In Aichi Kokuki Company began producing the Aichi D3A1 dive-bomber for the Japanese Air Force in December 1939. The aircraft had a maximum speed of 240 mph (386 km) and had a range of 915 miles (1,472 km). It was 33 ft 5 in (10.19 m) long with a wingspan of 47 ft 2 in (14.38 m). The aircraft was armed with 3 machine-guns and could carry 813 lb (370 kg) of bombs.

The Aichi D3A1 was the first aircraft to bomb American targets in the Pacific War and before the end of the Second World War it had sunk more Allied shipping than any other plane in the Japanese Air Force.