Aichi D3A
| D3A | |
|---|---|
| Aichi D3A1 from carrier Akagi. | |
| General information | |
| Type | Carrier-based dive bomber |
| Manufacturer | Aichi Kokuki KK |
| Primary user | Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service |
| Number built | 1,495 (479 D3A1) (1016 D3A2) |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 1940 |
| First flight | January 1938 |
| Retired | 1945 |
| Developed into | Yokosuka D3Y Myōjo |
The Aichi D3A (Navy designation "Type 99 Carrier Bomber"; Allied reporting name "Val") is a World War II carrier-borne dive bomber. It was the primary dive bomber of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and was involved in almost all IJN actions, including the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Aichi D3A was the first Japanese aircraft to bomb American targets in the war, commencing with Pearl Harbor and U.S. bases in the Philippines, such as Clark Air Force Base. They sank more Allied warships than any other Axis aircraft.