Dornier Do E

Conceptually, the Do E was very similar to the successful Dornier Wal, but smaller and single-engined. It was of all-metal construction, with a parasol wing that was attached by struts to a wide, shallow hull. The hull had a single step and stability on the water was ensured by the characteristic Dornier sponsons. The single engine was installed on top of the wing centre section, driving a tractor propeller.

The crew accommodation consisted of an open cockpit with two seats side by side, and a position for an observer in the aft fuselage. The Do E could be equipped with a defensive gun or photographic equipment, operated by the observer.

Only four are known to have been completed. Two aircraft with Rolls-Royce Eagle IX engines, known as Do E Is, were exported to Japan and Chile. Two more were built as the Do E II, with Gnome-Rhone Jupiter air-cooled engines. The Do E I was distinguished from the Wal and the Do E II by having a wing covered with metal panels, instead of fabric.

Dornier registered the two Do E II aircraft for the 1926 German contest for seaplanes, but cancelled their participation shortly before the start.

Data from Wasserflugzeuge - Flugboote, Amphibien, Schwimmerflugzeuge, Hans-Jurgen Becker, Bernard & Graefe Verlag, Germany 1994

General characteristics

• Crew: three
• Length: 12.85 m (42.16 ft)
• Wingspan: 17.50 m (57.41 ft)
• Height: 4.75 m (15.58 ft)
• Wing area: 52.9 sq. m (569 sq. ft)
• Empty weight: 1925 kg (4244 lb)
• Loaded weight: 2600 kg (5732 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Gnome-Rhône 9A Jupiter, 450 hp ()

Performance

• Range: 1500 km (932 miles)
• Service ceiling: 3600 m (11800 ft)