A6M Zero flys over Japan again (1 Viewer)

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Thorlifter

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Jun 10, 2004
Knoxville, TN
Zero fighter flies over Japan for 1st time since WWII

KANOYA, Japan (AP) — One of Mitsubishi's legendary Zero fighter planes took to the skies over Japan on Wednesday for the first time since World War II.

The restored plane made a brief flight to and from a naval base in southern Japan. Decorated former U.S. Air Force pilot Skip Holm flew the aircraft.

Zero fighters were considered one of the most capable long-range fighter planes in World War II, rivaling the British Spitfire. Only a few are still in operating condition.

This particular plane was found decaying in Papua New Guinea in the 1970s. It was owned by an American until Japanese businessman Masahiro Ishizuka purchased it and brought it to Japan last September.

"I wanted for the people of Japan and especially young people to know about this Zero airplane, as well as those who are old who remember the past," Ishizuka said. "Each of them should have different thoughts and perspectives on this, but I just want people to know how Japan has developed its technology."

Japanese see the aircraft both as a symbol of their country's technological advance and a reminder of the harrowing history of the war. In the last phase of the fighting, they were used for "kamikaze" attacks.

Kamikaze pilots took off from the same airfield as Wednesday's flight, Kanoya Naval Air Base on the island of Kyushu.
Under its previous American owner, the plane made an appearance in the Hollywood movie "Pearl Harbor" and at various events in the United States.
 
As far as I know, the Japanese owner is almost bankrupting and lives on donation for this project with his Kamikaze spirit.
His future will be better from now on.
 
Glad to see he persevered and has it flying. Great job!

Here's a video of our A6M5 Model 52 Zero in Japan in 1995 at a Japanese airshow.

 
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