?) Enemy aircraft, mainly A6M2 and several bombers. The Japanese reported 15 aerial victories. In fact, the Americans shot down 3 A6M2, 3 B5N2 and 5 G4M1, losing three of their aircraft. It was around this time that Ryujo's fate was decided. The Americans found the aircraft carrier and dispatched a group of 30 Dauntless ovs and 18 Avenger ovs from the Saratoga aircraft carrier to intercept it. Then the aircraft carrier was raided by a detachment of aircraft from the aircraft carrier "Enterprise". The Japanese ship received several direct hits and sank, despite the fact that it was covered from the air by 10 A6M2, which reported 11 shot down enemy aircraft. The Americans admitted the loss of only one Avenger from the Enterprise. The vehicles that managed to get into the air were ordered to land at the airfields on Buka or Bougainville, but how many pilots, due to lack of fuel, splashed down near the escort destroyers.

Meanwhile, planes from the Shokaku and Zuikaku raided American aircraft carriers. Lady Sarah got a few hits but stayed afloat. But the Japanese also suffered heavy losses trying to hit the aircraft carrier. The losses among the bombers were especially great, while the Shokaku lost only one Zero, and the Zuikaku - three. The Americans cited more impressive Japanese casualties, losing only five Wildcats themselves. The Americans lost 17 aircraft from the number of aircraft carriers, but only seven of them were shot down in action. The Americans lost a certain number of aircraft over Guadalcanal.

After the battle, most of the serviceable fighters from the aircraft carriers went to support Tynan Kokutai. 30 fighters from the 1st division of aircraft carriers, including 15 A6M2 with "Shokaku" under the command of Captain Shingo, went to Buka, where from August 28 to September 4 they participated in the raids on Guadalcanal. In successful raids on August 29, 30 and September 2, fighters destroyed 15 American aircraft at the airfield, themselves losing six aircraft, including the aircraft of Captain Saburo Shingo and Captain Ibisuki.

In the second half of October, the next raid of Japanese aircraft carriers was coordinated with the offensive of the Japanese 17th Army, which was storming Henderson Field. The aircraft carriers "Shokaku", "Zuikaku", "Zuiho" and "Zunyo", carrying 93 Zero fighters, took part in the battle. The Americans were able to oppose the Japanese armada with only 70 fighters and about a hundred bombers and torpedo bombers based on the aircraft carriers Enterprise and Hornet. Both the Japanese and the Americans were aware of each other's presence, so whoever first discovered the enemy had to win. For two days, both sides "grope" each other, until finally on October 26, the real case began. At 12:00, 12 A6M2 fighters and 18 bombers took off from the Zunyo deck. Captain Shiga was in command of the fighters. Japanese aircraft attacked the Enterprise. In an air battle, the Japanese reported a victory over 14 enemy aircraft, of which 5 victories were classified as probable. The third wave was attended by 6 Zeros from Zunyo, of which two did not return, including the plane of Captain Shiran. Three more fighters made an emergency landing on the water. Fighters of the first wave from "Zuiho" - only nine cars, covered bombers both from "Zuiho" itself, and from "Shokaku" and "Zuikaku". Captain Hidaka was at the head of the nine. Hidaki's detachment first attacked a group of American aircraft (bombers, torpedo bombers and fighters), and then turned towards the American aircraft carriers. During the battle, the Japanese reported 14 aerial victories, but on the way back Hidaki's detachment lost their bombers and got lost. Four planes never returned to base. The Americans reported that in that battle they lost three Wildcat "a" and three Avenger "a", of which one was shot down and two made an emergency landing due to the received damage. American fighters reported one Zero shot down. With the second wave, Zuiho sent out 14 A6M2s, which were headed by Captain Sato. These 14 vehicles were accompanied by only five bombers. Having lost two aircraft, the Japanese shot down four enemy fighters.

The Shokaku sent only 4 A6M2s in the first wave, commanded by Captain Miyayima. With the second wave, Shokaku sent five fighters. These aircraft managed to shoot down five American fighters patrolling the airspace around their aircraft carriers. The remaining fighters from the "Shokaku" formed an "umbrella" over their ship, in which they participated with a total complexity of 24 A6M2. The Americans, too, quickly spotted Japanese aircraft carriers and sent their planes towards them. In the battle, Japanese fighters forming an "umbrella" shot down 9 enemy vehicles, including 3 probably. Non-commissioned officer 1st class Omori rammed an American Dauntless in his Zero just as the bomber had already taken a bombing position over the Shokaku. Fighters from "Shokaku" suffered relatively small losses - only three cars. Losses among bombers and torpedo bombers were significantly higher.

"Zuikaku" also kept most of the fighters for their own protection. With the first wave, only 8 A6M2s departed, commanded by Lieutenant Sirane. Returning to the aircraft carrier, the eight announced 14 downed F4F-4s. The second wave was covered only by 4 Zeros, commanded by Warrant Officer Shigemi Katsuma. Fighters from the second wave shot down nine American planes. The very same "Zuikaku" fought off raids by American bombers and torpedo bombers with 27 fighters. The Japanese shot down six SBD-3 Dauntless dive bombers over Zuikaku. At the same time, the Japanese did not lose a single aircraft, only five fighters were damaged.

The Americans claimed that the Japanese lost about 90 aircraft in the Battle of Santa Cruz. The Americans themselves said that they lost 74 aircraft in that battle, of which only 20 were shot down.

While the Japanese and American aircraft carriers fought a duel, the skies of Guadalcanal were also hot. Trying at all costs to take Henderson Field, the Japanese threw bombers from Rabaul into battle, covering them with fighters from Tynan Kokutai. October 23 16 G4M1 and 25 A6M2 attacked the airfield. An indiscriminate battle broke out in the air, in which 24 F4F-4 and 4 P-39 participated from the American side. The Americans shot down two bombers and about 20 A6M fighters without losses, while waging a classic all-round battle! True, the level of training of Japanese pilots at that time left much to be desired. On October 25, history repeated itself - in seven raids, the Japanese lost 27 vehicles of various types: 22 were shot down by American fighters and 5 by anti-aircraft gunners. In total, from October 16 to October 25, 1942, the Americans lost 14 aircraft over Guadalcanal, while the Japanese lost at least 115 aircraft.

In just three months of fighting for Guadalcanal, the Japanese lost (according to American sources) 260 A6M2 fighters and about 140 bombers, almost all of them together with their crews. The loss of personnel led to a further drop in the effectiveness of Japanese aviation.

