Difference between revisions of "D3A1"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(→‎Usage in battles: fixed usage in battle)
(Edits)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=d3a1
 
|code=d3a1
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
−
{{break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese dive bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese dive bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
Line 13: Line 11:
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->{| class="wikitable" width="70%" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
! rowspan="2" |Characteristics
+
 
−
! colspan="2" |Max Speed
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
(km/h at 3,900 m)
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,900 m)
−
(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
−
! colspan="2" |Turn time
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
(seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! colspan="2" |Rate of climb
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
(metres/second)
+
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
(metres)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!AB!!RB!!AB!!RB!!AB!!RB
+
! Stock
 +
| 417 || 408 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.0 || 30.6 || 6.4 || 6.4 || rowspan="2" | 232
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Stock
+
! Upgraded
−
|417||408|| rowspan="2" |{{Specs|ceiling}}||30.0||30.6||6.4||6.4|| rowspan="2" |232
+
| 443 || 430 || 28.5 || 29.2 || 11.1 || 8.6
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Upgraded
 
−
|443||430||28.5||29.2||11.1||8.6
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flaps
 
−
! Landing flaps
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
Line 49: Line 42:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|{{Specs|destruction|body}}||{{Specs|destruction|gear}}|| 480 || ~12 || ~4
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 480 || 480 || 280 || ~12 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 67: Line 59:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 330 || < 360 || < 380 || > 315
 
| < 330 || < 360 || < 380 || > 315
Line 99: Line 88:
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
* When grinding the D3A1 it's preferred to focus on grinding for the performance as the bomb load is already unlocked. The armaments should be focus last as performance is the key trait of the D3A1.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 124: Line 115:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|Type 92 navy (7.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|Type 92 (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
−
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 navy machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
+
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The D3A1 is Japan's early Dive Bomber, D3A1 is a highly maneuverable aircraft that are capable to outturn alot of enemies and avoid bursts of fire. Having a small turn circle gives the D3A1 a chance to defend itself by getting on the tail of enemy, but if the enemy is smart enough and doesn't try to turn with the D3A1, they can run away from the D3A1's after it have lost a bit of speed in turning around to get on the tail. But the D3A1 can still get in a couple of hits.
+
The D3A1 is Japan's early dive bomber, a highly manoeuvrable aircraft that is able to outturn a lot of enemies and avoid bursts of fire. Having a small turn radius gives the D3A1 a chance to defend itself by getting on the tail of enemy, but if the enemy is smart enough and doesn't try to turn with the D3A1, they can run away from the D3A1 after it has lost a bit of speed in turning around to get on the tail. But the D3A1 can still get in a couple of hits.
  
−
D3A1 is capable of carrying a modest bomb load which is similar to early versions of [[Ju 87 (Family)|Ju 87]]. But it's also similar in terms of firepower aswell with 2x  7.7mm [[Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)|Type 97 Navy]] Machineguns which can be used to defend itself from enemies, but also strafe light targets like AA/Howitzer postions and light armored vehicles like trucks and SPAA trucks. D3A1 also got a defensive [[Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)|Type 97 navy]] machinegun mounted on the back, the gunner got a impressive area of cover which eliminates most dead zones that other diver bombers and some bombers have.
+
D3A1 is capable of carrying a modest bomb load which is similar to early versions of [[Ju 87 (Family)|Ju 87]]. But it's also similar in terms of firepower as well with 2 x 7.7 mm [[Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)|Type 97 navy]] machine guns which can be used to defend itself from enemies, but also strafe light targets like AA/howitzer postions and light armoured vehicles like trucks and SPAA. D3A1 also has a defensive [[Type 92 (7.7 mm)|Type 92]] machine gun mounted on the back, the gunner has an impressive area of cover which eliminates most dead zones that other dive bombers and some bombers have.
  
