The D4Y first flew in late 1942 in its dive bomber form designated simply as the D4Y1. The system then appeared shortly thereafter in a reconnaissance form as the D4Y1-C. Before long, the D4Y series was fielded in quantity across several Japanese carrier groups and would see yet another improved version - known as the D4Y2 - appear. This one being fitted with a Atsuta 32 Aichi-brand 1,400hp engine. It was soon found, however, that the aircraft, though performing well in terms of capability, suffered from reliability problems with the new engine. To add insult to injury, the performance gains brought about by the new powerplant were negated to some extent by the fact that crew and fuel protection was not addressed, leading to heavy losses. The D4Y3 addressed the D4Y2's reliability problems with the introduction of the Mitsubishi MK8P Kinsei 62 radial piston engine. By the end of the war, as with most of the IJN's small airframes, the D4Y was made into a dedicated suicide model. This one, a single-seater, was designated as the D4Y4 and fielded in 1945.
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