The Japanese were forced to withdraw the battered kokutai to the rear, and in their place the 252nd Kokutai was urgently delivered from the Kisarazu base on board the aircraft carrier "Taiyo".

On November 11, the Kokutai received his baptism of fire, participating in a joint raid with the 253rd and 582nd Kokutai. In that battle, Captain Shigemisha Yamamoto's I "Zero" shot down one American plane without casualties. The next day, 12 A6Ms were covered by torpedo bombers attacking American ships and ships anchored off Guadalcanal. The Japanese reported that they had succeeded in shooting down eight American fighters sent to intercept their squadron from Henderson Field. On November 12-14, fighters from the 252nd Kokutai covered their convoys. The Japanese managed to shoot down 14 American aircraft trying to break through to the ships of the convoy, but they themselves suffered losses, among other pilots, Captain Masaji Suganami, the commander of the 252nd Kokutai, died. Later, the 252nd Kokutai operated from the bases in Rabaul, on Lae and Munda. Until February 1, 1943 (when the battle for Guadalcanal ended), the kokutai pilots chalked up 145 enemy aircraft, losing 15 aircraft themselves.

Another unit, equipped with A6M Zero fighters, played a prominent role in the Battle of Guadalcanal. It was a mixed Kanoya Kokutai fighter squadron. On September 19, one riot of fighters, 9 A6M2, arrived at the base in Kavieng. Captain Toshitaka Ito commanded the riot. Already on September 21, the nine participated in the raid on Port Moresby. On September 29, fighters participated in the aerial battle over Guadalcanal and shot down four American aircraft. On October 1, 1942, Kanoya Kokutai was renamed the 751st Kokutai, and on November 1, fighters and bombers were deployed to different kokutai. The fighter detachment was now called the 253rd Kokutai. For eight months, before being taken to Saipan for replenishment and rest in mid-May 1943, the 253rd Kokutai participated in continuous battles in the Guadalcanal area, over the Gulf of Oro in the protection of convoys and in operations to clear the airspace from enemy aircraft. In these battles, the kokutai shot down 101 enemy aircraft, while losing more than 30 aircraft. In the spring of 1943, the Japanese made another attempt to stop the American advance and buy time to build up their forces. After the Japanese left Guadalcanal, the Americans turned the island into a large transshipment base. Admiral Yamamoto decided to conduct an operation codenamed I-go, which was supposed to undermine the resources of the Americans in this sector of the front. An additional task facing the Japanese was to destroy the new American airfield on the Russell Islands. For this purpose, practically all the aircraft that the Japanese had in the New Guinea region were concentrated in Rabaul. Even the aircraft carriers Zuikaku, Zuiho, Zunyo and Hiyo sent their planes (96 A6Ms and about 70 bombers) to Rabaul. In total, the Japanese assembled almost 360 aircraft, half of which were Zero of various modifications. Admiral Yamamoto moved his headquarters to Rabaul to personally supervise the operation. On April 1, the preparatory phase of the operation began. Two A6M groups, totaling 58 vehicles, raided the Russell Islands. The Americans sent 42 fighters (F4F-4, F4U-1 and P-38) to meet them, and during the two-hour battle, both sides badly crushed each other. The Americans announced 18 downed enemy aircraft at the cost of 6 of their fighters, while the Japanese named approximately the same numbers, but in their favor. From 2 to 18 April, aircraft from aircraft carriers are involved in numerous operations over Guadalcanal, Oro Gulf, Rabi and Port Moresby. Fighters from "Zuikaku", having lost three A6M3 model 22 aircraft, shot down 13 enemy aircraft. Fighters from "Zuiho" during the same period reported 18 aerial victories. Fighters from "Hiyo" participated on April 7 in the raid on Guadalcanal, on April 11 they attacked ships stationed in the Gulf of Oro, and on April 14 they raided Milne Bay. During these three raids, the Japanese lost 7 fighters and claimed 56 enemy aircraft (including 11 likely shot down). The fighters of the 3rd Fleet were supported by ground-based aircraft. All the machines of the 204th Kokutai were assembled in Rabaul, and from there the kokutai, together with the carrier-based fighters, as well as the machines of the 253rd and 582nd kokutaev, raided Guadalcanal on April 7, Port Moresby on April 12, and on the Gulf on April 14 Milne. During these days, the kokutai shot down 20 planes, so it was he who was assigned to accompany the plane of Admiral Yamamoto, who gathered on April 18, 1943 to inspect the base on Buin Island. The admiral, together with his headquarters, was stationed on two G4M1 bombers from the 705th Kokutai, six A6M3 fighters of Lieutenant Takeshi Morisaki covered the bombers. The Americans intercepted and decoded a radiogram describing the admiral's route and arranged for him to meet at Cape Moira on Bougainville. The Americans shot down both bombers, the escort planes returned to base intact and reported that they had managed to shoot down two P-38s (in reality, the Americans lost only one P-38). In turn, the Americans, in addition to two bombers, recorded three more A6M3s.

In the opinion of the Japanese, Operation I-Go ended in success. This was indicated by the reports of the pilots, which featured impressive figures. In fact, the Americans estimated their losses at 25 aircraft, while the Japanese increased that number fivefold. During the operation, Zero fighters made 486 sorties. At the same time, the losses of the Japanese amounted to about 100 aircraft, of which 2/3 were Zero fighters.

Subsequently, the intensity of battles in this sector of the front decreased somewhat. Nevertheless, the Japanese continued regular raids on American airfields. On May 13, June 7 and 12, new skirmishes occurred over the Russell Islands, in which the 582nd Kokutai participated. During these three days, the Japanese shot down 28 American vehicles. During an air battle over Buin, the Japanese shot down 17 enemy aircraft, and on June 16, together with other units of fighters, the 582nd Kokutai launched a raid on American ships anchored at Cape Lunga on Guadalcanal Island. 24 D3A bombers and 16 A6M fighters were intercepted by American aircraft from Henderson Field. The Japanese lost eight bombers and four fighters, while the American losses were also four fighters.

