Q&A ยท 2:10:46-2:11:03

Did the United States adopt the Zero's design?

The reply distinguishes operating captured Zeros from adopting their design.

Question

Did the United States effectively steal the Zero's design?

Short answer

Probably not, although American forces did capture and use some Zeros.

Notes

The answer doubts that the United States used the Zero's design for its own aircraft. It does acknowledge that American forces captured and used some Zeros. Capture and use of an enemy aircraft do not by themselves establish adoption of its design.