Watch an Incredible Simulated Carrier Landing of WWII Zero on Akagi

During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Navy developed a precise system for recovering aircraft on carriers like Akagi. In this rare look, we see the landing procedure of a Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter as it returns from a mission. This experience is shown from both the pilot’s view and the carrier crew’s position, giving a clear idea of the coordinated efforts needed. For those wanting to feel even closer to the scene, natural sounds like wind across the deck and the roar of the Nakajima Sakae engine can be heard without voiceover.

Carrier Landing Procedures and Safety Measures

Aircraft returning to the carrier would first form a clockwise holding pattern. The carrier’s island was placed on the port side to help pilots recognize their ship easily. Large symbols were painted on the flight deck for even quicker identification. Once the ship was positioned into the wind at about 25 knots, a black ball with two numbered flags signaled readiness to recover planes. The steam jets on the deck helped show the wind direction to the pilots.

Final preparations were crucial. The ship’s radio masts were lowered flat to prevent accidents. Special lights called chakan shidoto were turned on to guide pilots during landing. Arresting wires were raised about eight inches above the deck, part of the Kure Type 4 arresting gear, designed to stop aircraft quickly with about two Gs of force. Crash barriers were set up ahead of the wires to protect parked planes in case of a missed landing.

Japanese Carrier Landing Techniques and Coordination

Unlike the U.S. Navy, Japanese carriers did not use a Landing Signal Officer. Instead, a crewman called Sabin, under the supervision of Hiko, used flags to guide or wave off incoming aircraft. A guard destroyer followed about 700 to 1,000 meters behind the carrier, ready to rescue any aviators who missed the deck.

When ready to land, each Zero would circle around the bow and line up downwind. The pilot would then turn towards the destroyer, beginning final approach at around 600 feet and a speed of 70 to 75 knots. A 5.5° glide slope was aimed at a circle painted on the deck. Pilots checked the chakan shidoto lights to stay on the correct path. After catching a wire, ground crews quickly moved the plane forward to make space for the next landing. Skilled Japanese carriers could recover an aircraft every 25 to 45 seconds.

Keep going for the video below: