Aichi Type 99 Carrier Bomber (Kanbaku) / D3A Val
Technical Information

Background
Built by Aichi. The Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) designation was Type 99 Carrier Bomber / Ku Ku Kamba (Kanbaku) / D3A Val. This low-wing monoplane had fixed landing gear. Its performance characteristics were not impressive, but well-trained Japanese pilots could use it as an effective dive bomber achieving great accuracy. Despite the lower speed of the Val it was highly maneuverable.

Wartime History
At the start of the Pacific War, the Val was the primary dive bomber operating aboard aircraft carriers or land based airfields.

D3A1 (Model 11)
The D3A1 Model 11 was the initial production design in use at the start of the Pacific War against Pearl Harbor and Philippines.

D3A2 (Model 22)
The first D3A2 Model 22 models were assembled in June 1942 and entered service in the later half of 1942.

Production
A total of 1,495 were built.

References
Notes on the Production Record of the Val by Jim Long

Technical Details
Crew  Two (pilot, gunner)
Engine  14 cylinder radial with three bladed propeller
Span  14.37m
Length  10.20m
Height  3.85m
Maximum Speed  209 km/h
Range  795 miles
Armament  (nose) 2 x 7.7mmmachine guns (rear) 7.7mm machine gun
Bomb load  (centerline) 250 kg (wings) 2 x 60 kg