In the meantime, the 251st Kokutai (former Tynan Kokutai) arrived in Rabaul, which restored its combat capability. The Kokutai conducted the first combat operation four days after its appearance - on May 14. 32 fighters escorted 18 G4M bombers that raided the Gulf of Oro. In this raid, Japanese fighters shot down 13 American P-38s and P-40s without losing a single aircraft. On June 7, 36, and on June 12, 32 A6M2 from the 251st Kokutai, together with the fighters of the 204th and 582nd Kokutaev, made large raids on Guadalcanal and Russell. The pilots of the 251st Kokutai, despite the fact that among them there were most of the newcomers, showed the highest results, shooting down 12 aircraft on June 7 and June 11 - 12, losing 8 aircraft. On June 16, while covering bombers heading for the American ships at Lunga Point, the pilots of the 251st Kokutai shot down 10 aircraft, losing seven. Fighters from the 204th Kokutai also participated in these actions, already under the command of Captain Miyano, who became the commander of the Kokutai aviation group. Captain Miyano vigorously advocated the use of the A6M as a dive bomber, as specialized aircraft were in short supply. Without stopping to participate in combat operations, the 204th Kokutai conducted intensive training in dive bombing. In a raid on an airfield on Russell Island, 8 out of 34 A6Ms took on external bombs. Strong American anti-aircraft fire prevented the Japanese pilots from reaching the target. In the next operation - June 16 - the 204th Kokutai covered D4A bombers in a raid on ships near Lunga Point. In this battle, Captain Miyano and all the kokutai officers were killed. In the 204th Kokutai of the pilots, only non-commissioned officers and lower ranks remained.

Japanese air strikes failed to prevent the Americans from carrying out the next landing, this time on the island of Rendova. On June 30, the Americans landed a landing, and immediately the Japanese brought down all the power of their aviation on the island. The 251st Kokutai also headed for the island to strike, but ran into a powerful cover of American fighters and lost eight aircraft, including those of Captain Mukai and Lieutenant Ono. Despite significant losses, the kokutai continued to operate from bases in Rabaul and Buin. Now the pilots were headed by Lieutenant Takashi Osibuchi, the most senior pilot in the kokutai. By September 1, the decline in the unit's personnel was so great that the kokutai was disbanded. A detachment of night fighters was created on its base, and the remaining pilots and vehicles were transferred to the 201st and 253rd Kokutai. From May to September, the pilots of the 251st Kokutai chalked up about 230 enemy aircraft, losing 34 aircraft.

The combat was attended by aircraft from the aircraft carrier "Zunyo" - 48 A6M3 fighters, 36 D3A bombers and 18 B5N2 torpedo bombers, which were temporarily based on Buin. Until the end of August, the fighters of this unit shot down more than 50 enemy aircraft (including 13 probably), having lost 9 aircraft. On September 1, the detachment was disbanded. The 582nd Kokutai also flew on missions almost every day, until July 12, 1943, when the operation ended, and on August 1, 1943, the 582nd Kokutai fighter squad was disbanded. In less than a year of its existence, the fighters of the 582nd Kokutai shot down about 220 enemy aircraft.

After the reorganization, only bombers remained in Kokutai 582, and the personnel and vehicles of the fighter squad were transferred to the badly battered 204 Kokutai. In the 204th Kokutai, the remnants of the fighter detachment of the 2nd division of aircraft carriers were also transferred. Strengthened in this way, the 204th Kokutai, together with the 201st and 253rd Kokutai, took on the brunt of Rabaul's defense. Almost every day, the aircraft of this unit carried out raids on the Americans, patrolled the airspace and repelled enemy counterattacks. In constant battles, the kokutai suffered heavy losses and was taken from the airfield in Buin away from the front line - to Rabaul.

In September, the remnants of the 201st and 204th kokutai, as well as the fresh 253rd kokutai, gathered at the Tober airfield in Rabaul. It was this part that took on the main burden of the battles. Particularly fierce battles erupted in mid-October, when the kokutai almost every day sent 30-40 A6Ms to intercept enemy aircraft. The actions of the 253rd kokutai were supported by the aircraft of the 2nd division of aircraft carriers. The Japanese suffered heavy losses - in mid-February 1944, only about 20 combat-ready aircraft remained in the kokutai. During the period from September 1943 to February 1944, the pilots of the 253rd kokutai reported almost 500 downed enemy aircraft. Comparing the reports of the Japanese pilots with the documents of the American aviation units, one can find that the Japanese overestimated their results by 5-10 times.

In November 1943, the Japanese launched the Ro-Go plan, which aimed to lift the air blockade from Rabaul and gain an air advantage, at least in the area of ​​their own base. As part of the plan for this operation, the Japanese were to strike at American airfields, and above all at airfields located on Guadalcanal. The Asians have assembled a powerful fist in the form of 152 aircraft (mainly fighters), not counting the machines from the 2nd division of aircraft carriers - 24 A6Ms each with Shokaku and Zuikaku and 18 A6Ms with Zuiho. On November 1 (November 2, Tokyo time), 130 (according to other sources, 115) fighters took off from airfields in the vicinity of Rabaul and went to intercept an American detachment of aircraft, numbering almost 200 machines. An air battle broke out, as a result of which the Japanese chalked up 119 American aircraft (including 22 probably), while losing 18 A6M3s. Fighters from the Shokaku, which were temporarily relocated to the Wunakanu airfield, reported 47 air victories (of which 7 were probable). Warrant officer Hitoshi Sato shot down 8 aircraft, Lieutenant Kazunoki Miyabe - 6, and Captain Kobayashi - 4. The Americans, in turn, reported that they managed to shoot down 68 enemy aircraft, losing 19 aircraft. Operations proceeded in a similar way on November 4 (5), when 59 Japanese fighters recorded 49 air victories and another 20 aircraft were considered shot down, probably the loss of the Japanese - only 2 aircraft (the Americans reported that in that battle they shot down 25 Japanese aircraft, losing 13), 6 (7) November, when 58 Japanese fighters shot down 23 American aircraft and destroyed 16 more on the ground, losing 5 aircraft, and 10 (11) November, when 68 Japanese fighters intercepted a large group of American aircraft and reported 71 aerial victories at the cost of 11 of their own aircraft (the Americans, in turn, “shot down” 135 enemy fighters that day, having lost 5 aircraft). During the period from November 1 to 13, fighters from the Shokaku reported 107 (23) air victories, having lost 8 aircraft during the same time. Fighters from "Zuikaku" during the same period shot down 47 (19) aircraft, while also losing 8 aircraft, among the dead was the commander of the squadron, Captain Kenjiro Notomi. On 13 November, most of the fighters of the 1st Aircraft Carrier Division returned to their ships. According to the calculations of the Japanese, they were supposed to almost completely defeat the enemy aircraft in this area. However, in reality, the Americans suffered much smaller losses and did not lose air superiority. On the contrary, the Japanese had to go over to a deep defense, and the base in Rabaul was largely neutralized.

