A6M5 ZERO

The A6M Zero is a Japanese turboprop carrier fighter jet from World War II. It is one of the most famous fighter aircraft of its era.

Description
When it was introduced early in World War II, the Zero was the best carrier-based fighter in the world, combining excellent maneuverability and long range. In early combat operations, the Zero gained a legendary reputation as a "dog-fighter", achieving the outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1, but by 1942 a combination of new tactics and the introduction of better equipment enabled the Allied pilots to engage the Zero on more equal terms. The Imperial Japanese Air Force also frequently used the type as a land-based fighter. By 1943, inherent design weaknesses and the increasing lack of better aircraft engines meant that the Zero became less effective against newer enemy fighters that possessed greater firepower, armor, and speed, and approached the Zero's maneuverability. Although the Mitsubishi A6M was outdated by 1944, it was never totally supplanted by the newer Japanese aircraft types. During the final years of the War in the Pacific, the Zero was used in kamikaze operations.

In the course of the war, the Zero was the most produced airplane in Japan.

Standard Weapons

 * Gun:2× 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Type 97 machine guns in the engine cowling, with 500 rounds per gun.
 * Gun:2× 20 mm Type 99 cannons in the wings, with 60 rounds per gun.

Special Weapons

 * UGB: Mk.82 500lb Bomb
 * RCL: LAU-69 Rocket Pods
 * UGBL: Mk.84 2000lb Bomb

Gameplay
In June 2010, the gaming site Eurogamer-pt posted a series of screenshots showing the A6M Zero & it's American counterpart, the F6F-5 Hellcat in action over the skies of Midway Island.

The A6M Zero can be unlocked by getting a A+ rank on mission 18 via a second playthough on freemode or campaign on any difficulty, after which it will be available for purchase at the Hangar screen for C15,500. The Zero is a rather weak aircraft, as it possesses fairly average stats and cannot use missiles of any kind (for obvious reasons), however, it also serves as an effective ground attack aircraft, as it can be loaded with unguided bombs (normal & large), rocket launchers and SFFS. Due to its lack of missiles, in higher difficulties players will have to hone their machine gun skills, as the game is practically over if they run out of machine gun ammo. For those reasons, a playthrough with the Zero can be considered a self-imposed challenge due to the aircraft's performance. Despite its age, the Zero is still able to battle modern aircraft like the Su-37 Terminator.

Completing 20 missions with either the Zero or the Hellcat will net the player the "Legendary Wings" medal.