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Aichi Val
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Specifications
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Primary Function:
Crew:
Engine:
Power:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Machine Guns:
Bomb Load:
Length:
Wingspan:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Initial Climb:
Ceiling:
Range:
First Flight:
Year Deployed: |
dive bomber
two
Kinsei
1,300 hp
5,670 lbs.
9,100 lbs.
3 - 7.7 mm
550 lbs.
33' 5"
47' 2"
190 mph
270 mph
1,700 fpm
34,480 feet
850 miles
12/14/37
1940 |
The Aichi Val dive bomber originated in 1936 as the Japanese Navy Type 99 Carrier Bomber. Its wing design was influenced by German aircraft of the time. The Aichi Val was produced with a strong all metal airframe to withstand
the high g-forces from dive bombing. Its had fixed landing gear to keep maintenance low.
When the Aichi Val first took flight in 1937 it was powered by a Nakajima 710 hp radial engine. It soon
became apparent that the aircraft was under powered. A Mitsubishi
840 hp engine greatly improved flight performance. Other changes
made during its development were a longer wingspan and better dive
brakes. Eventually production Aichi Val aircraft were equipped with a 1,000
hp Kinsel radial engine and a dorsal fillet that was fitted to
increase aircraft stability. The result was a dive bombing aircraft
with the maneuverability of a front line fighter.
Aichi Val aircraft first saw action in China
and Indo-China during 1940. It was the primary dive bomber used by
Japan in its attack on the U.S. Fleet in Pearl Harbor on December 7,
1941. In other actions, Aichi Val dive bombers were credited with the
sinking of the British cruisers HMS Cornwall and HMS Dorsetshire, and
the British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. The Aichi Val eventually
participated in every major battle of the Pacific War including the
Coral Sea, Guadalcanal, Midway, Santa Cruz, and the Solomon Islands.
Starting in late 1942 Aichi Val aircraft were produced with a Kinsei 1,300 hp engine, increasing their
top speed by some 30 mph. The aircraft continued in production with
the engine through the end of the war.
A number of the Aichi Val dive bombers were eventually used as Kamikaze aircraft. A total of 1,486 Aichi
D3A Val aircraft were produced.
 The Aichi Val built by Ken Kaiser.
Pictured above is the Aichi D3A Val built by Ken Kaiser from a Dumas FF rubber powered kit. It has a wingspan of 30". Ken powers it with a
AXI 280 size motor. Weight is just under 9 oz.
The first picture below is of the Aichi Val built from a kit for sale by Skyshark. It has a wingspan of 66" and is 44" long. Construction is all wood. Power can come from .45 to .61 two cycle or .56 to .72 four cycle engines. Weight is around 6 lbs.
The second picture below is of the Aichi Val built from Wheldon Plans for sale available through the AMA Plans Service. It
has a wingspan of 39". Plan no. is 24992.
Pictured next is orionRider of Watt Flyer RC with his scratch built Aichi Val. It has a 70" wingspan and is powered by a Twister 800 Wt. motor. Weight is around 8 1/2 lbs.
The bottom picture is of the Aichi Val for sale from Esm Producing Co., China. It is sold by a number of retailers. It has a 81" wingspan and a length of 60 1/2".
You can power it with a 1.08 two stroke or 1.20 four stroke engine. Weight is around 15 lbs.
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Aichi D3A Val
