| Do 317 | |
|---|---|
 Dornier Do 317 V1 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Medium bomber |
| Manufacturer | Dornier Flugzeugwerke |
| Primary user | Luftwaffe |
| Number built | 6 |
| History | |
| First flight | 8 September 1943 |
| Developed from | Dornier Do 217 |
TheDornier Do 317 was a prototypeGermanmedium bomber ofWorld War II.
In 1939,[1] Dornier produced plans for a further development of theDo 217, which would have apressurizedcabin and more powerful engines (DB 604,BMW 802 orJumo 222). Designated Do 317, it was one of the four[1] proposals submitted to theRLM for the "Bomber B" project. Two versions of the Do 317 were proposed: the simplifiedDo 317A, powered by two DB 603A engines and featuring conventional defensive armament, and the more advancedDo 317B with the heavy, 1.5 tonnes apiece, counter-rotating DB 610A/B "power system" engines, remotely aimedFernbedienbare Drehlafette (FDL)-style gun turrets, higher bombload, and an extended wing. The "Bomber B" project was partially based on improved engines, however its engines such as the DB 604 and Jumo 222 failed to reach full production. As a result, the Do 317 had to use the less powerful engines.[2]
Sixprototypes of the Do 317A were ordered, and the first of these, theDo 317 V1, commenced its flight test program on 8 September 1943. The Do 317 V1 was very similar in appearance tothe Do 217K and M models, with a visually reframed slight variation of its multiple glazed-panel "stepless cockpit", fully glazed nose design that accommodated a pressurized cabin provision, and triangulartailfins. Trials with the Do 317 V1 revealed no real performance advance over the Do 217, and before long the Do 317B variant was shelved and the other five Do 317 prototypes were completed as unpressurised Do 217Rs. They were issued to III./KG 100 in Autumn 1944, but saw little or no operational service.[1]
Data fromDie Deutsche Luftrüstung 1933–1945[3]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
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