Dornier Libelle
Under the terms of Dornier Do A Dragonfly I and II, was built by the resident Manzell on Lake Constance aircraft manufacturer Dornier metal buildings in the years 1921-1929 a total of 14 pieces of single-engine flying boats, most of which were exported, including to Sweden, Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the Fiji Islands.
Due to its size, the dragonflies were the ideal means of transport for water rich areas as they land on small lakes and rivers, and were able to start again. The Do A is in some ways the opposite of the Do X, the seven years after the first dragonfly had its maiden flight and at that time was the largest aircraft in the world. As they flew, the last dragonfly was shipped straight.
Description of the Dragonfly I
High -wing monoplane of all-metal construction, rear wing and rudder area covered with fabric. The flat- keeled, provided with a step hull was divided into several rooms and had sealed off against each other on both sides of the patented Dornier stub fins for swimming stability. In the keel built steel runners also allowed takeoffs and landings on snow or ice. The hull below the wing three seats were placed, two in front, side by side with double control, the third behind. The three-part structure consisting of a person sitting on cabane struts centerpiece, which also absorbed the engine. Attached to it were the two outer wings, which were supported by two struts to connect the fin stub. The wing halves could be folded for transport and accommodation to the rear. The drive got a 55 hp leis border five-cylinder radial engine Siemens Sh 4 with a two -bladed wooden propeller. The housed in the fuselage fuel was pumped by a pump driven by the wind in a built behind the engine head tank.
The first flight of the factory serial number ( Wnr. ) 31 (without air vehicle license plate) was held on 16 August 1921. From this version further six units were built, with the registration D -326 ( Wnr.32 ), D -327 (36 ), D -352 (37 ), D -275 (38, went to Sweden, with motor Siemens Sh 5 ), D -274 (39 ) and D -328 (40 ) were admitted.
Changes in dragonfly II
Largely the same structure as that of the Dragonfly I, however, extended bow to better protect the crew against splashes. With the same accommodation of three occupants control could be switched off right with a clutch. The wingspan was increased by 1.3 m. Again, the wings were foldable. The drive now were either two powerful engines to choose from. Either the English four-cylinder in-line engine Blackburn Cirrus Mk III or the seven-cylinder radial engine Siemens Sh 11, both 85 PS -performing.
Of the seven -built Dragonfly II flying boats remained only one, the D -907 (61). In Germany at the Flying GmbH In addition to the Wnr. 54, who went to Japan, all other ( Wnr. 101 to 104 and 117 ) were exported to these countries. One of them was badly corroded, 1978 in the Fiji Islands discovered, returned to Germany and restored here for exhibit.
From the Dragonfly II also equipped with a wheeled undercarriage country version called Sparrow ( Wnr.41 ) was developed in 1922. The only copy was built but already so badly damaged when flying, it had to be scrapped.
Specifications
" New " dragonfly
Currently, the Dornier Technologie GmbH develops owned by Iren Dornier, grandson of Prof. Claude Dornier, an aircraft modeled on the dragonfly with the name Dornier S- Ray 007 The plane does have the size and the design concept with the dragonfly in common, but completely made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and is in contrast to the "old" dragonfly also an amphibian, which can start on the water and on land and land. The aircraft has undergone its first flight behind and is currently ( early 2008 ) the necessary structural tests for approval.