A detachment of fighters of the 582nd kokutai fought to the end in Rabaul, from time to time making demonstration raids on Torokin and Markus.

In January, the Japanese changed units stationed at the airfields around Rabaul. At the request of the commander of the Southeast Fleet, Vice Admiral Kusak, planes from aircraft carriers were sent to Rabaul's rescue. On January 25, planes arrived from Ryuho, Zunyo and Zuiho. By February 20, almost all the bombers from the Ryuho were lost, but the fighters were very active, having chalked up about 40 enemy aircraft. True, the Japanese also suffered heavy losses, in mid-February there were 4-5 combat-ready fighters in the detachment. The situation was approximately the same in the detachment with "Zunyo". In less than a month of fighting (until February 20), the A6M3 fighters of this detachment shot down 70 (30) enemy aircraft, while losing almost all of their aircraft. The Hiyo squad, led by Captain Hohei Kobayashi, shot down 80 enemy aircraft, losing 12 aircraft.

The Americans continued to push forward, and the Japanese no longer had the strength to fight for the air superiority. After February 20, 1944, the Japanese almost completely surrendered the initiative to the enemy, especially since the main battles have now moved to the central part of the Pacific Ocean, where the Americans, "jumping" from one island to another, broke through the Japanese defenses and attacked the Gilbert Islands (Operation " Galvanic ").

Southwest Pacific, Dutch East Indies, Australia, Pelelew, Biak - March 1943 - July 1943

In the spring of 1943, the 5th US Air Force, based in Australia, went into active combat. In the fall of 1942, a detachment of British Spitfire fighters, led by Lieutenant Colonel Cleve Caldwell, arrived in Port Darwin. The detachment was composed of combat veterans in Europe and North Africa. The Japanese learned of this and decided that the enemy was preparing an offensive on the Dutch East Indies and the Philippines. Therefore, it was decided to strengthen the offensive in this area in order to prevent the concentration of enemy forces. The main force for the Japanese in this sector of the front was the 202nd kokutai (formerly the 3rd kokutai), equipped with A6M Zero fighters and based at the Kupang airfield in Timor. On March 15, Japanese pilots reported that they had shot down 4 Spitfires in the Port Darwin area. On May 2, 1943, Major Suzuki's 27 A6Ms, accompanying 25 G4M1s, engaged in a 15-minute dogfight on Port Darwin with 33 Spitfires. It was reported that they managed to shoot down 21 enemy aircraft, losing five A6M3 and one G4M1. The Allies, in turn, admitted the loss of only 8 aircraft (5 were shot down and 3 crashed during an emergency landing) and two pilots. Later, during the first half of September 1943, the 202nd Kokutai conducted six raids on Port Darwin, Brox Creek and other points, crediting 101 Allied aircraft, at the cost of three fighters and two escorted bombers. The Allies claim that they lost only 38 aircraft during this period. One way or another, but it was a significant success, which contributed to the strengthening of the myth of the invincibility of the Japanese fighter. On the other hand, the 202nd kokutai was in rather favorable conditions: experienced pilots, breaks for rest and preparation, the enemy, who willingly accepted the tactics of battle on the horizontal lines.

In March 1943, the 934th kokutai was formed, which arrived on the Ambon island together with the A6M2-N seaplanes. At the end of April, he was relocated to Taberfan airfield (Aru Islands), where the Japanese had to conduct constant battles with British aircraft "Beaufighter" from the 31st division of the RAAF, "Hudson" from the 2nd and 13th divisions of the RAAF, Dutch B-25 from the 18th (NEI) division and B-24 from the 319th USAAF division. The Japanese won their first victory on April 25, when non-commissioned officer 3rd class Hidenori Matsunaga shot down a Beaufighter from the 31st division of the RAAF. The next day the Japanese shot down another Beaufighter. On May 6, the British fought back when two Beaufighters destroyed seven seaplanes in the water, including four A6M2-Ns. Japanese anti-aircraft gunners managed to shoot down one British plane. The next day, the British repeated the raid, this time with five Hudson's. 2 A6M2-N intercepted the British and chalked up two downed aircraft. On July 24, 3 A6M2-N intercepted 8 Beaufighters and shot down one (according to Japanese data, two). On 17 August, the British shot down the first A6M2-N, piloted by Private Osamu Yoza. On August 21, 6 Beaufighters attacked the Japanese base again and shot down the plane of NCO 3rd Class Toyu Inohana, who was attempting to take off. Inohana himself died of his wounds. On August 31, the Japanese shot down one Beaufighter. On November 21, 1943, 2 A6M2-Ns intercepted six Beaufighters escorting B-25 bombers. Both sides lost one fighter each. On the same day, the Japanese attacked seven B-24s bombarding the island of Aru. It was reported that after losing one seaplane warrant officer T. Kawaguchi (the pilot was killed), the Japanese seriously damaged one American bomber. On December 10, the 934th Kokutai left Taberfan airfield and flew to the base in Manokwari in western New Guinea. The new task of the kokutai was to protect the airfield under construction there. On December 21, two A6M2-Ns intercepted a group of B-24s bombing an unfinished airfield and reported one shot down and two damaged enemy aircraft. On January 12, six A6M2-Ns attacked another B-24 group and reported damage to three bombers. Later, the 934th kokutai was re-equipped with more modern seaplanes N1K1 "Kyofu".

On March 30, aircraft from American aircraft carriers launched a massive attack on Perel. Despite the numerical superiority of the Americans, Japanese fighters from the 201st, 261st, 263rd and 501st Kokutai rushed to repel the attack. The pilots of the 201st Kokutai reported victory over 17 F6F Hellcat fighters, losing 9 aircraft downed, 9 damaged and 2 crashed during an emergency landing. The 251st kokutai was badly dented, losing 20 of the 23 fighters that took off and 8 vehicles on the ground. Kokutai pilots reported 18 shot down enemy aircraft. Of the 12 fighters of the 501st kokutai, five did not return to the base, including the plane of the group's commander, Captain Tomojiro Yamaguchi. The pilots of this kokutai chalked up four enemy aircraft.

