How One Crashed Plane Exposed the Secrets of Japanese Power

A single dive bomber revealed the secrets of Japanese power during World War II, according to historical accounts. By the late 1930s, it was evident that the world was sliding into a global conflict. Japan was not immune to this trend. For over five decades, it had been building an empire that included Taiwan, Korea, and numerous islands in the Pacific, along with parts of mainland China. The conflict with China escalated into a major war, while tensions with Western nations grew as they viewed Japan as a threat to their interests. Sanctions followed, culminating on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese navy attacked Pearl Harbor, turning the war into a worldwide conflict. This period marked the rise of aviation as one of the decisive factors in battles. Japan did not have a unified air force, but both its navy and army had their own air formations. By the end of the 1930s, the backbone of the naval air force was the Mitsubishi A5M, which was becoming outdated. In 1937, the navy launched a competition for an aircraft that would be the most advanced in the world. The requirements were so stringent that only Mitsubishi responded, led by the brilliant designer Jiro Horikoshi. Under his guidance, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero was developed. The first prototype was built in March 1939. The aircraft proved to be excellent, though it had some shortcomings, notably fragile wings. However, these issues were largely ignored due to the urgent need for new aircraft. Serial production began within a few months. The aircraft quickly saw action during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). At the time, Chinese aviation was equipped with Soviet and American planes, and the impact of the new Japanese fighter on the skies above China was akin to throwing a cat among the pigeons. The Zero simply cleared the sky over China. In one such engagement, thirteen Zero fighters shot down 27 Chinese I-15 and I-16 fighters without suffering any losses. At the time, the United States had a para-military air formation known as the American Volunteer Group, also called the Flying Tigers, equipped with Curtiss P-40 Warhawks. The unit was commanded by General Claire Lee Chennault. Soon after experiencing difficulties with Japanese aircraft, he reported on the new Japanese fighter to Washington. His report accurately described the capabilities and potential weaknesses of the enemy and suggested ways to counter it. However, at that time, Western countries were still blinded by the old myth that Japanese could only copy and that their outdated aviation industry could not produce competitive aircraft. His report was thus quickly dismissed. The consequences were severe. Western countries reacted to Japanese actions in China and Indochina with sanctions. As a resource-poor country, Japan was pushed to the brink by restrictions on coal, iron, and especially oil. On December 7, 1941, nerves gave way, and the attack on Pearl Harbor turned the war into a global conflict. During the offensive that lasted nearly six months, the Japanese army and navy captured the Philippines, Indonesia, reached the gates of India in Burma, and most importantly, secured vast areas of the Pacific Ocean up to Australia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands far south-east. Everything indicated that the sea routes connecting Japan to the United States would be cut off. At the beginning of the war, Japan had around 500 Zero aircraft available, as large-scale serial production had just begun. Despite this, the success of the offensive was made possible precisely by these aircraft. They were superior to everything the Americans and British could put into the air. They engaged with opposing aircraft such as the P-40, P-39 Air Cobra, Hurricane, and Spitfire, clearing the way for bombing squadrons, ships, and ground forces. Western allies were completely overwhelmed.