Why the Do 335 “Pfeil” Was One of the Fastest WWII Planes

The Dornier Do 335 “Pfeil,” or “Arrow,” was one of the most advanced aircraft designed during World War II. Its unique engineering made it the fastest propeller-driven plane to see service during the conflict. Despite its innovative design, it arrived too late to have a significant impact on the war, with only a handful built. This plane stands out as a remarkable example of engineering ingenuity in aviation history.

Dornier had been exploring the concept of push-pull propulsion as early as 1937, when it patented the idea of using a push propeller on an aircraft. The company tested this concept with the Göppingen Gö 9, an experimental plane that first flew in 1940. The success of this test laid the foundation for the Do 335, which made its maiden flight on October 26, 1943. Over the following years, the aircraft was developed for various roles, including as a fighter, night fighter, fighter-bomber, and reconnaissance plane. Although production plans were set, the war’s end curtailed full-scale manufacturing, leaving only 37 aircraft completed, including test and pre-production models.

The aircraft earned its nickname “Pfeil” for its sleek, arrow-like design. A two-seater version, called “Ameisenbär,” or “Ant-Eater,” featured a slightly modified configuration. Factories such as Dornier’s Weingut II and the Heinkel Works at Oranienburg were designated for production, but Allied bombings and material shortages made large-scale output impossible.

Innovative Design and Specifications

The Do 335’s most distinctive feature was its push-pull engine configuration. It had two Daimler-Benz DB 603 V-12 engines, one in the nose pulling the plane forward and the other in the rear pushing it along. This setup minimized drag compared to traditional twin-engine planes with engines mounted on the wings. The result was a top speed of 730–775 km/h, depending on the model, making it the fastest propeller-driven aircraft produced in series during World War II.

The plane’s range varied depending on speed and fuel load. With external drop tanks, it could travel up to 1,800 kilometers. At maximum speed, the range was reduced to about 1,400 kilometers, while cruising economically could extend it to 2,060 kilometers. The Do 335 was well-armed for its time, featuring one 30 mm MK 103 cannon firing through the propeller hub and two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons mounted above the front engine. Some versions, like the heavy fighter variant, were equipped with additional wing-mounted MK 103 cannons.

The aircraft also had a bomb bay capable of carrying a 500-kilogram payload, with the option to mount two 250-kilogram bombs or drop tanks under the wings. Its size was notable for a fighter, with a length of 13.85 meters, a height of 5.00 meters, and a wingspan of 13.80 meters. The maximum takeoff weight was 9,600 kilograms.

Another innovative feature of the Do 335 was its ejection seat, a rare safety measure for the time. To protect the pilot during an emergency, the rear propeller and upper tail fin could be jettisoned before ejection, ensuring a clear escape path.

Testing and Legacy

The Do 335 underwent extensive testing at the Rechlin-Lärz airfield, one of Germany’s primary aviation test centers during the war. This facility, located near wooded areas, was used to evaluate new aircraft designs, including experimental jet and rocket-powered planes. The Pfeil was rigorously tested for speed, handling, and combat readiness. Despite its potential, the worsening war situation prevented the aircraft from entering full operational service.

Today, only one original Do 335 remains, preserved at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in the United States. In Germany, aviation enthusiasts began working on a replica in 1998, using original parts salvaged from wrecked aircraft. Components such as bomb bay doors and fuel tanks from the original Do 335 were incorporated into the replica. The landing gear, however, was taken from a Messerschmitt Bf 110, making the replica slightly less authentic. This full-sized model can now be viewed at the Rechlin Aviation Museum, located at the site of the original test center.

The Dornier Do 335 remains an iconic example of advanced wartime engineering. Its innovative design and unmatched speed have secured its place in aviation history as a plane that demonstrated remarkable technological ambition despite the challenges of its time.