Difference between revisions of "D3A1"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese dive-bomber {{Battle-rating|1}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.  
+
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 D3A is a highly maneuverable but lightly armed dive bomber. It is very capable of pulling of some rather drastic defensive maneuvers when under attack. Once the bombs have been dropped, it can give many of the fighters it faces a run for their money in dog-fighting.  
+
The D3A is a highly manoeuvrable but lightly armed dive bomber. It is very capable of pulling off some rather drastic defensive manoeuvres when under attack. Once the bombs have been dropped, it can give many of the fighters it faces a run for their money in dog-fighting.
  
 
This agility comes at a cost, however. The D3A is not nearly as sturdy and therefore cannot take much punishment. It also is rather lightly armed, with the relatively ineffectual Japanese 7.7 mm machine guns and a bomb load of only one 250 kg under fuselage bomb with two 60 kg light bombs under the wings. It must be said, however, that this is more or less sufficient against the biplanes and light vehicles that it usually faces at its battle rating.
 
This agility comes at a cost, however. The D3A is not nearly as sturdy and therefore cannot take much punishment. It also is rather lightly armed, with the relatively ineffectual Japanese 7.7 mm machine guns and a bomb load of only one 250 kg under fuselage bomb with two 60 kg light bombs under the wings. It must be said, however, that this is more or less sufficient against the biplanes and light vehicles that it usually faces at its battle rating.
  
 
'''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.
 +
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
''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" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 26: Line 27:
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 35: Line 36:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| 413 || 407 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.4 || 30.7 || 5.2 || 6.5 || 232
+
| 417 || 408 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.0 || 30.6 || 6.4 || 6.4 || 232
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,900 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,900 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 52: Line 53:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| 446 || 430 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.1 || 29.2 || 13.4 || 8.6 || 232
+
| 443 || 430 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.5 || 29.2 || 11.1 || 8.6 || 232
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps
! Take-off flap
+
! Take-off flaps
! Landing flap
+
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ||     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
Line 83: Line 84:
 
! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || 480 || ~12 || ~12
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 480 || ~12 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 96: Line 97:
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
| < 330 || < 360 || < 380 || > 230
+
| < 330 || < 360 || < 380 || > 315
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 110: Line 111:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 1,800 m || 1,050 hp || 1,103 hp  
+
| 1,700 m || 1,065 hp || 1,118 hp
|-
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
+
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
* No armour plating
 
* No armour glazing
 
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 machine guns, nose mounted (900 rpg = 1,800 total)
+
* 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (900 rpg = 1,800 total)
  
<!--=== Suspended armament ===
+
=== Suspended armament ===
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''
+
{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 (250 kg)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
* 1 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb + 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bombs (370 kg total)
+
* 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 ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
<!--''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 navy (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, dorsal gun turret (1,000 rpg)
+
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 navy machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
When flying the D3A1, extra caution should be taken around planes equipped with [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2 Browning Heavy Machine Guns]] and/or [[:Category:Aircraft cannons|cannons]]. Those planes will easily shred you because of their firepower. The D3A1 does not like to take battle damage and a short burst from any of those planes will cripple your plane if not destroy it outright.
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
Also, [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires]] are another enemy plane to be feared because even though the D3A1 is manoeuvrable, the Spitfire will easily outmanoeuvre you as well as outrun and outclimb you.
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''-->
 
Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
 
The list of plane to be concerned is planes with 12.7 M2 Browning Heavy Machine Guns and/or cannons. Those planes will easily shred you because of their firepower. The D3A1 does not like to take battle damage and a short burst from any of those planes with those weapons will either cripple your plane if not destroy it outright.
 
Also Spitfires should is another enemy plane to be feared because even though the D3A1 is maneuverable, the Spitfire will easily out maneuver you as well as out run and out climb you.  
 
