The Aichi D3A2 was a Japanese dive bomber of the Imperial Japanese Navy. They remained in service throughout the Pacific War but were reduced mainly to training roles as they became outclassed later in the war.

Design of the Aichi D3A (Allied reporting name ‘Val’) began in 1936 and the prototype made its first flight in December 1937.

After some major improvements it was ordered into production in December 1939 and 1,495 were manufactured in two major versions.

The second version, the D3A2, had a more powerful engine and greater speed and 1,016 of this version were produced.

They began entering service in late 1942 but were soon outclassed by more modern types, but the D3A2 remained in use to the end of the war, mainly in training units.

This model represents a D3A2 flying with 701 Kotutai, Hokkaido, in 1944.

Fujimi 1:72 kit with Rising Decals decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in December 2018.