hello everyone,
i was surfing on the web and i found a very interisting article on
http://www.j-aircraft.com about the multiple and conlifcting data available actually about Zero's maximum speed.
It vary from 316 mph to 345 mph.
The author, Richard L. Dunn, demonstrate why most datas are false, even the most common "331 mpph", and show that there's enough evidence to conclude that the maximum speed of 345 mph for the Zero A6M2 model 21 is highly credible and so probably the correct one among all the others.
Here's a link to the article:
ZERO-SEN Model 21 Performance: Unraveling Conflicting Data
As a complement, one more evidence in favor of the 345mph max speed:
Quote:
A technical intelligence report dated 7 Dec 43 issued by the Joint Intelligence Agency Reception Center gives performance figures for the "Navy 0 Mk 1 ZEKE with Sakae 12...engine installed" stating the maximum true airspeed is 345 m.p.h. It says "These results have been calculated from all available data and are considered to be substantially accurate." Note this report is more than a year after the Akutan Zero was flight tested.
In 1940 the pilot of a Type 99 carrier bomber was captured in China. He was questioned about the performance of the then new Zero fighter. He stated its maximum speed was 300 knots. This equates to 345 statute m.p.h.
RLD
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May you read it and come back to write your own conclusion.
Regards,
Jan