In June 1942, an improved version of D3A1, powered by a Kinsei 54, was tested and designated as D3A2 or the Model 12. The extra power reduced range, so the design was further modified with additional fuel tanks to bring the total tankage to , giving it the range needed to fight effectively over the Solomon Islands. Known to the Navy as the Model 22, it began to replace the Model 11 in front-line units in the autumn of 1942, and most Model 11s were then sent to training units. While some late production models of D3A1 were fitted with a propeller spinner, it became a standard with D3A2.
In June 1942, an improved version of D3A1, powered by a Kinsei 54, was tested and designated as D3A2 or the Model 12. The extra power reduced range, so the desig?n was ,further modified with additional fuel tanks. to bring the total tankage to , giving it the range needed to fight eff?ectively over the Solomon Islands. Known to the Navy as the Model 22, it began to replace the Model 11 in front-line units in the autumn of 1942, and most Model 11s were then sent to training units. While some late production models of D3A1 were fitted with a propeller .spinner, it became a standard with D3A2.