NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Dornier Do 335 Pfeil was the fastest propeller driven aircraft of World War II. The first prototype Do-335 Pfeil flew on Oct. 17, 1943. Power was by two Daimler Benz DB 603 engines rated at 1,761 take-off h.p. each.
Test pilots reported speed, acceleration and maneuverability as well as or superior to any single engine aircraft.
Items needing improving were the rearward visibility and a tall, somewhat weak, landing gear structure necessary for propeller clearance. Later versions of the Pfeil had rear view mirrors in blisters added to the canopy, improved engine cooling, and redesigned landing gear doors.
The concept for the Do-335 came from the Dornier flying boats with push-pull engines built during World War I. Advantages of the design were less drag, better control in case of loss of one engine and better maneuverability.
By 1939 Dornier had designed a bomber with the push-pull layout. Prototypes proved the effectiveness of the design, but the aircraft never went into production. That is because the German government cancelled all aircraft projects taking over one year to complete.
By the spring of 1944 Dornier submitted an updated version of his bomber. It received funding by the German government and was designated the Do-335. However, later that year the government changed the requirements of the aircraft from a bomber to that of a fighter bomber. Dornier had to modify his bomber to meet the new requirements and that delayed production.
Ten Do-335 aircraft were ready for testing in May of 1944. Upgrades to the original design incorporated the more powerful DB603E-1 engines plus additional weapons and fuel capacity.
By the end of the war only fourteen Do-335 aircraft had been produced.
Pictured above is the rc Dornier Do-335 by Patrick McCurry. The magnificent scale model radio control airplane was a 2006 Top Gun Master Class winner.
In the first picture below is the giant scale Dornier Do-335 rc from Don Smith Plans. It has a wingspan of 99" and is powered by 2 x 1.4 to 2.1 engines.
For a 70" wingspan RC Dornier Do-335 check out the plans for sale from Al Masters. Recommended power is a Saito .90 in front and a Saito .50 in back. It has an all up weight of around 17 lbs.
Engel Modellbau has a rc Dornier Do-335 kit for sale. The wingspan is 98.5" and weight is about 40 lbs. Power can be from 2 x 45 ccm engines.
For something smaller, Hirobo has a 32" wing span rc Dornier Do335 ARF for sale. Length is 27.5". It uses 2 x 380 electric motors.
The next two pictures below are of the rc Dornier Do-335 kit for sale by the Horrido Air Combat Team. It is 1:12 scale with a 58” wingspan and a 41” length. Power can come from Mega ACN 16/25/3 motors or 3.5 - 4.0- ccm engines.
Please let us know about your favorite rc Dornier Do-335 or tell us about one that we haven't mentioned.
Dornier Do-335
