Intelligence Service, U.S. Army Air Forces

“ All flight and engine controls are conveniently placed around the cockpit within easy reach of the pilot. The pilot sitting normally in the cockpit can reach every control necessary to operate the airplane and fire the guns. ”

“ It is inferior in climb at sea level, and inferior above 20000 feet. Between 5000 and 19000 feet the situation varies. With slightly more than normal fighter load, which may be distributed to give equal range and gun power, the Zero is slightly superior in average maximum rate of climb. This superiority becomes negligible at altitudes where carburetor air temperatures in the F4U are down to normal; close to the blower shift points it is more marked. However, the Zero cannot stay with the F4U in high speed climbs. ”

“ Trial flights have been carried out by U. S. pilots to investigate the performance and maneuverability of the Japanese Zero fighter (ZEKE) in comparison with the P-38F, P-39D-1, P-40F, P-51, F4F-4, and F4U-1.
All tests were conducted at San Diego. Comparisons with AAF fighters were carried out by representatives of Army Air Forces Proving Ground Group from Eglin Field. Navy pilots handled the trials against the F4F-4 and the F4U-1.
The Japanese aircraft used in these tests is a Type Zero Mark I, Carrier Fighter, Model 2. ”

“ The large ailerons make the ship highly maneuverable at speeds up to three hundred (300) miles per hour indicated. Above three hundred (300) miles per hour indicated, it is virtually impossible to reverse a turn. ”

“ This lead was maintained by the Zero for three (3) ship lengths. This lead was maintained by the Zero for one (1) minute and thirty (30) seconds and it took the P-39D-1 thirty (30) more seconds to gain a lead of one (1) ship length. ”