| D3N | |
|---|---|
| Role | Dive bomber |
| National origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Nakajima Aircraft Company |
| First flight | 1937 |
| Number built | 3 |
The Nakajima D3N (also designated Experimental 11-Shi Carrier Bomber and Nakajima DB) was a Japanese carrier-based dive bomber of the 1930s. Three prototypes were built for the Imperial Japanese Navy, but no production followed, with the Aichi D3A being selected instead.
Design and development[]
In 1936, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service issued a specification for a carrier based dive bomber to replace the Aichi D1A,[1] a two-seat biplane developed from the German Heinkel He 66.[2] The new dive bomber was to be a low-wing monoplane, with proposals submitted by Aichi, Mitsubishi and Nakajima. Orders were placed with Aichi and Nakajima for prototypes in 1934.[1][3] Nakajima's design was based on its C3N and B5N that had been designed to meet 1935 requirements for a reconnaissance aircraft and torpedo bomber respectively, and like these aircraft, was a single-engined monoplane of all-metal construction with folding wings for storage aboard ship. It was powered by a single Nakajima Hikari nine-cylinder radial engine, rated at 660–820 horsepower (490–610 kW), and driving a two-bladed variable-pitch propeller. It had a retractable tailwheel undercarriage, in which the mainwheels were designed to be lowered for use as dive brakes, although more conventional dive brakes were added as a result of a change in the specification.[1]
The first prototype made its maiden flight in 1937, with the second and third prototypes flying in 1939.[1] Aichi's AM-17 proved superior however, and was ordered into production as the Aichi D3A in December 1939.[1][4]
The second prototype was retained by Nakajima and used as a testbed, helping in the development of the Nakajima Sakae and Homare engines, and remaining in use until 1945.[5]
Specifications[]
Data from Japanese Aircraft 1910–1941[5]
General characteristics
- Crew: two
- Length: 8.80 m (28 ft 10 in)
- Wingspan: 14.50 m (47 ft 7 in)
- Height: 2.80 m (9 ft 2 in) (tail down)
- Wing area: 34 m2 (370 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 1,800 kg (3,968 lb)
- Gross weight: 3,400 kg (7,496 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Nakajima Hikari 1-kai air-cooled radial engine, 610 kW (820 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 352 km/h; 219 mph (190 kn) at 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
- Cruising speed: 140 km/h (87 mph; 76 kn)
- Range: 1,519 km; 944 mi (820 nmi)
- Endurance: 6 hours
- Service ceiling: 7,000 m (22,966 ft)
- Time to altitude: 8 minutes to 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
Armament
- Guns: 2 × fixed forward firing 7.7 mm machine guns and 1 × flexibly mounted 7.7 mm gun in rear cockpit
- Bombs: 1 × 250 kg (550 lb) and 2 × 30 kg (66 lb) bombs
See also[]
Notes[]
References[]
- Francillon, R. F. (1970). Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-00033-1.
- Mikesh, Robert C.; Abe, Shorzoe (1990). Japanese Aircraft 1910–1941. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books. ISBN 0-85177-840-2.
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