Zeroes During the Battle of Midway
In the first wave of attack the Japanese sent dive and torpedo bombers escorted by the Mitsubishi A6M ”Zero”. The U.S. fighters were outnumbered four to one, and as they would learn through the casualties of half of their fighters, the Zero was lethal in a dog fight. Throughout the rest of the battle the Zero’s continued to expertly shoot down masses of torpedoes and dive bombers.
The Zero in combat
Source: Military Aviation Museum
The Mitsubishi A6M Zero in the World War II Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Source: National Museum of the United States Air Force
Unfortunately for the Japanese, the U.S. noticed this and told their fighters to hide rather than engage. After this Japanese carriers were sunk due to the Zeroes mainly being unable to detect the dive bombers until it was too late. The Zero proved to be one of the most lethal planes in its day and proved as a worthy adversary to the Japanese’s enemies at the time.
Page by Henry S.
Footage of the Mitsubishi A6m Zero taking off from a Hiryu class carrier
Source - Reddit: WWIIplanes