WHY DID AGORA CHOOSE THE PARTICULAR ZERO WE ARE BUILDING?

[A6M5]

This particular Zero, 8-13 was found on Saipan with other intact Japanese A6M5 aircraft.  The picture below of our kit was taken August 8, 1944, Saipan.  The aircraft belonged to the 261st Kokutai (Air Group), 8th Hikotai, Aircraft 13.  The kanji on top of the tail translates to "Bi."  This is believed to be an abbreviation of the pilots name. The cap (chevron above the kanji) meant he was a more senior pilot.  Other planes of the unit had similar kanji that would say "victory," etc.  If someone has another interpretation,  please chime in.

The 261st was flown from mainland Japan, to Iwo Jima, then on to Saipan, to be used for anti ship or kamikaze attacks.

It's interesting to note, that despite the plane being a total wreck, the intelligence guys seemed interested in this particular bird, it has even been tagged by the antenna mast.  Many aircraft were removed from Saipan aboard the USS Copahee to be taken back to the States for study.  

It would be nice if Agora could have included a booklet on this particular aircraft.

 

Thanks!

Charles