Double-sided killer: Dornier 335, the Nazis' surprising fighter plane
The Dornier 335 'Pfeil' was a unique engineering feat of World War II. Featuring an innovative 'push-pull' configuration, this heavy fighter boasted exceptional speed and devastating firepower.
Hello, this is the Captain. Today we will talk about a creative inventor, a unique invention, and a fighter plane developed to change the course of the aerial arena during World War II.
Two fighter configurations
The aerial arena of that time can be broadly divided into two main categories. The first is light fighters: single-seat, single-engine, lightning-fast machines like the Spitfire, Messerschmitt 109, or Mustang. Their design emphasized agility, but they suffered from limited firepower and short range.
The second configuration is heavy fighters. These were twin-engine machines designed for bomber interception and long-range missions, such as the Messerschmitt 110, Mosquito, or Black Widow. However, they were often too slow and cumbersome, becoming easy prey for agile interceptors.
The 'Push-Pull' concept
Engineer Claudius Dornier proposed a solution: the 'Push-Pull' configuration. Instead of placing engines parallel under the wings, they were arranged in a row—one in the nose, one in the tail. This reduced drag, improved aerodynamics, and eliminated asymmetric thrust issues if one engine failed.
The Dornier 335 'Pfeil'
Thus, the Dornier 335 'Pfeil' (Arrow) was born. It was one of the most innovative planes of its generation. Despite weighing twice as much as an average fighter, it reached speeds of up to 770 km/h. Its firepower was monstrous: a pair of 20mm cannons in the nose, a 30mm cannon in the propeller axis, and two more 30mm cannons in the wings.
To ensure pilot safety, the 'Pfeil' featured the first operational ejection seat, as bailing out was lethal due to the rear propeller. Despite its capabilities, the project suffered from administrative chaos and lack of funding. Only 11 aircraft reached the front, failing to impact the war's outcome.
Since World War II, the 'Push-Pull' configuration has largely vanished from military aviation, replaced by jet engines. In civil aviation, it appeared only in light aircraft like the Cessna Skymaster, as the maintenance complexity and the need for long landing gear made it impractical for larger passenger planes. Have a pleasant flight!
