Mitsubishi A6M5a Carrier Fighter Zero Model 52 Ko (Nakajima Produced)

The A6M5 Model 52 Ko, introduced in August 1943, was the first Mitsubishi-built version of the new Zero. It refined the earlier A6M3 design with clipped wings, thicker skinning, and improved exhausts.

Externally, the Ko retained the familiar lines of the Zero but benefited from better high-speed handling and a modest top speed increase to about 565 km/h (351 mph). Armament consisted of two 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannon and two 7.7 mm Type 97 machine guns in the cowling.

Although unable to match newer Allied aircraft, the Model 52 Ko was rugged, responsive, and well balanced — a fighter still capable of deadly precision in close-quarters combat. It represented Mitsubishi’s final effort to keep Japan’s iconic Zero relevant in the closing years of the Pacific War.

Kit No. FZ03, - the A6M5 Zero Model 52 Ko (Mitsubishi Production). Although all three share the same fundamental engineering, this latest release represents the Mitsubishi-built Model 52 Ko with subtle production distinctions faithfully reproduced.

Fine Molds’ 1/48 scale A6M5 Zero Model 52 Ko (Mitsubishi Production) comprises 118 grey plastic parts, 19 clear parts, two grey polythene caps and markings for two aircraft.