Do J Wal

The Dornier Do J Wal, introduced in 1922, was a pioneering German flying boat that shaped long‑range maritime aviation. Designed by Claude Dornier, the Wal’s name—German for “whale”—reflected its large, streamlined hull and twin‑engine, push‑pull configuration mounted on a high wing. Its innovative all‑metal stressed‑skin construction gave the aircraft greater durability and reduced weight compared to contemporary wooden hulls, while the inverted V‑type engines provided reliable thrust and improved handling on water. First flown from the water at Friedrichshafen, the Wal quickly proved its versatility in both civilian and military roles, serving with airlines such as Lufthansa and with navies across Europe, Asia and South America. Its range of up to 3 500 km and payload capacity of around 1 500 kg enabled pioneering coastal and trans‑oceanic routes, and it set multiple distance records in the 1920s. The Wal’s success encouraged the development of larger, more capable flying boats and demonstrated the practical advantages of metal hulls, influencing later designs like the Dornier Do 24. Overall, the Do J Wal stands as a landmark in early aviation, bridging the gap between early seaplane experimentation and the golden age of oceanic air travel.

Dornier

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