The "Zero Fighter," officially known as the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, was a Japanese naval fighter aircraft used during World War II. Introduced in 1940, it was renowned for its exceptional maneuverability and long range, making it a formidable opponent in aerial combat. The Zero was primarily used by the Imperial Japanese Navy and played a significant role in early Pacific battles. Designed by Jiro Horikoshi, the Zero featured a lightweight structure and powerful engine, allowing it to outperform many Allied aircraft at the time. Its design emphasized agility over armor, which contributed to its effectiveness in dogfights but also made it vulnerable to more heavily armed planes later in the war.