Tamiya 61088 - 1/48 Dornier Do335B-2 Pfeil 'Heavily Arme  [61088]

Concerning the Dornier Do335B-2 Pfeil

Development of the Dornier Do335 were only available in 1942 as soon as the Luftwaffe issued needs for an 800km/h course high-speed military aircraft. To be able to achieve such speed and maneuverability, the Do335 was equipped with two front/rear mounted 1750hp DB603 liquid-cooled machines. If one of many engines failed, the plane ended up being nevertheless capable travel safely. Moreover, the Do335 had been fitted with an ejection seat. The first prototype made its maiden flight in October 1943 and preparation for production associated with the Do335A-0/A-1 fighter-bomber variation and A-12 training variation had been made. In summer of 1944, the improved Do335B originated and the greatly armed version designated the B-2 ended up being in the pipeline. This version was intended to intercept Allied b-17 and B-24 bombers performing raids on German soil. Two prototypes designated M13 and M14 had been completed and armed with two 20mm firearms, a 30mm cannon firing through the spinner inside nose, and two 30mm MK103 cannons attached to the key side of the wings. The leading side fuel tanks were transported to outer wings and another gas tank was installed in the bomb bay. As weight increased, from landing gear leg had been strengthened and a bigger tire that rotated 45 degrees whenever retracting had been mounted. A bulletproof windshield ended up being also mounted. The M13 made its first trip in October 1944 plus the M14 had been finished in November, but none saw real combat. M13 received extended wingtips additionally the 30mm nose mounted cannon of M14 had been removed to cut back fat. M13 had been destroyed before the end for the war but M14 had been captured and evaluated until 1948 by the French Army.