Postage Stamp Planes 5439
Aichi D3A1 Kanbaku/Val Diecast Model
IJNAS, BI-259 |
| 1:102 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Aichi D3A1 Kanbaku/Val | | 4" | | 5.5" |
The Aichi D3A1 (or Navy Type 99) was a two-seat carrier or land-based dive-bomber. Referred to as 'Val' by the Allied forces, it served a critical role in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Over 1,500 D3As were built (aggregate of all versions), but by the end of World War II, many of the remaining aircraft were relegated to Kamikaze and training roles. The 'Val' could reach a maximum speed of 239 mph, weighed 5,309 pounds empty (its maxmimum take-off weight was 8,407 pounds), and was armed with three 7.7mm machine-guns (two Type 97 and one Type 92) and three bombs (two 132-pound bombs and one 551-pound bomb).
Designed to meet an Imperial Japanase Navy requirement for a carrier-based dive bomber, the D3A was first flown in January, 1938. The Val was a fixed-gear dive bomber, but it had better maneuverability than similar aircraft. It was stable but lightly armored-a short burst from heavy machine guns could easily destroy it. Armed with two forward-firing 7.7 mm machine guns, one flexible 7.7 mm machine gun in the rear cockpit, one 550 lb bomb under the fuselage and two 130 lb bombs on wing racks, the Val is perhaps best known for the part it played in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The "Postage Stamp Planes" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft.
"Postage Stamp Planes" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic ordnance loads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
