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account is "kikuko#wt.net" (replace @ for #) Thank you for visiting the Do-17/215 & Do-217 research site ©2004-2006 Joe Kudrna.
PLEASE DONATE to pay for research and site maintenace. My account is "kikuko#wt.net" (replace @ for #)
"The Do17 is the least known of the trio of German twin-engined bombers used during the Battle of Britain." From the offical RAF web site.
"They were robust enough to endure terrible amounts of gunfire, especially small calibre gunfire. Their strength did not depend upon bracing wires and wooden spars: these metal bombers had armour protection, with some of the vital mechanical parts duplicated. Even more valuable were the self sealing fuel tanks." From "The Battle of Britain" website.
The first quote points to the reason for this highly detailed site for the Dornier Do-17 and Do-215 series. All of the sites I have seen for this aircraft have inadequate, missing, or contains some incorrect information. Some sites where so erroneous as to be practicaly fictions. These errors are being used in creating physical models and computer models for games, games who's developers use only a few books to base its deign on. The latter quote is an exmaple of how capable the 17 and 215's where in their missions. An important note, the Do-17z and Do-215 are practically the same aircraft, only differing with the engine. The Do-217 (to be expanded on over time) was a totally new design based on the 17/215 series, but its likeness to its predecessor in the prototype stage was to close as to be twins!
This site is built using printed sources from the most well respected authors in the field of World War 2 and Luftwaffe aircraft. If conflicting information is found, it is noted or a possible explanation is suggested. When the information concerns performance, an average if used. The Specifications page has the most detailed information seen on any web site, or book for that matter!
A quote from a recent magazine I aquired, "The Aeroplane", dated
Dec 22, 1939(!!!)
"Sometime before the war began we were fortunate in being permitted to fly in a Dornier Do-17 bomber, -one of the early versions with BMW VI liquid-cooled motors (webmasters note: this would be the Do-17E series, first variant). At the higher speed the Do-17 seems to be pleasant on the controls and very maneuverable. At slow speed the controls become sluggish. The landing is fast. The Do-17 normally brought in at about 175 km.h. (109 mph) and touches down at about 125 km.h (78 mph). Immediately the wheels touch the ground the brakes can be put full on because the undercarriage is well forward. The treaded tyres help deceleration. There is little room to move about and one can image that the crew would become very tired during long reconnaissance."
Game developers: I can offer much more information then presented here, and you are welcome to use anything on this site. I only request you give me the opportunity to check your models, beta test your game, and/or have a free copy of your game (which I will review, to boot!)
Currently the site is designed to present information over design, but as time and work allows, I will endeavor to improve it. Other contributions welcome and will be credited.
The Dornier Do-17 and Do-215 history in brief
In the opening days of WW2, the Do-17 was one of 3 Luftwaffe twin engined medium bombers, the others being the Heinkle He-111 and Junker Ju-88. At the time, the He-111 was by far the most numerable, with the Ju-88 the least. All three had equal amounts of successes and failures. Casualty reports from those times show losses to be about the same in relation to the number of aircraft in service and sorties flown.
Prior to the start of WW2, the development of next generation bombers had begun. Indeed, in 1939 the He-177 (He-111 successor) and Do-217 (Do-17/215 successor) had flow with the Ju-288 (Ju-88 successor) development well under way. Of the three, only the Do-217 succeeded in replacing its younger sister in combat.
The Do-17 was not removed from service due to excessive losses as is most commonly assumed. Simply its successor (Do-217) proved its capability and reliability, thus production of the 17's ceased (He-111 production also ended when the He-177 was finally deemed reliable). In fact, Do 17's can be found in a units strength list on all fronts right to the end of the war.
Ending production also did not mean withdraw from front line. The last 17z rolled off the line in March1940, but the withdraw of the type from front line occurred one near later when losses exceeded the number needed for a division (Geschwader). They where then relegated to special operations or to equip allied forces (such as the Rumanians).
What makes this information on this type scare is most of those who flew in and worked on it where killed during the war and forgotten as new types replaced old routines.
It is wrong to assume the Do-17 and Do-215 was pulled from service due to vulnerabilities or because it was no longer in production, because plenty of evidence exists it was well loved by its crews and served well beyond its types discontinued production.
The Dornier Do-217 history in brief
Realizing the shortcommings of the 3+ year old 17 series design, in early 1938 the Dornier company began work on a new version that would not only surpass the old design, but give it more abilities, such as dive bombing! While the new 217 first flew in mid 1939, the silly requierments by the RLM for divebombing and other minor troubles delayed the model until very late 1940 (dive bombing being thankfully abandoned in early 41). It proved to be a fine bomber, versitle, and carried a heavy offensive load, yet was not built in large numbers nor used as it was origionaly designed. The reason for this most certainly was political and on wishful thinking. With the He-177 soon to enter service too, and the "Bomber B" program (Ju-288 and FW-191) well into development, it was likely the high command wanted to wait for those better bombers. In the end the He-177 was far too troublesome and the "Bomber B"'s was too advanced to meet its design goals, and in the event they never made an impact for the Luftwaffe. Do-217 production continued, but in surprisingly small numbers when it obviously outclassed the He-111 and Ju-88 as a simple level bomber. The most plausible explination is Dornier never had the favoratism that Junkers, Heinkel, or Messershmitt had, and thus never secured large orders.
DISCLAIMER:
This site is purely for technical and historical examination of the Dornier Do-17, Do-215, and Do-217 aircraft. It is in NO way supporting the German government or its policies of the 30's and 40's.