Difference between revisions of "Do 17 Z-7"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = German twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = German twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| and
 
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
−
| link-1 = Do 17 E-1
+
| link = Do 17 (Family)
−
| link-2 = Do 17 Z-2
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=do_17z_7
 
|code=do_17z_7
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 19: Line 17:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
Speed and acceleration are both decent. However, its manoeuvrability is a big weak spot. When turning, you can expect a relatively slow turn time, and the wings tend to rip off of in hard banking manoeuvres.
+
Speed and acceleration are both decent. However, its manoeuvrability is a big weak spot. When turning, you can expect a relatively slow turn time, and the wings tend to rip off in hard banking manoeuvres. The climb rate is suboptimal at best when fully upgraded, and when stock, don't expect anything.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
Line 61: Line 59:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 500 || 400 || 300 || ~5 || ~2
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 480|| 454 || 300 || ~5 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)}}
+
{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|Flam C 250 incendiary}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
Line 134: Line 132:
 
* 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (500 kg total)
 
* 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (500 kg total)
 
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
 
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
 +
* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
Line 147: Line 146:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The Do 17 Z-7 is the first twin-engine heavy fighter that is unlocked in a long line of German "Zerstörer" (''German for "Heavy fighter"'') aircraft. Like all of its successors, the Do 17 Z-7 is a full-bred Boom & Zoom fighter, through and through. This means the Do 17 should, under any circumstances always strive to maintain an altitude advantage over enemy aircraft. Utilise the potential energy to dive on them and make a high speed pass while firing, then quickly make an escape. There is however, a couple of caveats for the Do 17 Z-7 that is worth considering when flying it. For starters, its energy retention and climb rate are mediocre at best. Immediately making a 2nd pass will generally be a bad idea, as it will attract a lot planes with ample opportunity to return fire. Instead, utilise the high air speed from the dive to gain as much horizontal distance from enemy planes as possible before starting to climb. Also, remember to never commit to chasing after a specific plane since the plane will lose too much speed and energy in doing so. Pick out a target from high altitude, roll over and dive down in a vertical position as soon as possible, in order to maximize the altitude-speed trade off. When at first possible moment get a gun solution on the target, and once the solution is lost, level the plane out and speed away at high speed, potentially destroying other players that may cross the path along the way with the same principle.
+
The Do 17 Z-7 is the first twin-engine heavy fighter that is unlocked in a long line of German "Zerstörer" (lit. "Destroyer", used to refer to heavy fighters) aircraft. Like all of its successors, the Do 17 Z-7 is a full-bred Boom & Zoom fighter, through and through. This means the Do 17 should, under any circumstances always strive to maintain an altitude advantage over enemy aircraft. Utilise the potential energy to dive on them and make a high speed pass while firing, then quickly make an escape. There is however, a couple of caveats for the Do 17 Z-7 that is worth considering when flying it.  
  
−
The Do 17 Z-7's primary source of damage comes with its single 20 mm MG 151 cannon. While not spitting as much lead downrange as the Bf 110's dual MG FF/M's do, it makes up for it by having access to the MG 151's Air targets belt, which contains a lot more minengeschoß, which is highly effective against unarmoured planes, which the Do 17 Z-7 will regularly face. While the MG 15's also can do some damage to biplanes, any aware fighter pilot will be able to move away from the gun sight and end up on the Do 17's tail, if solely using the machine guns.
+
For starters, its energy retention and climb rate are mediocre at best. Immediately making a second pass will generally be a bad idea, as it will attract a lot planes with ample opportunity to return fire. Instead, utilise the high air speed from the dive to gain as much horizontal distance from enemy planes as possible before starting to climb. Also, remember to never commit to chasing after a specific plane since the plane will lose too much speed and energy in doing so. Pick out a target from high altitude, roll over and dive down in a vertical position as soon as possible, in order to maximize the altitude-speed trade off. When at first possible moment get a gun solution on the target, and once the solution is lost, level the plane out and speed away at high speed, potentially destroying other players that may cross the path along the way with the same principle.
 +
 
