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From: Burt
Date: 9/24/2004
Time: 11:40:05 AM
Remote Name: 209.86.0.23
HI Robert,
Those are very interesting comments about the "controversy" about the birth of the Zero fighter. Can you recommend some books or articles on this subject?
I have read Horikoshi's book on the Zero designs. Amazingly there was initial discussion about making the Zero a biplane or parasol winged plane? This was probably due to popular existing aircraft at the time. (ie I 15 and I 16 Polikarpovs) Its seems that the Zero was an innovative design for its day. Its use a thin guaged metals (Al), retractable landing gear, folding wing tips, 20mm cannon, ect...
Robert Mikesh (sp) is an expert on Japanese aircraft and he makes no mention of the Hughes Racer in the Mistubishi Zeros design.
The point about different nations using other countries parts is very common in the WW2 era. The P51B Mustang with its under powered Allison engine was turned into one of the greatest fighters in history with its new UK Rolls Royce engine.
Thanks Burt ronincraftworks@yahoo.com