Val awaiting restoration at Planes of Fame Air Museum. The D3A1 was powered by a 1,070 hp Kinsei 44 radial engine and could carry a 250kg GP bomb. Kido Butai embarked 141 Vals of which 51 from Zuikaku and Shokaku flew the first strike against airfields at Oahu and the fleet at Pearl Harbor and 78 from Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu flew the 2nd strike. Renowned for its dive bombing accuracy, the Val dominated the early Pacific War but suffered after late 1942. This D3A2 Model 22 with a Kinsei 54 engine was assigned to Zuikaku Air Group. It was abandoned on Ballale airfield and recovered in 1968.
This photo is copyright © Arjun Sarup, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.
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