And a bit of Data for those that may be interested....
The 'Val' as it became known later in the war was was in fact the
Aichi D3A1 Navy Type 99 Carrier Bomber, Model 11. its formal Japanese name was Kanjo Bakugekiki or 'Kanbaku' which meant Carrier Bomber.
The D3A1 designator represented Type and manufacturer "D"= Carrier Bomber, "3" the 3rd in the series, "A" the manufacturer - Aichi and "1" the first model by Aichi. Entering service in 1939 or 2599 in the Japanese system it became the Type 99 Carrier Bomber. Finally, Model 11 or one-one indicating the first Model of the series and first engine configuration.
The aircraft modelled represents a 'Command Aircraft' which was part of the Second Wave of the Pearl Harbor attack force, December 7th 1941.
AI-201 was flown by Petty Officer First Class (PO1c) Kiyoto Furuta, and commanded by Lieutenant Takehiko Chihaya in the Radioman/gunner's seat.
Lt. Chihaya was the Leader or Hikotaicho of the Dive Bomber Group (Hikotai)
from the Aircraft Carrier Akagi, Flagship of the Carrier Striking Force or Kido Butai.
Hikotaicho (Group Leader)aircraft were identified by 3 stripes on the tail, Akagi aircraft were identified by a single Red fuselage stripe and the tail Code identifier of AI-.
Bomber numbers were 2XX, Fighters 1XX and Torpedo aircraft 3XX.
AI-201 is depicted at approximately 5.30am the morning of December 7th with Bomb attached sitting on the flight Deck ready for engine warm up as Akagi turns to the northeast into a 28 knot head wind in preparation for take off, the flight crew having spent some of their early morning time to polish the Commanders aircraft for the coming mission.