Why Did Allies Use to Call Iconic Mitsubishi A6M2 Zeke the 'Zero' Fighters?

The term 'Zero' was commonly used by the Allies, particularly the United States military, to refer to the iconic Mitsubishi A6M2 Zeke fighter aircraft during World War II. The use of this term has intrigued many historians and aviation enthusiasts. This article delves into the origin and context of the term 'Zero,' clarifying the designation and popular usage.

Origins of the Designation

The Mitsubishi A6M2, fondly known as the 'Zeke,' entered service in 1938, as it was designated according to the Japanese aircraft nomenclature system. In this system, the designation A6M2 indicated that it was the 6th design of the Mitsubishi A6M series, designed to be a carrier-based fighter aircraft. (A in the designation signifies a carrier-based fighter, 6 being the 6th design, and M representing Mitsubishi.)

Japanese Designation and Naming Conventions

Despite the Allies adopting the term 'Zero,' the official Japanese designation for the aircraft was the Type 0 carrier fighter. This was translated into English as 'Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter' ( Rei-shiki-kanjō-sentōki in Japanese). In Japanese, the aircraft was known as the Reisen, which simply means 'Zero Fighter.'

Note that the Zero in the Japanese designation refers to the year the aircraft was introduced in the Japanese calendar, which was 2600 at the time of its entry into service. The term 'Type 0' is a significant part of the official designation, reflecting the Imperial calendar's year, as the A6M2 was introduced in the imperial year 2600. The A and 6 in the designation are codes and not numerical references to parts or engines.

Structuring of the Designation

The A6M2 can be further broken down as follows:

A: Code for carrier-based fighter. 6: The 6th design. M: Mitsubishi.

Other variants of the A6M include:

A6M21 (meaning: carrier fighter, 6th model or design by Mitsubishi, with two referring to the second engine configuration, and one to the first engine configuration). A6M22 (similar to 21 but with a different engine configuration). A6M32. A6M52.

Why Do We Call Them 'Zero'?

The Allies, and notably American pilots, used the term 'Zero' to refer to the aircraft. This term was a corruption of the Japanese designation, 'Zero Fighter.' The origin of this term can be traced to the confusion and the familiarity of the term by Americans. While the Japanese referred to it as the Reisen or Type 0, the Americans, particularly the Allies, simplified the term for ease of reference and combat.

Mitsubishi A6M was also called 'Zeke' by American pilots, however, another aircraft, the Nakajima Ki-43, was referred to as the 'Oscar' and was sometimes mistaken for a Zero during aerial engagements. The similarities between these two fighters could have contributed to this confusion.

AU20218926247, the A6M2 was well-known early in the war, leading to its name becoming synonymous with the aircraft. The 1943 movie God is My Co-Pilot, based on pilot memoirs, is a notable example where the 'Zero' is frequently mentioned, even though the film primarily deals with encounters with JAAF (Japanese Army Air Force) planes.

The term 'Zero' has resonated in history and popular culture, making it a significant part of the legacy of this remarkable aircraft. Its use by the Allies underscores the complexity of the English language and the colloquialisms that take root during periods of conflict.