The 263rd kokutai that day had 25 combat-ready "Zero". Having lost 15 aircraft in the air and three on the ground, the pilots of this kokutai were able to shoot down only 5 American aircraft.

At the end of May 1944, the 202nd Kokutai (commanded by Major Hideki Shingo) was transferred to Halmahera Island. At that time, the unit consisted of 50 fighters. In the new place, the kokutai had to participate in heavy battles for Biak, and by June 10, the number of kokutai was reduced by 21 cars. The remaining 16 combat-ready aircraft were relocated on June 17 to Peleliu, from where they participated in Operation A-go. The 343rd Kokutai also took part in the battles for Biak, which also suffered significant losses.

Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands, neutralization of Truk base, first attacks on the Mariana Islands - June 1943 - April 1944

In September 1943, the Japanese intercepted several American radio messages, from which it followed that the enemy was preparing a major offensive on the Gilbert Islands. On September 19, the Americans launched a massive air strike on Tarawa Atoll. On October 6, one hundred American aircraft, mostly fighters, raided Wake Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean. The Japanese managed to collect only 26 A6Ms for defense from the two Daitais of the 252nd Kokutai located there. Having lost 16 aircraft along with the pilots, the Japanese counted down 14 American aircraft. After the Japanese learned that Wake was under attack from the air, Captain Tsukamoto led the six Zeros into a 600 km dash from Taroa to Wake to help repel the American attack. Within 30 miles of the atoll, the Japanese attacked the American Hellkets and shot down three Zeros. Only three aircraft made it to the target and for several days were the only combat-ready machines, while all the aircraft available there were heaps of duralumin on the airfield pitted with craters.

On November 24, Captain Suho led 19 Zeros, each carrying two 60-kg bombs under their wings, to American positions on Makin Island. Before the target, the Japanese stumbled upon thirty "Hellcat", had to engage in battle. The Japanese lost 9 aircraft, considering that 10 enemy aircraft were shot down. The next day, Lieutenant Sumio Fukuda led 24 Zeros on the same mission. Having bombed, the Japanese again stumbled upon the "Hell's Cats" and lost six cars in the battle. The Americans achieved complete air superiority in this area and the Japanese began to avoid participating in air battles.

At the end of the year, fighting broke out with renewed vigor in other parts of the Pacific Ocean. On December 5, 1943, the Americans attacked Rua Atoll, part of the Marshall Islands. The 281st Kokutai, which had been relocated to the island the day before, sent 27 A6Ms to intercept American carrier-based aircraft, of which 10 did not return. A detachment of fighters of the aircraft carrier "Shokaku" was stationed in those places. Obviously, naval pilots on the ground did not feel as confident as on the high seas, and lost 16 fighters, including 15 at the airfield. The Americans claimed that they had destroyed 28 Japanese aircraft, while losing 4 aircraft. The Japanese, on the other hand, chalked up 24 American aircraft and considered 6 more aircraft likely to have been shot down. The whole brunt of the fighting fell on the shoulders of the 281st kokutai, and the 252nd kokutai provided support. On January 30, 1944, the Americans attacked Roy again. During January 30 and 31, the 281st Kokutai lost all aircraft, and on February 1, when the Americans landed, the Kokutai personnel took part in the defense of the island and were all killed in battle.

Now the only part of fighters in the region is the 252nd kokutai, which was based on the island of Taroa. Beginning in late December 1943, Kokutai fighters under the command of Lieutenant Fukuda constantly flew to intercept American B-24s, preparing the "ground" for the landing of American troops in the Marshall Islands. Against American bombers, the Japanese used the tactic of a frontal attack from a height - renzoku chukujo kogekiko. In total, the Japanese chalked up 50 American aircraft, but they themselves suffered heavy losses, both in the air and on the ground as a result of the bombing.

In this area, the main Japanese trump card was the Truk base in the Caroline Islands. On February 17 and 18, 1944, the Americans conducted Operation Hailstone to neutralize this base. The Japanese forces (it should be noted quite significant) on the atoll, nicknamed "Gibraltar of the Pacific", was commanded by Rear Admiral Chuichi Hara. American intelligence spotted 68 Japanese aircraft on Moen Island, two seaplane bases with 27 aircraft, a large airfield on Eten Island with 20 combat-ready vehicles and 180 aircraft under repair or maintenance, and an airfield on Param Island with 40 aircraft. In addition, the Japanese had other types of weapons at their disposal. The Japanese spotted the work of the ship's radio stations on the air, and on February 17, their radars detected several large groups of enemy aircraft in the air. An alarm was declared and all available combat-ready vehicles took to the air: 31 aircraft of the 204th kokutai. 8 aircraft of the 201st kokutai and 27 (including 10 fighter-bombers) of the 501st kokutai. The fierce battle continued until dusk, by which time the Japanese had only one combat-ready aircraft. Despite the large number of fighters fielded by the Japanese, the Americans wiped out the base from the face of the earth. Only at the airfields, 81 aircraft were destroyed, another 31 (according to Japanese data) were shot down by the Americans during an air battle. The Japanese claimed that they shot down 31 American aircraft, and according to the American side, the Japanese lost 56 aircraft, while the Americans themselves lost 19 aircraft. After this raid, the base could not restore its former combat potential for a long time. The 204th Kokutai lost 18 pilots and on March 4, 1944, this unit was officially disbanded. From the moment of its appearance (as the 6th Kokutai) until the disbandment, the pilots of the Kokutai shot down about 1000 enemy aircraft in the air, not counting the vehicles destroyed on the ground.

8 A6M2-N 902 kokutai took part in the battles. These seaplanes arrived at Truk in October 1943 and were based on the small island of Greenwich. On February 17 at 4:40 am, these aircraft took off together with four F1M2s. The Japanese had not yet had time to form a battle formation when the F6F-3 Hellcat fighters appeared.

Several individual air battles ensued, in which two Japanese pilots shot down two Hellkets each, while both Japanese seaplanes were shot down. The third pilot managed to shoot down only one plane before he himself hit the crosshairs of the American fighter. All three Japanese shot down managed to escape. After the battle, only one plane returned to the base in Greenwich. During the reflection of the second wave, the last seaplane was severely damaged and made an emergency landing. This is how the 902nd Kokutai lost all of its A6M2-Ns.

