Product Details

The 12-engine Dornier Do X, the largest, heaviest and most poweful flying boat in the world at that time, was designed as a trans-atlantic passenger aircraft. Although it was equipped with twelve radial engines, each of them boasting nine cylinders, its performance on the planned long-distance flights was not particularly convincing. The Do X achieved a cruise speed of 175 km/h (105 mph) at an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,300 ft). However, the plane required 14 minutes to reach this speed and altitude. These limitations combined with the large number of required refuelling stops meant this impressive aircraft was not commercially viable.

Nevertheless, Dornier created a landmark in aircraft construction. Many later developments profited from the experience gained in the production and usage of the Do X. After just three years in operation, the largest ever flying boat became the centerpiece at the new aviation museum in Berlin, where it remained until being destroyed in an Allied air-raid during World War II.