A6M3 First Taxi in 70 Years

What an Iconic Plane

This video features a Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero taxiing under its own power 80 years after it was abandoned on Tarawa Island by the end of WWII. The plane is one of the only 343 Model 32 “Hamps” that was ever built and close to test flights.

According to Chasing Planes, this particular Zero is fitted with the Pratt & Whitney R-1830.

It’s awesome to see this piece of history still moving again under its own power. There aren’t a lot of these WWII planes available today, so this is a huge achievement for its restoration crew!

What do you think about this A6M3 Zero? Would you love to see this plane restored to airworthy status again? Let us know in the comments below!