The Dornier Do 335 was a twin-engined fighter designed for the German Luftwaffe during the closing stages of the Second World War. The engines were arranged in a push-pull configuration, which produced a very fast aircraft. Overheating was a constant threat from the rear engine, a problem that continued throughout its development.
By the end of the war, no Do 335s had been delivered to operational squadrons. At leat 16 prototypes were built, along with approximately 22 pre-production machines completed. These included A-0, A-1 and A-11 versions. Numerous options were under development including a night fighter and twin fuselage versions.
Post war, captured aircraft were evaluated by France, Britain and the US.
In 1958, the Fuerza Aérea del Ejercito de Cuba (FAEC) purchased a total of 17 refurbished Sea Furies from Hawker Aircraft. The aircraft were all ex-Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm (FAA) aircraft and comprised 15 FB.11 fighter-bombers and two T.20 trainers. Deliveries began in 1958 and were completed by 1959.
Operational History
The Sea Furies were used by the FAEC during the Cuban Revolution, seeing action against the rebel forces led by Fidel Castro. During the April 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion, Fuerza Aerea Rebelde (FAR) Sea Furies were active against air ground and sea targets.
Retirement
The Sea Furies were retired from service in 1962 due to a lack of spare parts and maintenance personnel.
Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 during the fighting on Playa GironA Cuban pilot and a Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 before a combat missionLoading rockets onto a Cuban Sea FuryCuban Hawker Sea Fury FB.11Cuban Hawker Sea Fury FB.11Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 541 CubaHawker Sea Fury FB.11 542 in the Museo da la Revolucion in Havana, Cuba
The Blériot 125 was a French prototype passenger plane first flown in March 1931. Of unconventional design, it had the twelve passengers seated in twin fuselages, six in each. There was a central nacelle, which had a forward tractor engine and a rear pusher engine. The crew compartment was between the two engines.
I was displayed at the 1930 Salon de l’Aéronautique in Paris before it has flown. When test flights took place, it was found to have poor flying characteristics. Attempts to rectify the problems continued into 1933 but were not successful. The Blériot 125 was scrapped in 1934.
Blériot 125Blériot 125 at the 1930 Salon de l’Aéronautique in ParisBlériot 125 at the 1930 Salon de l’Aéronautique in ParisBlériot 125 at the 1930 Salon de l’Aéronautique in ParisBlériot 125 at the 1930 Salon de l’Aéronautique in ParisBlériot 125Blériot 125Blériot 125Blériot 125Blériot 125Blériot 125Blériot 125Blériot 125Blériot 125
