Zero 43-188 43-188 was built in March of 1944 and assigned to Atsugi Air Base in Japan, until it was transferred to the airfield on Tinian. About the June 3, 1944 Lt. Ozaki and the rest of
343rd Kokutai were transferred to Agana Airfield, on Guam.
This aircraft flew its last mission on June 19, 1944, the first day of the "Marianas Turkey Shoot". The battle lasted two days and was the greatest Naval Air Battle in history.
In 1962 the aircraft was rediscovered and recovered by the American military.
The restoration work, undertaken by engineers of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, was done in a hangar at JASDF Hamamatsu Airbase. After completion it was preserved at Hamamatsu South Airbase and was displayed at various air shows.
Nowadays its Hanging overhead in the Museum. This is the most authentic example of the A6M5 series in Japan. |
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