Do X

The Dornier Do X was a German‑built, twelve‑engine flying boat that entered service in the late 1920s, representing one of the most ambitious projects of the interwar era. Conceived by Claude Dornier, the aircraft first flew on 12 October 1929, a milestone that showcased the potential of large, long‑range maritime aircraft. Its hull measured 47 metres in length with a wingspan of 56 metres, and it was powered by six pairs of engines mounted in tandem nacelles above the wing, a configuration that provided the thrust needed to lift the massive structure from water. The Do X could carry up to 150 passengers or a cargo load exceeding 30 tonnes, offering a range of roughly 4 500 kilometres, which made trans‑Atlantic and island‑hop routes conceivable at a time when such distances were dominated by ocean liners. Although operational challenges—particularly engine reliability and high fuel consumption—limited its commercial success, the Do X demonstrated the feasibility of giant seaplanes and influenced subsequent designs such as the Boeing 314 and the Hughes H‑4 “Spruce Goose.” Its daring scale and innovative engineering cemented the Do X as an iconic symbol of early twentieth‑century aviation ambition.

Dornier

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