−
Main use of the D3A1 is dive bombing, that is where its strength lies, knocking out ground targets in ground battles or the AI targets in air battles being able to dive near ground using the air brakes for accurate drop of bombs. After dropping bombs the D3A1 can be used as a fighter, but keep in mind that it have a relativly unprotected pilot and gunner, which makes it easy for enemy fighters and vehicles on ground with AA mounted machineguns to knock these out. The plane does not react well to being hit aswell but it can still function relatively well even when damaged and can still put up a fight. Aircrafts and vehicles equipped with 12.7mm and above will make a quick work of the D3A1 either by getting the pilots or vital parts of the plane but also to set it on fire. 7.92mm and below can also pose a threat if there is more than 1 mainly.
+
Main use of the D3A1 is dive bombing, that is where its strength lies, knocking out ground targets in ground battles or the AI targets in air battles, being able to dive near ground using the air brakes for accurate drop of bombs. After dropping bombs the D3A1 can be used as a fighter, but keep in mind that it has a relatively unprotected pilot and gunner, which makes it easy for enemy fighters and vehicles on the ground with AA-mounted machine guns to knock these out. The plane does not react well to being hit as well but it can still function relatively well even when damaged and can still put up a fight. Aircraft and vehicles equipped with 12.7 mm and above will make a quick work of the D3A1 either by getting the pilots or vital parts of the plane but also to set it on fire. 7.92 mm and below can also pose a threat if there is more than 1 mainly.
  
 
'''Enemies to be aware of:'''
 
'''Enemies to be aware of:'''
Line 147: Line 138:
 
* [[H-81A-2]]
 
* [[H-81A-2]]
  
−
These kinds of enemies can easily outclimb and outspeed the D3A1 except the I-153 which can outturn D3A1's with ease. But the rest possesses greater firepower and speed than the D3A1 being able to Boom-n-Zoom the plane and run away fast, giving the D3A1 no chance to defend itself with its offensive machine guns.
+
These kinds of enemies can easily outclimb and outspeed the D3A1 except the I-153 which can outturn D3A1 with ease. But the rest possesses greater firepower and speed than the D3A1 being able to Boom-n-Zoom the plane and run away fast, giving the D3A1 no chance to defend itself with its offensive machine guns.
  
 
'''Tip: Taking off in simulator battles''' Hands-off carrier take-off (Auto engine control, no secondary weapons): Start engine, flaps: raised, elevator trim: 8% up, aileron trim: 0%, rudder trim: 21% right, WEP throttle, hands off controls until your plane lifts off the carrier.
 
'''Tip: Taking off in simulator battles''' Hands-off carrier take-off (Auto engine control, no secondary weapons): Start engine, flaps: raised, elevator trim: 8% up, aileron trim: 0%, rudder trim: 21% right, WEP throttle, hands off controls until your plane lifts off the carrier.
Line 162: Line 153:
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
−
|-
 
−
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 7 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Turret 7 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| IV
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
* When grinding the D3A1 it's preferred to focus on grinding for the performance as the bomb load is already unlocked. The armaments should be focus last as performance is the key trait of the D3A1.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 224: Line 178:
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
 
=== In-game description ===
 
=== In-game description ===
−
The single-engine carrier-based Aichi D3A dive bomber, a metal-construction monoplane, was created by order of Japan’s Supreme Command of Naval Aviation to replace the obsolete D1A biplane. The shape of the wing and tail, as well as the presence of special dive brake flaps, came from the German aircraft company Heinkel, which was in active partnership with Aichi.
+
The single-engine carrier-based Aichi D3A dive bomber, a metal-construction monoplane, was created by order of Japan's Supreme Command of Naval Aviation to replace the obsolete D1A biplane. The shape of the wing and tail, as well as the presence of special dive brake flaps, came from the German aircraft company Heinkel, which was in active partnership with Aichi.
  
