Aichi D3A Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids D3A

Aichi D3A1 from carrier Akagi.
Role	Carrier-based dive bomber
Manufacturer	Aichi Kokuki KK
First flight	January 1938
Introduction	1940
Retired	1945
Primary user	Imperial Japanese Navy
Number built	1,495 (479 D3A-1) (1016 D3A-2)
Developed into	Yokosuka D3Y Myōjo

The Aichi D3A was a type of light bomber airplane used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. It was famous for being a "dive bomber," meaning it would fly high, then dive steeply towards its target to drop bombs very accurately. The Allies (the countries fighting against Japan, like the USA and Britain) gave it the nickname Val. This plane played a big part in important battles, including the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway. Towards the end of the war, some D3A planes were even used in special missions where pilots would intentionally crash their planes into enemy ships.

What Was the Aichi D3A?
- Design and Features
  - First Flight and Introduction
The D3A in World War II
Images for kids
See also

What Was the Aichi D3A?

The Aichi D3A was a special kind of airplane called a dive bomber. This meant it was designed to drop bombs very precisely. Instead of flying level and dropping bombs, the pilot would point the plane almost straight down towards the target. This made it much easier to hit ships or buildings.

Design and Features

The D3A was built by a Japanese company called Aichi Kokuki KK. It had a single engine and two seats. One person was the pilot, and the other was a radio operator and gunner. The plane had fixed landing gear, which means the wheels did not fold up into the plane after takeoff. This made the plane a bit slower, but also simpler to build.

First Flight and Introduction

The very first Aichi D3A flew in January 1938. After more testing and improvements, it officially joined the Japanese Navy in 1940. It quickly became an important part of their air force.

The D3A in World War II

The Aichi D3A was one of the main dive bombers used by Japan in the early parts of World War II. It was known for being very strong and able to take a lot of damage.

Key Battles and Operations

The D3A "Val" took part in many important battles:

Attack on Pearl Harbor: On December 7, 1941, D3A planes were among the first to attack the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. They bombed battleships and other ships.
Indian Ocean Raid: In April 1942, D3A planes helped sink several British warships in the Indian Ocean.
Battle of the Coral Sea: In May 1942, D3A planes attacked American aircraft carriers during this important naval battle.
Battle of Midway: In June 1942, D3A planes were used in the Battle of Midway, a turning point in the war in the Pacific.
Battle of the Eastern Solomons: In August 1942, D3A planes continued to fight in major battles, attacking U.S. Navy ships.

The "Val" Nickname

The Allies, which included countries like the United States and Great Britain, gave Japanese planes special code names. The Aichi D3A was called "Val." This helped Allied pilots and commanders quickly identify enemy aircraft.

Later Use and Retirement

As the war went on, newer and faster planes were developed. The D3A became less effective against modern fighter planes. By 1945, most D3A planes were retired from combat roles. Some were used for training, and others were used in special missions towards the end of the war. A total of 1,495 D3A planes were built.

Images for kids

Aichi D3A1 dive bombers prepare to take off from a Japanese aircraft carrier during the morning of 7 December 1941 to attack Pearl Harbor.
Aichi D3A1 taking off from the carrier Akagi during the Indian Ocean Raid.
Aichi D3A1s from the carrier Shōkaku during the Battle of the Coral Sea.
Aichi D3A1 of 33rd Air Group over eastern Java in early summer 1942.
Aichi D3A1s from Shōkaku return to their carrier after attacking the U.S. carrier Enterprise during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons in August 1942.
Aichi D3A2 during maintenance. Note the propeller spinner that is missing from the D3A1s in the previous photos.
Aichi D3A2 with telescopic sight, before takeoff.