Thursday, March 14, 2013

D3A2 Aircraft – Naval Dive Bomber


The D3A2 dive bomber aircraft has a prominent tubular sight mounted ahead of the windscreen that enabled the pilot to aim the forward-firing machine-guns. They were useful weapons for ground-strafing but limited in air-to-air combat.

An engine of increased power gave the D3A2 generally improved performance compared to the D3A1, with a take-off power of 969 kW (1,300 hp.).

 A further modification introduced on the D3A2 model airplanes was a revised canopy profile. Even longer than the 'greenhouse canopy of the D3A1, the new glazing featured an elongated rear section which was faired neatly into the rear fuselage. The frequent removal of this section in use meant that the canopy was not a reliable recognition feature of the D3A2.

The D3A2 has 250-kg (550-lb) mounted on a hinged crutch beneath the centre fuselage, which will swung forwards and downward on release. Two 60-kg (132-lb.) bombs could be carried beneath the wings.

Persistent problems with directional stability led Aichi to fit a dorsal fin to the D3A2. This cured the stability problem, while cambered outer-wing leading edges cured an early tendency to snap roll in small radius turns.

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