Dornier Do 217 Units of World War 2

The Do 217 was a versatile aircraft used on all fronts, including as a strategic bomber, launch platform for precision weapons, reconnaissance aircraft, and nightfighter. It had a larger bomb load capacity and greater range than the Do 17 and was the first aircraft to deploy a precision-guided bomb in combat.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 96 pages
\n Publication date: 16 September 2021
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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The Do 217, a remarkable aircraft that emerged in the mid-to-late 1941 period, boasted a significantly larger bomb load capacity and a substantially extended range compared to its predecessor, the Do 17. Initially conceived as a bomber, subsequent variants of the Do 217 were designed to enable it to assume the role of a precision maritime strike aircraft. To fulfill this mission, the Do 217 underwent modifications to facilitate the launch of glide bombs. These innovative weapons proved quite successful in the Mediterranean from the autumn of 1943. During these operations, the Do 217 achieved a historic milestone by deploying the first precision-guided bomb in combat. The "Fritz X" radio-guided, free-fall weapon, deployed in this context, sank the Italian battleship Roma shortly after Italy capitulated in September 1943.

The Do 217 played a pivotal role on all fronts, serving as a strategic bomber, launch platform for first-generation precision weapons, reconnaissance aircraft, and nightfighter. Its versatility was evident during the Battle of the Atlantic and the Allied invasion fleet at Normandy, where it was frequently employed for anti-shipping strikes. Even after the end of World War II, the Do 217 continued to serve, participating in the Defense of the Reich until the final days of the conflict.

This comprehensive study delves into the design and development of the Do 217, providing a detailed account of its various roles and applications. It features a wealth of illustrations, photographs, and technical specifications, offering a deep insight into the history and characteristics of this remarkable aircraft. The Do 217's legacy as a versatile and influential military aircraft is evident in its enduring impact on the course of World War II and beyond.

\n Weight: 310g\n
Dimension: 184 x 248 x 222 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781472846174\n \n