The Dornier Do E was a small

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of 1924, designed for

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missions.

Development

Conceptually, the Do E was very similar to the successful Dornier Wal, but smaller and single-engined. It was of all-metal construction, with a parasol wing that was attached by struts to a wide, shallow hull. The hull had a single step and stability on the water was ensured by the characteristic Dornier

sponson Sponsons are projections extending from the sides of land vehicles, aircraft or watercraft to provide protection, stability, storage locations, mounting points for weapons or other devices, or equipment housing. Watercraft On watercraft, a spon ...

s. The single engine was installed on top of the wing centre section, driving a tractor propeller. The crew accommodation consisted of an open cockpit with two seats side by side, and a position for an observer in the aft fuselage. The Do E could be equipped with a defensive gun or photographic equipment, operated by the observer. Only four are known to have been completed. Two aircraft with

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engines, known as Do E Is, were exported to Japan and Chile. Two more were built as the Do E II, with Gnome-Rhone Jupiter air-cooled engines. The Do E I was distinguished from the Wal and the Do E II by having a wing covered with metal panels, instead of fabric. Dornier registered the two Do E II aircraft for the 1926 German contest for seaplanes, but cancelled their participation shortly before the start.

Development

Specifications (Do E/II)

References

Further reading