Nakajima D3N
| D3N | |
|---|---|
| Role | Dive bomber |
| National origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Nakajima Aircraft Company |
| First flight | 1937 |
| Number built | 3 |
TheNakajima D3N(also designatedExperimental 11-ShiCarrier BomberandNakajima DB) was a Japanesecarrier-baseddive bomberof the 1930s. Three prototypes were built for theImperial Japanese Navy,but no production followed, with theAichi D3Abeing selected instead.
Design and development
[edit]In 1936, theImperial Japanese Navy Air Serviceissued a specification for a carrier based dive bomber to replace theAichi D1A,[1]a two-seatbiplanedeveloped from the GermanHeinkel He 66.[2]The new dive bomber was to be a low-wingmonoplane,with proposals submitted byAichi,MitsubishiandNakajima.Orders were placed with Aichi and Nakajima for prototypes in 1934.[1][3]Nakajima's design was based on itsC3NandB5Nthat 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 singleNakajima Hikarinine-cylinderradial engine,rated at 660–820 horsepower (490–610 kW), and driving a two-bladedvariable-pitch propeller.It had a retractabletailwheel undercarriage,in which the mainwheels were designed to be lowered for use asdive 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 theAichi D3Ain December 1939.[1][4]
The second prototype was retained by Nakajima and used as a testbed, helping in the development of theNakajima SakaeandHomareengines, and remaining in use until 1945.[5]
Specifications
[edit]Data fromJapanese 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 Hikari1-kai air-cooledradial engine,610 kW (820 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed:350 km/h (220 mph, 190 kn) at 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
- Cruise speed:140 km/h (87 mph, 76 kn)
- Range:1,520 km (940 mi, 820 nmi)
- Endurance:6 hours
- Service ceiling:7,000 m (23,000 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
[edit]Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- Francillon, R. F. (1970).Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War.London: Putnam.ISBN0-370-00033-1.
- Mikesh, Robert C.; Abe, Shorzoe (1990).Japanese Aircraft 1910–1941.London: Putnam Aeronautical Books.ISBN0-85177-840-2.