IMPROVED ZERO FIGHTER
(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.!
(Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY, July 16.
The engine-power in the new Japanese Zero lighters operating against the Allied air forces north of Australia has been increased from 800 to 1000 horse-power. The speed of the old type Zero was 310 m.p.h., but tjiis has been considerably increased. These enemy fighters have light armament comprising two cannon, and two machineguns. They have a ceiling of about 26,000 feet, and combined with rapid climbing power and high manoeuvrability. The belly-tanks give them an extreme range of about 1000 miles. In announcing these details, the Air Minister, Mr. Drakeford, added that the Zero fighter was originally designed for use from aircraft-carriers, and it thus needed the special qualities of lightness and quick-climbing power. To obtain these; defensive armour and fire-power had been sacrificed. However at the time of its appearance against the Prince of Wales and Repulse the Zero was probably the most effective sea-borne fighter in the war. The latest model Zeros might not be carrier-borne.
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Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 249, 18 July 1942, Page 7
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170IMPROVED ZERO FIGHTER Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 249, 18 July 1942, Page 7
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