AICHI D3A1 'VAL'

The Aichi D3A (Allied code name - Val) is a Japanese low-wing dive-board dive bomber. The D3A was the standard dive bomber of the Japanese Navy in the early stages of the Pacific War. The prototype first flew in 1938. Despite the fact that already at the time of the beginning of hostilities, it was an obsolete aircraft, it proved to be very effective both during the attack on Pearl Harbor and during subsequent operations. The Aichi D3A1 Val sank the largest number of Allied ships of any aircraft in the Empire of Japan during World War II. In 1943, they were replaced on board aircraft carriers by more modern designs. The kamikazes used by pilots returned at the end of the war. The Aichi D3A was produced in relatively small numbers - 478 D3A1s and 816 of the more modern D3A2. The more modern version had a more powerful engine and larger fuel tanks. Technical data (D3A1 version): length: 10.2m, wingspan: 14.37m, height: 3.85m, maximum speed: 389km / h, rate of climb: 8.6m / s, maximum range: 1560km, maximum ceiling 10900m armament: fixed-3 machine guns cal.7.7mm, pendant-up to 370 kg of bombs.