−
A D3A prototype was ready in late 1937, and mass production of the D3A1 began in 1940. A Kinsey 43 engine producing 1000 horsepower was used, and the aircraft’s armament consisted of two synchronous 7.7 mm machine guns over the engine and one hand-operated machine gun with the radio operator at the rear of the cab. The wings had folding wingtips and duralumin sheeting, and the ailerons and flaps were covered with fabric.
+
A D3A prototype was ready in late 1937, and mass production of the D3A1 began in 1940. A Kinsey 43 engine producing 1000 horsepower was used, and the aircraft's armament consisted of two synchronous 7.7 mm machine guns over the engine and one hand-operated machine gun with the radio operator at the rear of the cab. The wings had folding wingtips and duralumin sheeting, and the ailerons and flaps were covered with fabric.
  
 
During the first half of the Second World War, the D3A, along with the B5N Kate, were the main strike force of the Japanese fleet. At the time the D3A1 could be considered one of the best dive-bombers in the world. No other dive bomber had characteristics that were even close, until the arrival of the American Dauntless and Helldiver.
 
During the first half of the Second World War, the D3A, along with the B5N Kate, were the main strike force of the Japanese fleet. At the time the D3A1 could be considered one of the best dive-bombers in the world. No other dive bomber had characteristics that were even close, until the arrival of the American Dauntless and Helldiver.
Line 236: Line 190:
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
{{Youtube-gallery|AW9Gjrax8Zg|'''The Shooting Range #53''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:58 discusses the D3A.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|AW9Gjrax8Zg|'''The Shooting Range #53''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:58 discusses the D3A.}}
  

Revision as of 22:16, 29 December 2020

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
D3A1
d3a1.png
GarageImage D3A1.jpg
D3A1
Japan flag.png Japan
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.3
Class:
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The D3A1 is a rank I Japanese dive bomber with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB/RB/SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 3 900 m430 km/h
Turn time29 s
Max altitude10 500 m
EngineMitsubishi Kinsei 44
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight4 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,900 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 417 408 10500 30.0 30.6 6.4 6.4 232
Upgraded 443 430 28.5 29.2 11.1 8.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
600 650 480 480 280 ~12 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 330 < 360 < 380 > 315
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,700 m 1,065 hp 1,118 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural600 km/h
Gear650 km/h

The D3A1 lacks any armour protection, but its three fuel tanks are self-sealing. One is located beneath the pilot, and the other two are in the wings, one in each wing. The gunner is exposed (his head sticks out of the aircraft).

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB210 → 283 Sl icon.png
RB297 → 401 Sl icon.png
SB400 → 540 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 450 Rp icon.png
2 690 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 40 / 80 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type89_belt_pack
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type97_new_gun
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type92_turret_belt_pack
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
type92_turret_new_gun
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
  • When grinding the D3A1 it's preferred to focus on grinding for the performance as the bomb load is already unlocked. The armaments should be focus last as performance is the key trait of the D3A1.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun
Ammunition1 800 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)

The D3A1 is armed with:

  • 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (900 rpg = 1,800 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bomb
1 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb
Main articles: Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg), Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 (250 kg)

The D3A1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 1 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb + 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (370 kg total)

Defensive armament

Turret7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Type 92 (7.7 mm)

The D3A1 is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)

Usage in battles

The D3A1 is Japan's early dive bomber, a highly manoeuvrable aircraft that is able to outturn a lot of enemies and avoid bursts of fire. Having a small turn radius gives the D3A1 a chance to defend itself by getting on the tail of enemy, but if the enemy is smart enough and doesn't try to turn with the D3A1, they can run away from the D3A1 after it has lost a bit of speed in turning around to get on the tail. But the D3A1 can still get in a couple of hits.

D3A1 is capable of carrying a modest bomb load which is similar to early versions of Ju 87. But it's also similar in terms of firepower as well with 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns which can be used to defend itself from enemies, but also strafe light targets like AA/howitzer postions and light armoured vehicles like trucks and SPAA. D3A1 also has a defensive Type 92 machine gun mounted on the back, the gunner has an impressive area of cover which eliminates most dead zones that other dive bombers and some bombers have.

