Aircraft History
Built by Mitsubishi on June 15, 1942 as the 18th Model 32 manufactured. Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as Type 0 Carrier Fighter / A6M3 Model 32 Zero manufacture number 3017.

Assigned to the Tainan Kokutai. Tail Number V-177.

Wartime History
This Zero was disassembled and transported as cargo to Rabaul. The plane was one of twenty early Model 32 Zeros disassembled as crated cargo and loaded aboard Nisshin Maru No. 2 as cargo then transported to Rabaul arriving July 29, 1942 and reassembled over the next several days. Alternately, this Zero was one of fifteen early A6M3 Model 32 Zeros disassembled and loaded aboard Yawata Maru as cargo and delivered to Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul on August 6, 1942 and reassembled over the next several days.

Assigned to the Tainan Kōkūtai (Tainan Air Group). Tail Code V-1?? (last two digits unknown). This Zero was one of the first A6M3 Model 32 Zeros based at Rabaul. Later, operated from Lae Airfield until abandoned or disabled.

Wreckage
During September 1943 this Zero was captured by the Allies at Lae Airfield. Ultimate fate unknown, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared.

References
Production figures of the Mitsubishi/Nakajima A6M Zero by Jim Long

Contribute Information
Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned?
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
June 21, 2023