Aichi D3A1 "VAL"

The Aichi D3A1 "Val" was the primary Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) carrier-based dive bomber from 1940 to 1942, famously attacking Pearl Harbor, and serving in major actions like the Battles of Midway, Coral Sea, and the Indian Ocean Raid. It was used extensively across the Pacific Theater, including Rabaul, the Solomon Islands, and Darwin, Australia, before being relegated to land-based training or kamikaze roles. 
 
Initial Deployment: The D3A1 entered service in 1940, with early operations including combat in China.
Major Battles (1941–1942): It participated in the first 10 months of Pacific operations, including the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the Battle of Coral Sea, and the Battle of Midway.
Key Operations: It operated from major carriers like Akagi, Zuikaku, and Soryu, conducting strikes in the Indian Ocean and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.
Locations: Used in operations throughout the Pacific, including Rabaul, the Solomon Islands, and the initial raid on Darwin, Australia.
Late-War Usage: From mid-1942, it was gradually replaced by the Yokosuka D4Y Suisei and moved to land-based, trainer, or kamikaze roles, including defending the Philippines in 1944. 
 
The "Val" is noted for having sunk more Allied warships than any other Axis aircraft.