Dornier Do 23
Dornier · Germany · first flew 1934 · bomber
The Dornier Do 23 was an early Luftwaffe heavy bomber that entered service in 1935, representing Germany's first post-World War I purpose-built bomber in mass production. It was already obsolescent by the time it entered service.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing twin-engine German biplane-era bomber
- Fixed spatted undercarriage beneath wing-mounted radial engines
- Open gunner positions fore and aft of the cabin
Large high-wing monoplane with two BMW Hornet radials in prominent nacelles, fixed undercarriage, and a somewhat archaic corrugated metal skin on some sections — a transitional design bridging biplane and modern monoplane bombers.
Specifications
- The Dornier Do 23 has a length of 18.8 m (62 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 25.6 m (84 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 260 km/h (162 mph).
- Typical crew: 4-5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed covertly under the Versailles-era restrictions as a mail carrier, the Do 23 was one of the first aircraft openly operated by the newly revealed Luftwaffe in 1935. It served briefly as a front-line bomber before being relegated to training duties when the more capable He 111 and Do 17 arrived. About 220 were built.
Variants
The Do 23F was the main production version; earlier Do 23G variants differed in engine fit.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Luftwaffe from 1935 to the early years of World War II, primarily as a bomber trainer after 1937.
Related aircraft
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