![]() Some discussion about roll rates going from an offensive advantage to a defensive advantage could have been mentioned as this was significant in explaining why the Zero went from the World’s premier air superiority aircraft in the beginning of World War II to less than that by the middle of the war. Interview with Mike Kuwato: seeing and hearing a person retelling experineces is a gift and this is no exception, though subtitles would have been appreciated to better understand his spoken Englishįamily Album: combat artwork and in-flight photos of this Zero Pilot’s Handbook: photos but no captions of the cockpit as well as walkaround photos The low level flying and sound is indescribable as well as incredibly delightful Zero Goes to Japan: the story of how the Zero was acquired by the Planes of Fame Air Museum - Chino CA, the five year restoration effort and the tour in Japan. Multiangles: film clips of the Planes of Fame fighter in three phases of flight However, nearly 75 fighters engaged in a 35 minute air battle, both pilots were in the fight and Kuwato was a fearless as well as gifted fighter pilot all the same. Kuwato states he shot Boyington’s Corsair down over Rabaul though Boyington was shot down over New Ireland. Both pilots were involved in a general and wide-ranging melee on the day Boyington led a fighter sweep over the area to be sure. This claim is emphasized elsewhere during the DVD, as well, but not mentioned is the controversy about the claim. A major portion of the story is Kuwato’s claim of the shooting down, and subsequent capture, of Greg “Pappy” Boyington. The filming cleverly makes use of a vibrating camera platform and blown smoke to give an in-flight impression. Victor Ho re-enacts Kuwato and clever shots were filmed of him in the Planes of Fame Air Museum - Chino CA Zero. Then a segue occurs describing some of the experiences of Zero ace pilot for the Imperial Japanese Navy pilot Kawato Masajiro (the western version of his name is Masajiro Kawato with the nickname “Mike”). The significance is that the Zero is very light in weight so many design sacrifices were made for its near legendary range and roll rate - in this way the Zero epitomized Japan’s prewar strategy of hitting unexpectedly from long distance marked by superior airmanship. Less discussed are its drawbacks with the exception of the lack of armor and self sealing fuel tanks which leads to misunderstanding the combat flying of the Zero. The Zero’s attributes are well described and demonstrated in terms of roll rate and speed. The point-of-view video camera with narration combination shows the pilot’s perspective during three phases of flight (taking off, flying and landing) – and is interspersed with clear and tight formation air filming. ![]() His observation of the machine gun and cannon triggers (as well as the selector switch for both) is fascinating as well as why the aircraft is flown using the left fuel tank first. Describing the cockpit as he teaches the location and use of the control devices for everything from cowl flaps to machine gun cocking levers, including the trim controls and any changes made for flight safety is a well done affair. He mentions the vital numbers needed to fly the aircraft with fuel quantities, oil temperatures and manifold pressures to be sure. Hinton explains much in an easy informative manner a professional can give with an effortless description of intricate details. This is where the piloting the Zero comes to life. The major menu options are discussed in the subsequent paragraphs. This is an observation and not a criticism as this DVD is not meant to be more than an introduction as well as an appreciation of the Zero and the history it helped to make. Though the producers respect for history is obvious and admirable this is not a DVD to be used as a primary reference since, other than the technical aspects of the Zero, the historical recollections, as well as analyses are simplified in the way one first explains the Zero’s role to novice students. His body language and thinking-out-loud narration while he pilots the aircraft from engine start through landing is priceless. Pilot Steve Hinton describes the Zero in terms only a person familiar with flying the aircraft can describe. This is a delightful DVD made by people who have a love for the Planes of Fame Museum’s Mitsubishi A6M5 Type 0 – known to the western world as the Zero. Roaring Glory Warbirds: A6M5 Zero, 1998, 103 minutes
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