Wow! Fast and low with some great shots! Thanks for posting. Was that an actual Zero flying there? I know only one original one with engine that still flies...
Wow, feels like WW2. Those people lined up in the boats just offshore in box seat if it went pear shaped.. still, I'd plump for such a unique viewpoint for taking pics too.
That plane is an actual Zero, it was made by Nakajima. It has an American P&W Radial engine. There is only one Zero with the original Japanese engine that is still flying. There are several Zeros flying with American radial engines. Most are T-6's modified to look like Zeros.
im pretty sure the zero in the pic is the one out of houston. if so that is the one with the original mitsubishi radial. i can check and make sure.. its currently undergoing service after a corsair prop chewed on the tail in midland. my friends father owns the zero and many more ww2 aircraft.
Not according to this: Has a P&W radial, not the original Nakajima Sakae Radial. I think even the Mitsubishi Zeros had Nakajima Sakae radials? Aircraft Data N8280K, 1941 Nakajima A6M2 Model 21 C/N 1498, Beech C90A King Air C/N LJ1359, Universal Stinson 108-1 C/N 1081280 Flight Registration Information - N8280K Serial Number: 1498 Manufacturer Name: NAKAJIMA Model: A6M2 MODEL 21 Aircraft Type: Fixed Wing Single-Engine Engine Type: Reciprocating Registered Owner Name: LAST SAMURAI LLC Listed under "Texas Flying Legends", so maybe.
Reading more... "Planes of Fame Museum" in Chino, CA says they have the only one with the original motor, but that could be old or incorrect info: They say: "The museum's collection of Japanese aircraft is the largest of its type in the world. This collection includes the only flying Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter[2] with its original Sakae engine..."
