Tamiya Plastic Model Kit

Tamiya A6M5 Zero Zeke (1/72)

The Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero Zeke was the Imperial Japanese Navy’s principal fighter in the latter stages of WWII, a refined development of the earlier A6M2 and A6M3 models. Introduced in the autumn of 1943, the A6M5 featured a reduced 11m wingspan with rounded wingtips for improved dive performance and manoeuvrability, while retaining the reliable 1,130hp Nakajima Sakae engine. A new exhaust propulsion system enhanced speed, enabling a top speed of approximately 565km/h, giving it an edge in certain combat scenarios.

Armament included two 7.7mm machine guns mounted in the forward fuselage and two 20mm belt-fed cannons in the wings, providing effective firepower against both aircraft and lightly armoured ground targets. The A6M5 served in major operations such as the Solomons campaign, the defence of the Marianas, and homeland defence missions, continuing to engage superior Allied aircraft until the closing days of the war.

• Highly detailed 1/72 scale model of the Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero Zeke
• Accurate representation of late-war design refinements
• Detailed cockpit, landing gear, and armament
• Historically accurate markings for multiple aircraft
• Perfect for WWII Pacific Theatre dioramas

History

The A6M Zero, first flown in 1939, revolutionised aerial combat with its exceptional range, agility, and climb rate. By 1943, the original design was being challenged by newer Allied fighters, prompting the development of the A6M5. It was optimised for increased durability and speed, with structural modifications to withstand higher dive speeds. Although outmatched by late-war U.S. fighters such as the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair, skilled Japanese pilots continued to extract impressive performance from the A6M5, and it remained a formidable opponent until Japan’s surrender in 1945.