Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter
Encyclopedia
Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter was an educational dramatic short produced by the United States Air Force
during World War II
. Its purpose was to instruct pilots in the Pacific theatre about recognizing hostile planes at long distances and avoid friendly fire incidents.
Most of the film is taken up with a short playlet in which a young pilot, portrayed by Ronald Reagan
, is ordered on reconnaissance missions of the Pacific and encounters another plane which he can't tell is friendly or not. This plot is interspersed with animated segments illustrating the physical characteristics of the Japanese Zero and how it can be distinguished from an American plane.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Its purpose was to instruct pilots in the Pacific theatre about recognizing hostile planes at long distances and avoid friendly fire incidents.
Most of the film is taken up with a short playlet in which a young pilot, portrayed by Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
, is ordered on reconnaissance missions of the Pacific and encounters another plane which he can't tell is friendly or not. This plot is interspersed with animated segments illustrating the physical characteristics of the Japanese Zero and how it can be distinguished from an American plane.