TIME:    07/22  1:05 PM
FROM:    KEITH HEITMANN   (GVXV90A)
SUBJECT: SWOTL GROUP

Part 4. "Dornier's Double-ender"
All controls were restored to full operating condtion. The
cockpit had been totally stripped of all instruments and
switches. The Deutsches Museum supplied the greatest share
of the thrity-one missing instruments, while others came
from the collection at the National Air and Space Museum.
The largest external component that was missing was the rear
propeller spinner. This had to be formed from fiberglass.
Airplanes belonging to the National Air and Space Museum are
not to be flown, but anyone inspecting the Dornier would
agree it is in close to airworthy condition.
The airplane was equipped with a single MK103 cannon that
fired through the front propeller shaft, and two MG151
machine guns mounted above the engine. These had been with
the airplane thoughout its years of storage. Custom
regulations, however, prevented these guns from being sent
back to Germany, so simulated guns were fabricated for
exhibit purposes. When the Dornier returns to the United
States, the original weapons will again be installed.
Learning of this restoration, one souvenir collector who had
been very active several years ago, and had illegally
removed the vital nameplate from this Dornier, returned it
to the museum and asked that it be refitted into its proper
place inside the airplane. His wish was granted without
question, for all that were aware of this returned
identification plate recognized its importance to the
completeness of this airplane.
By December, 1975, the airplane was complete when it emerged
from the Dornier factory, freshly painted in its wartime
camouflage and identifying markings. Two sizes and locations
of factory delivery call letters "VG+PH" had been painted on
this airplane over the years, causing considerable confusion
in photo comparison. The earlier markings were used, based
upon measurments taken before the final coats of paint were
removed. Referring to paint samples taken from protected
areas of the airplane before restoration, the upper
camouflage colors consisted fo a dark green and darker
green; R.L.M. 82 and 81 respectively, with undersurfaces
painted R.L.M. 76 blue. The Germans were given the option to
delete the swastika marking on the tail if they preferred,
and at present, this has been omitted for intitial showings.
The restored Do335 will make its first official public
appearance at the International Hannover Air Show in May of
this year (1976). It is certain to be an instant success in
spectator approval. It will be a continuing item of
interest in the remaining years of the loan period when it
is then moved to the Deutsches Museum. Though appreciated in
Germany, its return to the United States in late 1982 will
be a welcome sight to the estimated six-million visitors
annually, who will enter the new National Air and Space
Museum.     To Be Continued        Keith Heitmann, GVXV90A
 
TIME:    07/22  4:31 PM
FROM:    KEITH HEITMANN   (GVXV90A)
SUBJECT: SWOTL GROUP

Part 5. "Dornier's Double-ender"
Historical footnote:
Do335-102 Flees Russian Capture
As the Red Army made its push westward into Germany, the
Luftwaffe test center at Rechlin had to be abandoned, as it
soon would be occupied by the oncoming Russians. To prevent
one of Germany's most advanced fighteres from falling into
their hands, flight orders were issued on April 16, 1945, to
ferry Dornier Do335-102 back to its home factory at
Oberpfaffenhofen. Piloted by Hauptingenieur (Senor
Engineering Officer) H.W. Leche, the flight did not take
palce until April 22. using a circuitous route to avoid
Allied fighters, a landing was made at Prague,
Czechoslovakia, for fuel. In order to continue his flight,
Lerche had to exchange his last cigarettes for gasoline --
an unusual but worthwhile price to pay in a country on the
verge of collapse. Throughout the entire air route
controlled by the Allies, the flight was threatened by both
air and ground fire, but Lerche managed to bring the big
fighter back to its home base.
At Oberpfaffenhofen, the Do335 seemingly remained on the
ground until after VE Day, which occurred two weeks later.
As Luftwaffe aircraft were selected by the Allies for
removal from Germany for study, the Do335-102, along with
others of its type, became part of this group. The
collecting point was at Cherbourg, on the west coast of
France, where they were loaded aboard ships. No date was
given for this second and last European ferry flight, but a
former Rechlin-based pilot, Captain Padell, was asked by the
U.S.Forces to fly the "Pfeil" to Cherbourg. Though
unconfirmed -- but very probable -- Padell is said to have
stated that the Do335 could have easily outrun the escorting
P-51 Mustangs.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The restoring of the Dornier Do335 represents
an accomplishment in the history of aviation that this
remarkable machine was able to realize in operational
service. Now, more than 30 years after the close of the
hostilities it was designed for, this versatile, innovative
and formidable combat aircraft will finally achieve, though
the restorative care lavished on it, the recognition it so
richly deserves, as one of the most significant fighters to
come out of WWII. Had this combination fighter, bomber,
night fighter, ground attack machine been put into
production, when ready, in the spring of 1941, it could have
stocked all the Luftwaffe's home defens interceptor
squadronms by the spring of 1943, when Allied air bombing of
Germany's warmaking potential began to take on ominous
consequences for the Third Reich. Fortunately for the Allies
it wasn't. Too many influential people within the German
high command were absolutely convinced they could with the
air war with fighters designed in the 30s. The Do335 was
quite a machine. Tough and versatile it abounded with
forward-looking features.The Luftwaffe could have had quite
a fighter, one capable of flyhing at 350mph on its rear
engine, alone, and a top speed of 480mph as an interceptor,
armed with a trio of 30mm cannon, a formidable opponent for
our bomber streams in 1943, which wee forced to fly
primarily without fighter escort. The Do335 would have been
a terror against the Russian tank armies. It might have even
changed the course of the war. For it would have been
available in quantity by the spring of 1943.  THE END.
WINGS, August, 1976, Vol.6. No.4.  Keith Heitmann, GVXV90A
 
 
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