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:

1. Aircraft of World War II, General Editor: Jim Winchester, 2004

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