Main use of the D3A1 is dive bombing, that is where its strength lies, knocking out ground targets in ground battles or the AI targets in air battles, being able to dive near ground using the air brakes for accurate drop of bombs. After dropping bombs the D3A1 can be used as a fighter, but keep in mind that it has a relatively unprotected pilot and gunner, which makes it easy for enemy fighters and vehicles on the ground with AA-mounted machine guns to knock these out. The plane does not react well to being hit as well but it can still function relatively well even when damaged and can still put up a fight. Aircraft and vehicles equipped with 12.7 mm and above will make a quick work of the D3A1 either by getting the pilots or vital parts of the plane but also to set it on fire. 7.92 mm and below can also pose a threat if there is more than 1 mainly.

Enemies to be aware of:

These kinds of enemies can easily outclimb and outspeed the D3A1 except the I-153 which can outturn D3A1 with ease. But the rest possesses greater firepower and speed than the D3A1 being able to Boom-n-Zoom the plane and run away fast, giving the D3A1 no chance to defend itself with its offensive machine guns.

Tip: Taking off in simulator battles Hands-off carrier take-off (Auto engine control, no secondary weapons): Start engine, flaps: raised, elevator trim: 8% up, aileron trim: 0%, rudder trim: 21% right, WEP throttle, hands off controls until your plane lifts off the carrier.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Combined Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Can be used as a fighter once payload has been dropped
  • Fast for a dive bomber
  • Has air brakes (H key by default)
  • Extremely manoeuvrable

Cons:

  • Inadequate defence (1 x 7.7 mm Type 92)
  • No armament options other than 250 kg and 60 kg bombs
  • Payload is rather weak
  • Does not react well to battle damage
  • No armour or bulletproof glass to protect the pilot or gunner

History

In-game description

The single-engine carrier-based Aichi D3A dive bomber, a metal-construction monoplane, was created by order of Japan's Supreme Command of Naval Aviation to replace the obsolete D1A biplane. The shape of the wing and tail, as well as the presence of special dive brake flaps, came from the German aircraft company Heinkel, which was in active partnership with Aichi.

A D3A prototype was ready in late 1937, and mass production of the D3A1 began in 1940. A Kinsey 43 engine producing 1000 horsepower was used, and the aircraft's armament consisted of two synchronous 7.7 mm machine guns over the engine and one hand-operated machine gun with the radio operator at the rear of the cab. The wings had folding wingtips and duralumin sheeting, and the ailerons and flaps were covered with fabric.

During the first half of the Second World War, the D3A, along with the B5N Kate, were the main strike force of the Japanese fleet. At the time the D3A1 could be considered one of the best dive-bombers in the world. No other dive bomber had characteristics that were even close, until the arrival of the American Dauntless and Helldiver.

All in all, 470 D3A1s were produced.

Media

The Shooting Range #53 - Pages of History section at 06:58 discusses the D3A.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


Aichi Aircraft Company, Limited (愛知航空機株式会社)
Bombers  D3A1
  B7A2 · B7A2 (Homare 23)
Recon  E13A1

Japan bombers
Navy 
Carrier-based attack bomber 
B5N  B5N2
B6N  B6N1 · B6N2 · B6N2a
B7A  B7A2 · B7A2 (Homare 23)
Carrier-based dive bomber 
D3A  D3A1
D4Y  D4Y1 · D4Y2 · D4Y3 Ko
Shipboard Observation seaplane 
F1M  F1M2
Land-based Attack bomber 
G4M  G4M1
G5N  G5N1
G8N  G8N1
Flying boat 
H6K  H6K4
H8K  H8K2 · H8K3
Land-based Bomber 
P1Y  P1Y1
Army 
Light  Ki-32
  Ki-48-II otsu
Heavy  Ki-21-Ia · Ki-21-I hei
  Ki-49-I · Ki-49-IIa · Ki-49-IIb · Ki-49-IIb/L
  Ki-67-I Ko · Ki-67-I otsu
Other countries  ▅B-17E

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=D3A1&oldid=87753"