Mitsubishi A6M3 Reisen (Zero), Reg. N712Z, Other Marks: X-133, Serial No. 3869, Display Paint: Japanese Navy, Commemorative Air Force, close-up pilot view, smoke display, air-to-air, Luke Air Force Base, test flights Arizona 2023

Air-to-air photograph of a Mitsubishi A6M3 Reisen performing a controlled smoke system demonstration during test flights near Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, in 2023. Operated by the Commemorative Air Force, the aircraft wears Japanese Navy markings consistent with its historical configuration. The A6M3 is a single-seat naval fighter powered by a Nakajima Sakae radial piston engine. The smoke system is used for visibility and display purposes during flight operations and does not alter the aircraft’s original structural design.