Dornier Do 17

The Dornier Do 17, nicknamed the “Flying Pencil,” was a twin‑engine monoplane developed by the German aircraft builder Dornier in the mid‑1930s. First flown on 24 April 1934, the Do 17 entered service with the Luftwaffe in 1937 and saw extensive action during the early years of World War II, particularly in the Blitzkrieg campaigns over Poland, France and the Low Countries. Its slender, aerodynamically clean fuselage housed a crew of four and provided a relatively high top speed of about 410 km/h (255 mph) for a bomber of its time, while its all‑metal construction featured a low‑wing configuration, retractable main landing gear and twin Jumo 211 engines. Originally designed as a fast light bomber, the type was later adapted for reconnaissance, night‑fighter and transport roles, demonstrating remarkable versatility. Although it was soon outclassed by larger bombers such as the He 111 and the Ju 88, the Do 17 contributed to the development of modern twin‑engine combat aircraft by showcasing the advantages of streamlined design, speed, and multi‑role capability. Its legacy endures in museums and as a symbol of early German air power. Today, restored examples occasionally take to the sky, allowing enthusiasts to experience the distinctive silhouette and engineering ingenuity that defined the era.

Dornier

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