The Mitsubishi A5M was the world's first monoplane shipboard fighter and the direct ancestor of the famous Mitsubishi A6 'Zero''. The Allied code-name was Claude; the Japanese Navy designation was "Type 96 carrier-based fighter" Designed to a 1934 specification, the plane first flew on February 4, 1935. It exceeded most expectations, in particular top speed (215 mph (346 km/h) was specified, 280 mph (450 km/h) attained). After some work to improve stability, the aircraft entered service in early 1937, soon seeing action in pitched aerial battles at the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War, including air-to-air battles with the Chinese Ari Force's Boeing P-26C Model 281 "Peashooters" in what was the world's first-ever aerial dogfighting and kills between monoplane fighters built of mostly metal.

Features

   * Drop-tank attached.
   * Includes desk stand.

Specifications

     Length:          14”

     Wingspan:    19 3/4”

     Scale:             1/23

     Color:             Green/Orange

See Also

   * A5M "Claude

Product SKU: AM270-AR