Japanese dive bomber and training aircraft From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Yokosuka D3Y Myōjō (明星, "Venus") was a Japanese, two-seat dive bomber/trainer designed and built by the Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal. Derived from the Aichi D3A, it was made nearly entirely of wood in an attempt to conserve valuable resources. Upon Japan's surrender, the project came to a halt with only a few aircraft delivered as the Navy Type 99 Bomber Trainer Myōjō Model 22.
| D3Y Myōjō | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Trainer Dive bomber |
| Manufacturer | Yokosuka |
| First flight | 1945 |
| Status | Cancelled |
| Primary user | IJN Navy Air Service (Intended) |
| Produced | 1945 |
| Number built | 2 Prototypes 3 Production |
| Developed from | Aichi D3A |
The D3Y was a two-seat bomber trainer constructed of wood, so as not to use more valuable materials. It was based on the successful Aichi D3A, with design starting in late 1942. Like the D3A, it was a two-seat, low-winged monoplane with a fixed tailwheel undercarriage. To allow construction by unskilled workers, the elliptical wing and rounded tail of the D3A were replaced by straight tapered alternatives, while the fuselage was lengthened to improve stability.[1] Two prototypes were built during 1944, but these proved heavier than expected. Three production aircraft, which were redesigned to save weight, were completed for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service before the end of the War and designated the Navy Type 99 Bomber Trainer Myōjō Model 22.[1]
Data from Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War[1]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
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