Soon after the first raids, on February 23, 1944, the Americans carried out a similar operation against Japanese airfields located further north on the Mariana Islands. The enemy was attacked by 20 A6M2. Arriving at Mariana (Tignan Island) only on February 21 and still poorly trained, the 263rd Kokutai sent 11 A6Ms to intercept, none of which returned. The 263rd Kokutai lost 6 more vehicles on the ground and actually ceased to represent any noticeable combat unit. The 343rd kokutai, which was partially equipped with A6M5, also suffered losses. The Americans considered 60 enemy aircraft destroyed, having lost six of their aircraft, in fact, the Japanese lost 11 aircraft downed and 30 destroyed on the ground.

Having captured the Marshall Islands, the Americans planned to turn the spearhead of the offensive on the Mariana and further on the metropolis. Once again, the Truk base stood in the way of Uncle Sam, which the last time the Americans failed to completely destroy. The Japanese, feeling that this was their last stronghold, feverishly transferred more and more reinforcements to Truk. On April 30, the Americans carried out a new raid on the base. The Japanese threw 54 Zero fighters to intercept, most of which belonged to the 253rd and 202nd Kokutays withdrawn from Rabaul in February. During the fierce battle, the Japanese chalked up 32 + 2 enemy aircraft, losing 28 A6M fighters, including 20 from the 253rd kokutai. This time, the Americans estimated their losses at 35 aircraft, that is, more than the Japanese reported. American pilots reported 59 aerial victories and 34 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground. After this raid, the base in Truk lost all strategic importance. As a curious fact, it should be mentioned that during the defense of Truk in March 1944, the Japanese (253rd kokutai) first began to use special bombs No. 3 against American B-24s flying to bomb Japanese positions. The results were not very impressive. Nevertheless, the Japanese managed to shoot down several bombers, although they had to pay for this with a large number of their own aircraft.

Mariana islands

To secure their flank, the Americans attacked the Mariana Islands, landing on the island of Saipan on June 15, 1944. The Japanese hastily erected an air cover to prevent the Americans from bombarding coastal fortifications and airfields. In the big battle over the Marians, which took place on June 11, 1944, Japan used 139 fighters from the 201st, 261st, 263rd, 265th and 343rd Kokutai, mainly A6M of various modifications and some J2M3 Raiden. The Japanese lost 22 aircraft, the losses of the Americans were estimated at 9 aircraft. Among the 22 Japanese fighters shot down were all 12 A6Ms from the 265th kokutai located on Saipan. The Americans reported that they had lost 11 aircraft, the losses of the Japanese side were estimated at 70 aircraft.

To discourage the Americans from raiding the Mariana Islands, the Japanese launched Operation A-Go. According to the "A-go" plan, the Japanese were to sink the American aircraft carriers, thereby depriving the enemy of their strike forces, and throwing the troops landed on the islands into the sea. The plan had to be implemented mainly by the Japanese carrier-based aircraft.

The 601st kokutai, formed as a result of the reorganization of carrier-based aviation in early 1944 and attached to the 1st division of aircraft carriers (Taiho, Shokaku, Zuikaku), participated in the first wave of raids on American aircraft carriers discovered west of Saipan. In the first wave, 48 A6M5 and several dozen D4Y2 and B6N2 bombers flew. The route of the Japanese aircraft lay past their squadron, Admiral Kurita. Japanese sailors, not expecting to see so many aircraft, mistook them for Americans and opened defensive anti-aircraft fire. Japanese planes scattered the formation and then they were attacked by numerous "Hellkets". The Japanese lost 75% of their vehicles - 32 A6M5, 41 D4Y2 Suisei and 23 B6N2 Tenzan.

The commanders of the three Daitais did not return to the base. The second wave - 4 A6M2, 10 D4Y2 and 4 B6N2 - returned without finding enemy ships. While the planes of the second wave were unsuccessfully looking for the target, the Americans retaliated and torpedoed the aircraft carriers Taiho and Shokaku. At dusk the next day, Admiral Ozawa's remaining aircraft carriers were attacked by American aircraft. The Japanese tried to defend themselves and lifted into the air the remnants of the 605th kokutai - 8 A6M5, commanded by 2nd Lieutenant Yoshio Fukui. The Japanese reported 15 aerial victories, but the coming night forced all the fighters to make an emergency landing on the water. After all the events described, the 605th kokutai consisted of 4 A6M5, 2 D4Y2 and 1 B6N2 - only a few percent of its original composition.

Approximately the same fate awaited the 652nd kokutai, formed on March 10, 1944 and based on the aircraft carriers of the 2nd division ("Zunyo", "Hiyo" and "Ryuho"). In the first wave, 47 cars went, including 15 A6M5 and 25 A6M5 with 250-kg bombs on the external, sling. Inexperienced pilots could not hold the formation and the first wave split into two groups. The first group was intercepted by American fighters and shot down 2 A6M5, 4 A6M5 with bombs and 1 B6N2. The second group was unable to find targets. The second wave flew out 2 hours and 20 minutes after the first and also split into two parts. The first unit (6 A6M5 and 9 D4Y2) also at first did not find the enemy and had already turned to the Roth base for landing, where it stumbled upon American aircraft carriers. The Japanese tried to attack, but after suffering losses (1 A6M5 and 5 D4Y2), they retreated. The second group (27 D3A2, 20 A6M2 and 2 B6N2) also failed to find targets and headed to Guam to land there, spending three hours in the air, when it was attacked by a detachment of 27 F6F-3 Hellcat of Major David McCampbell.

At the cost of 6 Hellkets, the Americans shot down 19 A6M5, 20 D3A2 and 1 B6N2. In the 652nd kokutai, only a third of the cars remained - 19 A6M5, 19 A6M5 in the version of a fighter-bomber and 8 B6N2. The next day, 19 fighters and 7 fighter-bombers A6M5 went to intercept a large group of American aircraft heading for Japanese aircraft carriers. The Japanese reported 2 downed F6F-3 Hellcat and 9 TBF Avengers. The Japanese themselves lost 11 aircraft, and three more made an emergency landing. Nevertheless, the Americans broke through to the aircraft carriers, sank the Hiyo to the bottom and seriously damaged the Zunyo. After the battle in Kokutai 652, only 17 aircraft remained - 11 A6M5, 5 A6M5 (fighter-bomber) and 1 B6N2. Soon after the events described - July 10, 1944 - the Kokutai was disbanded.

