Aichi D3A1 “Val”
by Gary Barling
 
Purpose: Two-seat carrier- and land-based dive-bomber, a replacement for the Aichi D1A *
 
Background: The first all metal, low wing monoplane dive-bomber to serve with the Imperial Japanese Navy. The prototype first flew in late 1937, and production started almost immediately. A total of 478 D3A1’s were built.
 
Specifications:
 
  1. Maximum speed: 237 mph (430 km/hr)
  2. Climbing speed: 3,000m (9,845 ft) in 5 min 48 sec
  3. Service Ceiling: 10,500m (34,450 ft)
  4. Fuel Capacity: 945.6 liters (208 Imperial Gallons, 249 US Gallons)
  5. Range: 1352 km (840 mi)
  6. Armament: two 7.7 mm forward-firing machine guns, one 7.7mm flexible rearward-firing machine gun. Provision for an external bombload of 370kg (816 lbs): 1 x 250 kg (550 lb) bomb under the fuselage, 2 x 60 kg (132 lb) bombs mounted one under each wing.
  7. Powerplant: 1000 hp Mitsubishi Kinsei 43, or 1070 hp Mitsubishi Kinsei 44, engine
  8. Dimensions:
1.      Wingspan – 14.37 meters (47 ft., 1.5in)
2.      Wing Area – 118.5 m2  (389 sq. ft.)
3.      Length – 10.2 meters (33 ft., 5.5 in)
4.      Max Takeoff Weight – 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)
 
9. Landing Gear: Main: fixed oleo struts, enclosed within spats, one per wing. Tail Wheel: fixed. Arrester Hook: flush with fuselage, just forward of tail wheel.
 
Revisions & Types - Major Revisions:
·        D3A2
·        1300 hp Mitsubishi Kinsei 54 Engine
·        Increased fuel capacity
·        Lengthened canopy over rear gunner
·        Propeller hub cover
 
References:
 
1.      Chant, C, Aircraft of World War Two, Bristol, Dempsey-Parr, 1999.
2.      Taylor, Michael (ed), Jane’s Encyclopedia of Aviation, London, Jane’s Publishing Company, 1980.
3.      Fitzsimons, Bernard et al, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of 20th Century Weapons and Warfare, Toronto, Purnell Reference Books, 1977.