The Mitsubishi A6M was a carrier-based fighter aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force, which served in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II and in China after the war.
In the Japanese Navy, the aircraft was referred to as the type 0 airborne fighter or the abbreviations Reisen and Zerosen. Known to the Allies as Zero (even though the official code name was Zeke, possibly Serial 48, and for the later A6M3 Hap and Hamp).
Its development began in 1937 as a replacement for the A5M type with a maximum speed exceeding 500 km/h, better armament, maneuverability and climbability. Thus, an on-board fighter was created, which was equal to fighters taking off from land airports.