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Aichi D3A1/2 Val (Crowood Aviation Series)
 
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Aichi D3A1/2 Val (Crowood Aviation Series) [Illustrated] (Hardcover)

by Peter C. Smith (Author)
3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Product details

  • Hardcover: 192 pages
  • Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd; illustrated edition edition (21 Jun 1999)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 1861262787
  • ISBN-13: 978-1861262783
  • Product Dimensions: 28.7 x 22.8 x 2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 843,332 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Product Description
The Aichi Val was the principal dive bomber for the Japanese fleet, scoring considerable successes against American and British warships. From the attack on Pearl Harbour to the Kamikaze raids in the closing stages of the war, it was a potent weapon. Using official records and the testimony of the men that designed and flew the Val, Peter Smith has assembled this work, which should appeal to both historians and modellers.

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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars A Facinating but flawed book on an important aeroplane, 5 Jan 2003
By Howard Mitchell (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
The Aichi D3A Type 99 dive bomber, code-named 'Val' by the Allies, was one if the most important aircraft in the Pacific theatre of World War II. Active from Pearl Harbour to the final kamikaze attacks off Japan, together with the Nakajima B5N 'Kate' it provided the striking power of Japan's carrier fleet in all the critical battles of the early war years. Like many Japanese aircraft detailed books about it are very rare, and Peter C Smith has produced a fascinating but flawed account of it.

The book's strengths are many. Rather than rely on Western accounts the author has done extensive research in Japan, including corresponding with members of the original design team. The rationale behind the design is set in the context of already existing Japanese dive bombing doctrine and their contacts with the Heinkel company in Germany. Very detailed and comprehensive accounts of actions involving Vals are given based on both Japanese and Allied reports. Scattered through the book are fascinating accounts of individuals who either flew or worked on the Val.

Unfortunately, the book is in desperate need of a good editor/proof reader and is littered with contradictions or inaccuracies. For example, on the same page the US tanker Pecos is said to have sunk at 15:45 but in the next paragraph is attacked at 16:20, the Japanese carrier raid on Tjilatjap is said to damage 15 vessels followed by a list of 11. Several photographs claiming to show Vals show Zero fighters instead. There are many other examples. Contradictions can usually be found, but they throw doubt on other seemingly accurate statements where there is no cross-check.

On balance, the book is a good one despite its faults and you are unlikely to find another on the subject in such detail. I would give it 5 stars if it had been better edited, but unfortunately the doubts I have over the accuracy of the details it presents limits me to awarding it 3.

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