 +
The Do 17 Z-7's primary source of damage comes from its single 20 mm MG 151 cannon. While not spitting as much lead downrange as the Bf 110's dual MG FF/Ms do, it makes up for it by having access to the MG 151's Air targets belt, which contains a lot more Minengeschoß. They are highly effective against unarmoured planes, which the Do 17 Z-7 will regularly face. While the MG 17s also can do some damage to biplanes, any aware fighter pilot will be able to move away from the gun sight and end up on the Do 17 Z-7's tail, if solely using the machine guns. The MG 151 and 17s are clustered in the nose, however, and combined can ravage  lightly armoured ground formations. They must never be underestimated as an alternative to the Do 17 Z-7's bombs.
 +
 
 +
The Do 17 Z-7 is risky to use when making stealth approaches, particularly in the day, since the twin engines spew modest, but quite visible, white smoke at the higher altitudes. This makes hiding your presence hard enough, let alone your flight path. As a precaution, do what you can to gun it and make sure you are ahead of any interceptors so that your gunners can effectively defend the plane.
  
 
==== Counter-tactics ====
 
==== Counter-tactics ====
−
The best way to deal with this plane is to fly fast and aim for the engines. Don't tail right behind the plane because then the gunner will have an easy target. If tailing behind the plane, dip down a little bit, the gunner at the top won't be able to hit the plane this way and the gunner at the bottom is pointed down to much. At this battle rating, there are a lot of newer players, who most likely haven't put crew xp into the gunners vitality. If the gunners are taken out, then the plane is a flying duck. Avoid a head-on at all cost, it has armour at the front and a 20 mm cannon which will shred any plane to bits. This plane cannot turn fight, if it's behind tailing the plane, then simply turn sharply to one direction. If in a bomber it's best to aim for the engines and not the cockpit, the cockpit has 58 mm of armour angled, it would be difficult for bullets to go through and snipe the pilot.
+
The best way to deal with this plane is to fly fast and aim for the engines. Don't tail the plane because then the gunners will have an easy target. If tailing the plane, dip down a little bit, as the dorsal gunner won't be able to hit the plane this way and the ventral gunner will be pointed down too much to do anything about it. At this battle rating, there are a lot of newer players, who most likely haven't put Crew XP into the gunners vitality. If the gunners are taken out, then the plane is a flying duck.  
 +
 
 +
Avoid a head-on at all cost - it has nose armour and a 20 mm cannon which will shred any plane to bits. This plane cannot turn very well, if it is pursuing you, simply turn sharply to one direction. It is best to aim for the engines and not the cockpit. The cockpit glass has 58 mm sloped armour; it would be difficult for bullets to go through and hit the crew. It is highly recommended to also attack the wings when flying a plane with cannons: the wings are large, easy targets and the Do 17 Z-7, already not the most nimble plane, will not get very far with much control surface damage.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 180: Line 185:
 
* Armed with an 20 mm MG 151, capable of using the air targets belt, giving the plane absolutely devastating firepower
 
* Armed with an 20 mm MG 151, capable of using the air targets belt, giving the plane absolutely devastating firepower
 
* 2 x rear gunners for covering both above and below the aircraft
 
* 2 x rear gunners for covering both above and below the aircraft
−
* Defensive armament is quite effective for its BR (high fire rate combined with deadly AP-T belts)
+
* Defensive armament is quite effective, high fire rate combined with deadly AP-T belts
 
* Easy to put out a fire by diving
 
* Easy to put out a fire by diving
−
* Can be mistaken for its bomber counterpart, allowing enemies to think it can engage you head-on
+
* Can be mistaken at a distance for its bomber counterpart, allowing enemies to think they can engage you head-on
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 188: Line 193:
 
* Mediocre climb rate at best when upgraded
 
* Mediocre climb rate at best when upgraded
 
* Slow even when upgraded (Hurricanes will be able to outrun it in level flight)
 
* Slow even when upgraded (Hurricanes will be able to outrun it in level flight)
−
* Horrible roll rate
+
* Mediocre roll rate
 
* Overall poor handling characteristics
 
* Overall poor handling characteristics
 
* Lousy energy retention
 
* Lousy energy retention
 
* Best performs as a Boom & Zoom aircraft, although its poor flight characteristics makes it inefficient at it
 
