The Dornier Do 215 was designed as an export version of the successful Do 17 bomber. Three prototypes were built: The V1 was essentially the same as the Do 17Z ans ws powered by Bramo 323 Fafnir radial engines; The V2 was powered by Gnome-Rhône 14-NO radial engines, while the V3 was powered by Daimler-Benz DB 601 Ba inline engines. With the more powerful engines, the V3 was faster and attracted interest from Sweden, who ordered 18 aircraft.
Due to deteriorating international conditions leading up the Second World War, Germany embargoed the Swedish aircraft and they were used by the Luftwaffe, where they were designated Do 215 B-1.
Official figures indicate that 105 Do 215s were produced between 1939 and 1941 by Dornier. The last machines were retired in late 1944.
Click on the links below to go see photos of the different variants used by the Luftwaffe.
Night fighter version called Kauz III. 20 aircraft converted from B-1 and B-4 versions with Do 17 Z-10 “Kauz II” nose-equipped with IR searchlight for the Spanner infrared detection system. Do 215 B-5s were armed with four 7.92 mm (.312 in) MG 17 machine guns grouped above the IR light and two 20 mm MG FF cannon in the lower nose. The Spanner system proved to be useless and the Lichtenstein 202 B/C radar was installed on some aircraft starting from the middle of 1942.
Dornier Do 215 B-1Dornier Do 215 B-1Dornier Do 215B-1Dornier Do 215B-1 PK+5HDornier Do 215B-1 NO+TBDornier Do 215B-1 NO+TB 1940Dornier Do 215B-1 NO+TBDornier Do 215B-1 NO+TBDornier Do 215B-1 N+TBDornier Do 215 B-1Dornier Do 215 B-1Dornier Do 215 B-1Dornier Do 215 B-1
Dornier Do 215B-2
Dornier Do 215B-2
Dornier Do 215B-4
Dornier Do 215B-4Dornier Do 215B-4 PK+EMDornier Do 215B-4
Dornier Do 215B-5 Nightfighter
Dornier Do 215B-5Dornier Do 215 B-5 of NJG 2 in 1942Dornier Do 215B-5Dornier Do 215B-5 KD+MZDornier Do 215B-5
Unidentified
Dornier Do 215Dornier Do 215Dornier Do 215Dornier Do 215Crashed Dornier Do 215Dornier Do 215 engineDornier Do 215 cockpit
The Arado Ar 196 was designed to an October 1936 RLM request for a Heinkel He 114 reconnaissance floatplane replacement. The four prototypes ordered were delivered in the summer of 1937. The V1 and V2 had twin floats, while the V3 and V4 had a single central floats and two outrigger floats. Comparative trials demonstrated that both versions had excellent water handling qualities. However, it was felt that in rough seas there was a possibility that the outrigger floats of the V3/V4 could dig in, causing damage to the aircraft. A further V5 prototype was ordered to study the final twin float configuration.
Ten Ar 196A-0s pre-production aircraft were delivered for ship trials in November and December 1938. Five B-0s (single central float versions) were delivered at the same time for shore-based trials. These were the only B-0 floatplanes ordered.
Production of the A-1 version commenced June 1939, which were used to equip the Kriegsmarine surface fleet. Including prototypes, a total of 541 were produced of all types, including approximately 100 from the SNCA and Fokker plants.
Arado Ar 196A of KG100 having transported General Friedrich Wilhelm Muller Commander 22nd Infantry Division to Samos Greece 1943Arado Ar 196A of KG100
Kampfgeschwader 200 (KG 200)
Arado Ar 196A-2 of 2.Versuchskommando.ObdL (GA+DO) WkNr. 100115 Used to Support Commando Missions Behind Enemy Lines At Kontiolahti Finland
Under Construction
Arado Ar 196 Factory Final AssemblyArado Ar 196 Factory production with a Messerschmitt Bf 109 in the lower left corner
Interior Photos
Arado Ar 196 view of the forward cockpit from the observer’s positionArado Ar 196 view of the forward cockpit from the observer’s positionArado Ar 196 view of the forward cockpit from the observer’s positionArado Ar 196 cockpitArado Ar 196 rear gunner’s view
Detailed Exterior Photos
Arado Ar 196 7.92mm machine gun ammunition loadingArado Ar 196 mechanic closing cover over the 7.92mm machine gunArado Ar 196 wing fold detail
Sub Base Platypus is a unique site located in Neutral Bay, Sydney, Australia. The site has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was originally used as a gasworks site. In the early 1960s, the site was acquired by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and used as a submarine base until it was decommissioned in the 1990s. During this time, the bas was home to the six Oberon class submarines operated by the RAN.
Not only were the submarines themselves based here, but a torpedo factory, maintenance facilities and a school for submariners provided a complete support structure for them.
Although long retired, several of the Oberons still exist as museum displays. HMS Onslow is close by in Sydney at the National Maritime Museum, while HMS Otway sits in Holbrook.
Getting There
We chose to take public transport because parking in the area is limited. A small carpark on Kiara Close provides somewhere to park if you drive. When we visited, this area was being extended, so perhaps in the future more space will be available.
The closest train station is Milsons Point, so we got off there and walked for only 10 minutes to get to the old submarine base. On the way we passed plenty of cafes and eateries, so grabbing a snack or drink is not a problem.
We entered via an alleyway off High Street, but access is available from Kesterton Park, which has a walkway over the water and an interesting entrance sign. We exited this way, so got to see both. Future plans will have a more official entrance off High Street.
What you will Find at the Base
Today, Sub Base Platypus has been redeveloped and transformed into a public space for the community to enjoy. The site includes a range of facilities and features, including a playground, public spaces, and a memorial to submariners who lost their lives in service to Australia.
The playground is a popular attraction for families, with a range of equipment and play areas designed for children of all ages. The playground has been designed to reflect the history of the site, with play structures shaped like torpedoes and submarines. Stepping stones running through the gardens are labeled with the phonetic alphabet (alpha, bravo, Charlie etc.).
In addition to the playground, Sub Base Platypus is also home to the Submariners Memorial, which honors those who served on the Oberon class submarines, particularly the three men who lost their lives while serving. The memorial includes HMAS Oxley’s anchor and the names of the submarines on the steps.
Although currently closed, the old workshops and torpedo factory are, planned to re-open in the future. On High Street, a series of information boards show large photos of operations in these buildings.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, there are plans to further develop Sub Base Platypus into a cultural precinct that celebrates the site’s rich history and promotes community engagement. The development plans include a range of facilities, including a museum, art galleries, and performance spaces.
What Did We Think?
Overall, Sub Base Platypus is an important and unique site that has been transformed into a valuable community asset. Its history as a submarine base and gasworks site is honored through its public spaces and features, making it a significant and memorable part of Sydney’s cultural landscape.
Lift and stairs to the to of the cliffSubmarine School and workshop buildingsThe gas works Retort HouseSubmariner’s MemorialSteps with the names of the six Oberon class submarines operated by AustraliaWharfSubmarine themed playgroundPhonetic alphabet stepping stonesView over one of the public spacesOld administration building built into the cliff wallView looking over the northern part of the base View over the workshops with the upper walkway on the leftEntrance from Kesterton ParkTorpedo Factory under constructionTorpedo maintenanceInformation board showing the old torpedo factory
