© 1997 Joao Paulo
Julião Matsuura
Aichi D1A
Allied Code Name: "Susie"
(Scanned from René J. Francillion "Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War" - Putnam - 1979)
UNITS ALLOCATED
Carriers: Akagi, Kaga and Ryujo.
12th, 13th, 14th and 15th Kokutais.
TECHNICAL DATA
Description: Single-engined carrier-borne biplane dive-bomber. Metal structure with metal and fabric covering.
Accommodation: Pilot and radio-operator/gunner in tandem open cockpits.
- One Nakajima Kotobuki 2 Kai 1 nine-cylinder air-cooled radial, rated at 580 hp for take-off and 460 hp at 1,500 m, driving a two-blade propeller (modified He 66 and first 118 D1A1s).
- One Nakajima Kotobuki 3 nine-cylinder air-cooled radial, rated at 640 hp for take-off and 715 hp at 2,800 m, driving a two-blade propeller (last 44 D1A1s).
- One Nakajima Hikari 1 nine-cylinder air-cooled radial, rated at 730 hp for take-off and 670 hp at 3,500 m, driving a two-blade propeller (D1A2).
- Two fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm Type 92 machine-guns in the engine cowling and one flexible rear-firing 7.7 mm Type 92 machine-gun.
- Bomb-load: one 250 kg bomb under the fuselage, and two 30 kg bombs under the wings.
