Japan's Aichi D3A, "Val",1
Navy Type 99 Carrier Bomber Model 111
Aichi D3A Val:
Aichi D3A Val:
Design
In 1936 the Imperial Japanese Navy issued specifications for a dive-bomber to replace the Aichi D1A2 biplanes.1
Aichi delivered a design that had a fixed undercarriage and a wing that was inspired by the German He 70.1 It was decided that the complexity and extra weight of a retractable landing gear wasn't worth the small increase in performance.1
Initial tests showed a number of problems that resulted in a redesign.1 This aircraft was then chosen over the Nakajima D3N1.1 There were still directional stability problems that resulted in a dorsal fin being installed.1 This was done before carrier qualification testing that occurred in 1940.1
Variants
- D3A2 became available in June 1942.1 Had a modified canopy, a propeller spinner, and more fuel.1
- D3A2-K Bomber Trainer Model 12.1
Usage
Because the D3A was very agile, it was sometimes flown as a fighter.1
The D3A was used in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.1 Also took part in the sinking of the British aircraft carrier, the HMS Hermes.1
| Aichi D3A2 Model 22, "Val"1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Dive-bomber1 |
| Crew | 21 |
| Engine (Type) | Mitsubishi Kinsei 541 |
| Cylinders | Radial-141 |
| Cooling | Air1 |
| Net HP | 1,3001 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 47' 2"1 14.37 m1 |
| Length | 33' 6"1 10.2 m1 |
| Height | 12' 8"1 3.85 m1 |
| Wing area | 373 sq2 1 34.9 m2 1 |
| Weight | |
| Empty | 5,654 lb1 2,570 kg1 |
| Loaded | 8,360 lb1 3,800 kg1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 20,000' / 6,000 m | 267 mph1 430 kph1 |
| Climb | |
| Service ceiling | |
| Range with bomb load | 840 miles1 1,352 km1 |
| Armament | 2: 7.7 mm Type 97 MG forward firing1 1: 7.7 mm Type 97 MG flexible in rear cockpit1 |
| Above engine | |
| Rounds | |
| Wings | |
| Rounds | |
| Propeller hub | |
| Rounds | |
| Bombs | 814 lb1 370 kg1 |
| Quantity | |
| Production |
Sources:
- Aircraft of World War II, General Editor: Jim Winchester, 2004
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