Modern aviation historians give the Zero somewhat short shrift, usually saying that it was a good plane in it's day, but discounting it's overall impact on the Pacific war.   This should be re-examined in light of exactly what the Zero actually did accomplish, both for the Japanese and against its enemies.

By Paul Romans   Photo courtesy James Church

When the Zero debuted in 1940, it swept aside all opposition.   Yes, ok, it did fight against inferior Russian and American planes used by the Chinese air force, but the fact remains that the Zero gave the Japanese undisputed air superiority over Manchuria.   It maintained this superiority well into 1942, scaring the daylights out of American pilots, who'd never dreamed that the Japanese could build anything better than their Warhawks and Wildcats.   Not until the advent of the Hellcat in 1943 was the Zero finally matched.

For over two years, (a long time in a war), the Zero was the undisputed master of the Pacific skies.   One might say similar things about the P-51 Mustang's record in '44 and '45, yet no one discounts the Mustang's war record by saying that it fought against "inferior" aircraft.   Developing fighters with superior performance is the entire point of aerial warfare.

Secondly, examining statistics and flight tests, you could argue that the Zero was the best fighter plane in the world in 1940.   Combat experience in Burma showed that it was superior to the Hurricane, and could hold its own against the Spitfire.   This suggests that the Zero would have given the Me-109 trouble as well, and history shows that early American fighters were outclassed.

Thirdly, consider that the combat range of the Zero was far greater than any other fighter in the world in 1940, (and better than many bombers).   Also, this was accomplished by a carrier-based airplane, at a time when naval aircraft were traditionally out-performed by land-based planes.

Fourth, and most importantly, the Zero's abilities influenced the Japanese decision to go to war against the United States.   Even Japan's Imperial warlords were surprised at the Zero's early success in China, and they began to consider what else they might accomplish.   Had the Zero not been so superior, the Japanese might have hesitated to attempt the destruction of American military power in the Pacific.   As the war progressed, and the Zero continued to sweep away all opposition, the Japanese fell victim to their own propaganda in believing that the Zero was invincible, delaying the development of newer, more capable replacement aircraft until it was too late in the war.   Thus, dependence on the Zero led to both early success and later defeat.   There should be no question that the Zero had an historic impact on WWII.