The Aichi D2A

Fictional

Background

A predecesor to the Aichi D3A, the D2A was used to test the effectiveness of dive bombing ground targets. During the latter half of the 1930’s, this was put to the test in Manchuria. Lacking the structural integrity for a tail hook and hard carrier landings, the D2A could only be put into service once the Imperial Japanese Army had a secure foothold in China and functional airfields. Once this objective had been reached, the D2A was run through the gauntlet.

Pummeling numerous ground targets in Manchuria, it was deemed successful at first. However, the lack of a rear facing gunner meant that other Japanese aircraft had to divert their flight path and expend their ammunition on shooting down Chinese fighters attacking a D2A. After its stint in China, the D2A was pulled out of service once the D3A was in full production. Operations with the D2A ceased in 1940.

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Flight Operations

Takeoff: VTOL Half Down, Full Throttle

Landing: VTOL Full Down, 3/6 Throttle

Dive Bombing: VTOL 2/3 - Full Down

Armament

X2 Nose Mounted .30 Cal. Machine Guns

X6 30 Kg Bombs*

Notes

*The bombs aren’t actually 30 Kg, they’re just the right size.

This will be my last Japanese aircraft for some time. I’ll be focusing on more European and American planes, starting with a F2A of the Finnish Air Force sometime in the next week.

-ThePropellerIsAFan