Mitsubishi A6M Zero A6M5 Tipo 0 Modelo 52

The Model 52, sometimes considered the most effective Zero variant, again shortened the wings for speed and dispensed with the folding mechanism; ailerons, aileron trim tab and flaps were also revised. The prototype, converted from an A6M3, first flew in August 1943. Mitsubishi produced it first, though most Model 52s were built by Nakajima at its Koizumi plant in Gunma Prefecture. A new rear-facing exhaust system provided extra thrust. The A6M5 reached 565 km/h at 6,000 m, climbing to that altitude in 7 minutes 1 second.