  
When battling the D3A1, do not fear its firepower as its relatively weak. Always remember the D3A1 is extremely maneuverable so apply Boom and Zoom tactics if the D3A1 attempts to dogfight with you.
+
When battling the D3A1, do not fear its firepower as it's relatively weak. Always remember the D3A1 is extremely manoeuvrable so apply Boom and Zoom tactics if the D3A1 attempts to dogfight with you.
===Manual Engine Control===
+
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Oil
 
! Oil
 
! Water
 
! Water
! Type  
+
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| 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===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan = "1"| Tier
+
! colspan="1" | Tier
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
+
! colspan="1" | Survivability
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
+
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
|  
+
|
|  
+
| Offensive 7 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
|  
+
| New 7 mm MGs
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
|  
+
|
|  
+
| Turret 7 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
|  
+
|
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
|  
+
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
* When grinding the D3A1 its preferred to focus on grinding for the performance as the bomb load is already unlocked.  
+
 
* The armaments should be focus last as performance is they key trait of the D3A1.
+
* 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 ===
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
* Can be used as a fighter once payload has been dropped
 
* Can be used as a fighter once payload has been dropped
* Fast for a dive-bomber
+
* Fast for a dive bomber
* Has air brakes (press h by default)
+
* Has air brakes (''H'' key by default)
* Extremely maneuverable
+
* Extremely manoeuvrable
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
* Inadequate defense (1 x 7.7 mm Type 92)
+
 
 +
* Inadequate defence (1 x 7.7 mm Type 92)
 
* No armament options other than 250 kg and 60 kg bombs
 
* No armament options other than 250 kg and 60 kg bombs
 
* Payload is rather weak
 
* Payload is rather weak
 
* Does not react well to battle damage
 
* Does not react well to battle damage
* No armor or bulletproof glass to protect the pilot or gunner
+
* No armour or bulletproof glass to protect the pilot or gunner
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
''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 ===
 +
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 ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
== Read 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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
<!--''ETC.''-->
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Aichi}}
 
{{Japan bombers}}
 
{{Japan bombers}}

Revision as of 15:39, 30 December 2019

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
d3a1.png
D3A1
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage D3A1.jpg


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.

The D3A is a highly manoeuvrable but lightly armed dive bomber. It is very capable of pulling off some rather drastic defensive manoeuvres when under attack. Once the bombs have been dropped, it can give many of the fighters it faces a run for their money in dog-fighting.

This agility comes at a cost, however. The D3A is not nearly as sturdy and therefore cannot take much punishment. It also is rather lightly armed, with the relatively ineffectual Japanese 7.7 mm machine guns and a bomb load of only one 250 kg under fuselage bomb with two 60 kg light bombs under the wings. It must be said, however, that this is more or less sufficient against the biplanes and light vehicles that it usually faces at its battle rating.

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.

General info

Flight performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,900 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
417 408 10500 30.0 30.6 6.4 6.4 232
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,900 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
443 430 10500 28.5 29.2 11.1 8.6 232

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flaps
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
480 ~12 ~4
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 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

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Armaments

Offensive armament

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

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

Main article: Type 92 navy (7.7 mm)

The D3A1 is defended by:

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

Usage in battles

When flying the D3A1, extra caution should be taken around planes equipped with 12.7 mm M2 Browning Heavy Machine Guns and/or cannons. Those planes will easily shred you because of their firepower. The D3A1 does not like to take battle damage and a short burst from any of those planes will cripple your plane if not destroy it outright.

Also, Spitfires are another enemy plane to be feared because even though the D3A1 is manoeuvrable, the Spitfire will easily outmanoeuvre you as well as outrun and outclimb you.

When battling the D3A1, do not fear its firepower as it's relatively weak. Always remember the D3A1 is extremely manoeuvrable so apply Boom and Zoom tactics if the D3A1 attempts to dogfight with you.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs
III Wings repair Engine Turret 7 mm
IV 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:

  • 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

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

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

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

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