World War Two Archives - Page 23 of 35

Dornier Do 335s Evaluated by France

Dornier Do 335s Evaluated by France

Post-war, France examined two Dornier Do 335 fighters, M14 Wk-Nr 230014 (a prototype for the B-2 series) and M17 Wk-Nr 230017, (a prototype for the B-6 nightfighter). M14 was flown to Bretigny and was then restored by the SNCASO factory in Surennes, before transferring to the Centre d’Essai en Vol (CEV) on 3 June 1946. The aircraft flew a number of times from 1947 until 4 March 1948. The M17 arrived at the CEV some months later and also flew during 1947 but was later damaged due to an undercarriage failure and not repaired.

Dornier Do 335 A-12 being evaluated by France

Dornier Do 335s Evaluated by Britain

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

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Dornier Do 335s Evaluated by Britain

After the end of the Second World War, British Forces took charge of two Dornier Do 335s from the Dornier plant at Oberpfaffenhofen. These were a Do 335 A-10 two-seat trainer Wk-Nr 240112 and a single-seat model. In early September 1945, the A-10 was ferried by air to the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough. On 18 February 1946 during a test-flight, the rear engine caught fire and the aircraft crashed, killing by Gp Capt Alan F. Hards.

The second Do 335 was damaged during transfer and did not reach the United Kingdom.

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

Dornier Do 335s Evaluated by the United States

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Dornier Do 335s Evaluated by the United States

With the collapse of Nazi-Germany, several Dornier Do 335s fell into Allied hands. US forces found Do 335 A-02 Wk-Nr 240102 VG+PH, Do 335 A-1 Wk-Nr 240165 along with Do 335 M14, the a B-series prototype. The A1 and A-02 were transported to the USA on HMS Reaper.