The 653rd Kokutai, based on the aircraft carriers of the 3rd Division (Chitose, Chiyoda and Zuiho), also took part in Operation A-go. The pilots of this kokutai were the most inexperienced. The kokutai fleet consisted of 63 A6M fighters of various modifications, including the "oldies" A6M2. Most of the aircraft - 45 aircraft - were adapted to carry bombs on external sling. In the first wave, all 45 fighter-bombers, carrying a 250-kg bomb, and 8 B6N2s took off. Cover was carried out by 14 A6M5 under the command of Captain Nakagawa. At approximately 11:20 am, Japanese aircraft were intercepted by 11 Hellkets from the aircraft carrier Essex. American fighters from other aircraft carriers soon arrived. During a short battle, the Hellkets shot down 2 B6N2, 32 A6M5 with bombs and 8 A6M5 escorts. The next day, Japanese fighters from the 653rd Kokutai, along with machines from the 652nd Kokutai, repulsed the American raid on their own bombers. In total, the Japanese chalked up 20 enemy aircraft, while suffering huge losses. After the completion of Operation A-go, only 11 aircraft remained in the 653rd kokutai (2 A6M5, 3 A6M5 fighter-bomber, and 6 B6N2).

In addition to carrier-based aircraft, ground-based fighters also took part in Operation A-Go. The 253rd kokutai, numbering 13 combat-ready aircraft, on June 19, in full force, set off to carry out a combat mission. The group was led by Major Okamoto. Fighters covered the bombers. Already approaching the landing at the airfield on the island of Guam, the Japanese encountered American fighters. As a result of the ensuing battle, most of the "Zero" never made it to the airfield. The same fate was in store for the 261st Kokutai, who divided his planes between bases in a significant area of ​​the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft remaining in Saipan were lost between May 27 and June 15. During this period, the kokutai chalked up 76 enemy aircraft, while losing 28 aircraft. The 202nd Kokutai, based at Pelelew, also took part in Operation A-Go and sent some of its aircraft to Guam. Between June 11 and 18, the Kokutai lost more than 20 vehicles and completely lost their combat capability. The 343rd Kokutai also lost all aircraft during the Battle of the Mariana Islands. On July 10, the 343rd Kokutai was disbanded. Operation A-go, also called the first battle in the Philippine Sea, was completely lost by Japan.

Iwo Jima

A dozen A6M5 of the 265th kokutai was based on Iwo Jima, which they could not transfer to Mariana. On June 15, 1944, these aircraft took part in aerial combat with American carrier-based aircraft and suffered heavy losses. On June 25, 1944, American aircraft from aircraft carriers attacked airfields located on Iwo Jima. All the machines of the 252nd kokutai, capable of staying in the air, took off into the air. It was reported that the Japanese shot down 19 American fighters, losing 10 aircraft, including the plane of Captain Nobuo Awa, commander of the 302nd Hikotai. The Americans repeated the raids on July 3 and 4. The Japanese lost 14 aircraft, the losses of the Americans were estimated at 13 aircraft. The last planes flew only to intercept American B-29s. The commander of the 317th hikotai - Captain Hidehiro Nakawa - for the entire period of stay on Iwo Jima - until the end of September 1944 - participated in 19 air battles and shot down two aircraft, damaging three more. On November 21, the captain died while ramming an enemy plane with his A6M5. The 317th Hikotai, led by Lieutenant Kenji Omura, conducted a raid on the Saipan airfield on November 27. 11 A6M5 with 250-kg bombs on the external sling went to the target. Not a single plane returned to base.

Preparations for the invasion of the Philippines, raids on Taiwan - October 1944

The Americans, remembering the role of Taiwan in the Japanese attacks on the Philippines in 1941, before landing in the Philippines, decided to neutralize the Japanese airfields on the island.

On October 12, 43 aircraft of the 312th hikotai of the 221st kokutai took part in repelling the American raid, chalked up 23 enemy vehicles, losing 15 fighters. On October 16, 16 "Zero" (including 11 of the 312th hikotai) were accompanied by bombers flying to bomb American ships. However, most of the planes returned before reaching their target, and of those that did make it, two were shot down.

On October 14, pilots of the 254th kokutai shot down three F6F-3s in an air battle with American carrier-based aircraft. On October 16, 6 A6M, under the command of Lieutenant Minami, accompanied the bombers in the attack on American aircraft carriers. During this sortie, the Japanese shot down 2 F6Fs.

The 653rd Kokutai was sent to protect the island, giving it to the 2nd Koku Kantai (Air Force). In the battles, the kokutai lost almost half of their aircraft.

Philippines - October-December 1944

The main aviation unit that defended the Philippines was the 201st Kokutai. Kokutai aircraft were stationed at several airfields.

On the morning of September 12, 1944, the Americans conducted massive raids on Japanese airfields. To repel the blow, the Japanese flew about 150 aircraft, including 41 A6Ms. "Zero" shot down 23 enemy aircraft, while losing 25 aircraft. Another 14 aircraft were damaged and made an emergency landing. Captain Mori was among the dead. In addition, the Americans destroyed 25 aircraft on the ground, damaging another 30. The next day, about 300 American naval aircraft attacked Cebu and Legaspi, destroying several more aircraft of the 201st kokutai. On September 21 and 22, the Americans bombed Manila. The 201st Kokutai unit stationed in the Manila area sent 42 A6Ms to intercept. The Japanese chalked up 27 enemy aircraft, losing 20 aircraft downed and 10 destroyed on the ground. On September 22, volunteers from among the Kokutai pilots, piloting A6M fighter-bombers, accompanied 10 D4Y Suisei in a raid on American ships. It was reported that the Japanese managed to achieve five hits.

On October 19, Vice Admiral Takijiro Onishi arrived at Clark base near Manila, who was obsessed with the idea of ​​forming a squad of kamikaze pilots that could stop the rampant American advancing. The 201st kokutai even earlier (in July 1944) became famous for the ramming of American B-24 bombers, for which he paid with the lives of two pilots. Onishi ordered the deputy commander of the kokutai, Lieutenant Colonel Asaichi Tamai, to organize the Shimpu (kamikaze) squad. The detachment was joined by 24 pilots, led by Captain Yukio Seki. The next day, Captain Seki's detachment was stationed at two airfields: Mabalakat and Tsebu. One detachment received the name "Yamato", the other "Sikishima-tai". Lieutenant Kofu Kuno from the 301st hikotai (squadron "Yamato") was the first to go on the mission on October 21, but it is not known whether he completed the task assigned to him. The first successful action was the departure of 5 A6M2 from the Sikishima-tai squadron. The planes carried 250-kg bombs, the group was headed by Captain Seki. The suicides sank the escort aircraft carrier Saint Lo, summoned Kitcoon Bay and reportedly sank the cruiser, but this was clearly unverified information. After this success, kamikaze flights became regular. More than 200 pilots from the 201st kokutai paid with their lives for Admiral Onishi's fantasies.

