Dornier Do 12

Dornier · Germany · first flew 1932 · light aircraft

The Dornier Do 12 was a small German twin-engine flying boat developed in the early 1930s for light patrol and communications duties. Like other Dornier flying boats of the period, it featured sponsons on the hull sides for water stability rather than wing-tip floats.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• German twin-engine monoplane flying boat, 1932
• Characteristic Dornier sponsons on hull sides for water stability
• Small-scale patrol and communications flying boat

Small monoplane flying boat with characteristic Dornier hull sponsons for lateral stability on water, twin engines mounted in or above the wing, and a high-mounted straight wing; much smaller than the Wal but sharing the same family sponson design philosophy.

Specifications

• The Dornier Do 12 has a length of 9.01 m (30 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 13 m (43 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 210 km/h (130 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Built as a light utility flying boat, the Do 12 was part of Dornier's extensive inter-war flying boat programme. The design was relatively compact compared to the larger Wal and Do X types. It was used for evaluation and training rather than large-scale operational deployment.

Variants

No significant production variants; the Do 12 was a small-series type.

Where you'll see it

Operated in Germany for evaluation and light communications duties in the early 1930s; not exported in significant numbers.

Related aircraft

• Dornier Do 11
• Dornier Do 13
• Dornier Do Y
• Do 17
• Arado Ar 66
• Arrow Aircraft Active
• Beechcraft Staggerwing
• Beechcraft Staggerwing Model 17

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