fun fact: this isn’t a Mitsu Zero. It’s a North American T-6 with a modified cockpit/canopy. Why is this relevant, you ask? I want one. With the modified canopy. Replace as much of the forged steel components of the cockpit (ie trim wheels, throttles, gear lever, etc) to composite materials to shave up to 500-600lbs off the empty weight.
Also, instead of the standard R-1340 @ 650hp, throw in the experimental supercharger, water methanol injection, and bore out the cylinders to up that to about 850hp takeoff/700hp sustainable. To accomodate the extra engine weight, move the main fuel tank aft of the centre, with small reserves in each wing. Strip the paint down to bare chromed aluminum, a matte black tail and your choice of nostalgic nose art.
What you end up with is an empty bank account and an insurance nightmare that sings out and about at ~275mph.
it’s beautiful