Bombnik, izvidnik in zračno-morska reševalna leteča ladja
Prvi let
3. julij 1937
Zgrajena
279
V Dornier Do 24 je nemški trimotorni leteči čoln iz 30. letenja, ki ga je zasnoval Dornier Flugzeugwerke za pomorsko patruljo ter iskanje in reševanje. Po Dornierjevih zapisih je do 24 leteče kariere rešilo 12.000 ljudi. V letih 1937–1945 je bilo med več tovarnami zgrajenih skupaj 279.
V Dornier Do 24was an exceptionally seaworthy flying boat originally designed for the Dutch Naval Air Service (MLD) to protect the East Indies. When Germany occupied the Netherlands in 1940, production continued for the Luftwaffe. It became famous for its incredible durability in rough water, often landing in heavy seas to rescue downed airmen that other flying boats could not reach. It was so successful that it remained in service for decades after the war, notably with the Spanish Air Force for Search and Rescue (SAR).
The “Sponson” Stability:Instead of using wing-mounted floats that could easily break in rough waves, Dornier used “stub-wings” orsponsonsprotruding from the hull. These provided lateral stability on the water and acted as boarding platforms for rescued crews.
Triple-Engine Reliability:The three engines were mounted on a parasol wing high above the fuselage to keep the propellers clear of sea spray. The center engine was positioned slightly higher than the outer two to further reduce water ingestion during takeoff.
The “Two-Step” Hull:The underside of the fuselage featured a sophisticated “stepped” design. This broke the suction of the water during takeoff, allowing the heavy boat to “unstick” and transition to flight much faster in choppy conditions.
Broad-Tail Fin:The twin-tail design was specifically chosen to provide excellent directional control during water taxiing and to remain clear of the heavy engine exhaust and wake.
Combat Service & Humanitarian Legacy
V Seenotdienst:During WWII, the Do 24 was the backbone of the German Sea Rescue Service. It is estimated that Do 24 crews rescued over12,000 airmenfrom the sea throughout the conflict, often operating under fire.
Spanish Service:Spain operated the Do 24 until the late 1960s. Their aircraft were painted in bright yellow and green “SAR” colors and were legendary among Mediterranean sailors for their ability to land in almost any weather.
The Do 24 ATT:In the early 1980s, a surviving hull was fitted with modern turboprop engines and a new wing. This “Amphibian Technology Testbed” (ATT) proved the timeless efficiency of the original hull design.
Seaworthiness:While the American PBY Catalina was more numerous, many historians and pilots consider the Do 24 to be the finest open-ocean flying boat ever built due to its superior hull strength and rough-water handling.