In addition to the 201st kokutai, the Philippines was defended by the 252nd kokutai, re-created after the complete defeat in the Marshall Islands. The main force of the kokutai, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Minoru Kobayashi, was stationed at Clark Base. -24 October 26 machines from the 252nd kokutai took part in the raid on American ships. Already reaching the goal, the Japanese faced the Hellkets. Out of 136 fighters and 63 bombers, the Americans shot down 67 aircraft, including 11 of the 252nd kokutai. The unit commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kobayashi, was also killed in this battle. Until mid-November, three kokutai unit commanders were killed in battles.

On October 23, the main forces of the 221st Kokutai arrived at the Angels base, which the very next day was thrown into battle and suffered heavy losses. Later, the fighters of this kokutai, acting in conjunction with aircraft from other units, made several raids on Leith and participated in the defense of their base. In December 1944, several additional hikotai were subordinated to the 221st kokutai: 303rd, 304th, 315th and 317th. Thus, there were six hikotai in the 221st kokutai, which made the unit the first in terms of numbers in the Philippines region. But by December 20, only 20 A6M aircraft remained in kokutai, which were all assembled at the Angels base. The aircraft was commanded by 2nd Lieutenant Kawai. On December 24, Kawaii was shot down. On December 25 and 26, the Kokutai lost almost all of the remaining aircraft, which the Americans destroyed on the ground during several massive raids on the airfield.

On October 24, 1944, against the aircraft carriers of Admiral Sherman, the Japanese sent their detachment of aircraft carriers ("Zuikaku", "Zuiho", "Chitose" and "Chiyoda") with 56 aircraft on board (30 A6M5, 19 A6M with 250-kg bombs, and several bombers ). In that group, there were 12 A6M5 from the 601st kokutai and the remains of the 653rd kokutai. The planes raided and landed at the Philippine airfield - a total of nine survived, including 5 fighter-bombers. On October 25, Admiral Ozawa's aircraft carriers were attacked by American aircraft. An umbrella of 13 A6M5s opened over Japanese aircraft carriers under the command of Captain Honei Kobayashi intercepted 12 American aircraft, but this did not save the Japanese - all four aircraft carriers went down. The surviving planes boarded the water near the destroyer Hatsuki, which picked up the pilots. A few hours later, the Americans sank the destroyer along with the entire crew and the pilots caught from the water.

Aircraft from aircraft carriers that landed in the Philippines took part in repelling American air raids on Japanese airfields. On November 3, this detachment (commander - Captain Nakagawa) was completely destroyed.

In the battle over the Philippines on October 27, 9 A6Ms of the 254th kokutai, based until that time in Taiwan, were included. These nine planes flew almost every day to escort convoys and intercept American bombers. By October 12, one combat-ready aircraft remained in the detachment.

Okinawa, Japan - 1945

In February 1945, the Americans intensified their air raids on Japan. Already not only the B-29, but also deck bombers methodically bombed the metropolis of the once great Empire. The Americans primarily hunted for the surviving Japanese aircraft so that they would not interfere with further operations.

After the divisions of the aircraft carriers ceased to exist, the 601st Kokutai was directly subordinated to the 3rd Koku Kantai. On February 16, 1945, the 310th hikotai of this kokutai, upon learning of the American raid on the Kanto Valley, flew to the Atsugi base and then to Katori. On the way, the hikotai lost four cars in the area of ​​the Kasumigaura base, which became victims of the "Hell's cats". 7 A6M5s attacked American SB2C Helldiver bombers and reportedly shot down six of them, with four being credited to Captain Katori.

On April 3, in an air battle over the island of Kikaigashima, the Japanese reported 16 (5) American downed aircraft, at the cost of their 8 aircraft. On April 16, a new battle broke out over this island. 26 A6M4 and 4 N1K1-J, led by Captain Kakichi Hirata, shot down 4 American aircraft, also losing four aircraft. 4 Zeros under the command of Makio Aoki, equipped with bombs, set out to bomb the American ships. Not a single car returned to base. In such sorties, the 601st kokutai lost 26 fighters and 23 bombers. Having received reinforcements, the unit moved to the Kanto area.

On February 16, the 252nd kokutai took part in repelling the raid of American carrier-based aircraft. Two of his hikotai - the 308th and 311th - acted together with the 601st kokutai. 48 Zeros of both Hikotai engaged in aerial combat with 30 Hellkets. The Japanese stated that they managed to shoot down 24 aircraft (10 plausibly) at the cost of 10 of their A6Ms. After the battles that took place on February 17 and 25, the number of the 252nd Kokutai was reduced to 39 aircraft, of which only 23 were combat-capable D4Y from 304th, 313rd, and 316th Hikotai. The aircraft were subordinated to the 601st kokutai. On April 3, 1945, two Zeros carrying bombs formed the first wave of kamikaze aircraft to carry out Operation Mitate-tai (Imperial Coat of Arms). Three more detachments of such aircraft (commanded by Captain Minoru Honda) attacked American ships off the coast of Okinawa. These planes were the first of 39 kamikaze planes to die in attacks prior to 23 April. On April 16, 2nd Lieutenant Yanashigawa led 12 A6M5 fighters from the 252nd kokutai into battle and tried to clear the way for the kamikaze, which the Americans fired off in the first place. In the battle with the Hellkets, Yanashigawa's squad shot down 13 F6Fs, losing 5 vehicles. On April 17, 10 A6M, interacting with the 601st kokutai, formed a detachment that was supposed to cover the attack of ground units from the air. Three vehicles did not return to base, including the Yanasigawa fighter. From 1 to 17 April, the 252nd Kokutai lost 15 Zeros and 5 D4Y Suisei. Later, the unit was transferred to the Kanto area, where the Kantai fought the American P-51Ds and B-29s without much success. During that period, Japanese pilots avoided getting involved in air battles in order to maintain their combat potential, to repel the landing on the territory of the metropolis. It was in this state that the end of the war found them.