Aircraft Archives - Page 31 of 51 - Destination's Journey

Dornier Do 335 Luftwaffe Fighter

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.

Dornier Do 335 in German Service

Dornier Do 335s Evaluated by France

Dornier Do 335s Evaluated by Britain

Dornier Do 335 A-10 Wk-Nr 240112 in British markings

Dornier Do 335s Evaluated by the United States

Hawker Sea Fury in Cuban Service

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Hawker Sea Fury in Cuban Service

Acquisition and Delivery

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 Giron

A Cuban pilot and a Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 before a combat mission — Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 during the fighting on Playa Giron

Blériot 125

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.