* Best performs as a Boom & Zoom aircraft, although its poor flight characteristics makes it inefficient at it
−
* Defensive armament has poor coverage and does not produce enough stopping power to reliably fend of attacking enemies
+
* Defensive armament has poor coverage to fend of attacking enemies
−
* Tends to burst into flames
+
* Engine overheats, important to watch the engines temp and adjust when needed
−
* Engine overheats are common
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
The Dornier Do 17 was designed in the early '30s and were mainly used against Poland, England, France and the Netherlands. It was produced by Claudius Dornier's company, Dornier Flugzeugwerke. Only a few Dornier's remain today. In total there were 2,139 built. They were built as light bombers. Other countries that used the Do 17 were Yugoslavia, Finland, and Spain.
+
The Do 17 Z-7 was a model of the Do 17Z, the main variant of the Dornier [[Do 17 (Family)|Do 17]]. The Dornier 17, dubbed the "flying pencil", was designed in the early 1930s and was mainly used against Poland, England, France and the Netherlands. In total there were 2,139 built. Other countries that used the Do 17 were Yugoslavia, Finland, and Spain. Only a few Do 17s remain today, none of which are of the Z-7 model.
 +
 
 +
The primary model, the [[Do 17 Z-2|Z-2]], was designed as a "Schnellbomber" ("fast bomber"), intended as a light bomber able to outrun enemy fighters. Its offensive armament was sparse, consisting of only two MG 15 machine guns mounted in a glass nose. The Z-7, however, was built as a night fighter, and as such was up-armed with MG 17s. The glass nose that characterized earlier models of the Do 17 was replaced with metal armour. The clustered three-machine gun, single-cannon configuration the Z-7 boasted was known as "Kauz I" ("screech owl"). It was with this weaponry that the Luftwaffe intended to take down enemy bombers, and the Z-7 was in use as a night fighter all the way up to 1945, due to its greater success as a fighter than as a bomber.
 +
 
 +
Do 17 production ended in 1940, supplanted by the [[Ju 88 (Family)|Ju 88]] and succeeded by the similar, but more powerful, [[Do 217 (Family)|Do 217]].
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:ArtImage Do 17 Z-7.png|<small>Do 17 Z-7 shot down a PBY-5A Catalina</small>
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=do_17z_7 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|nbbFHELVZE8|'''The Dornier Family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:52 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|EB2sSWnRsDs|'''(Arcade): Do 17 Z-7 - The Flying Pencil''' - ''tx141TX''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 213: Line 233:
 
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''-->
 
* ''other literature.''-->
  

Latest revision as of 05:28, 1 November 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the German twin-engine fighter Do 17 Z-7. For other versions, see Do 17 (Family).
Do 17 Z-7
do_17z_7.png
GarageImage Do 17 Z-7.jpg
ArtImage2 Do 17 Z-7.png
Do 17 Z-7
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 1.3 1.3
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Do 17 Z-7 is a rank I German twin-engine fighter with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB) and 1.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.53 "Firestorm".

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 000 m448 km/h
Turn time34 s
Max altitude8 500 m
Engine2 х BMW Bramo 323P
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight9 t

Speed and acceleration are both decent. However, its manoeuvrability is a big weak spot. When turning, you can expect a relatively slow turn time, and the wings tend to rip off in hard banking manoeuvres. The climb rate is suboptimal at best when fully upgraded, and when stock, don't expect anything.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 423 410 8500 35.6 37.2 6.4 6.4 350
Upgraded 475 448 32.5 34.0 15.7 10.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
620 350 480 454 300 ~5 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 290 < 300 < 300 > 308
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,600 m 815 hp 1,118 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,300 m 780 hp 1,070 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew3 people
Speed of destruction
Structural620 km/h
Gear350 km/h
  • 8.5 mm Steel - Fore-cockpit plate
  • 8.5 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
  • 58 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
  • 6 mm Steel - Belly gunner's plate
  • 8.5 mm Steel - Rear cockpit plate
  • 6 mm Steel - Rear gunner's upper plate
  • 6 mm Steel - Rear gunner's window frame

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB114 → 145 Sl icon.png
RB157 → 200 Sl icon.png
SB111 → 141 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 960 Rp icon.png
900 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 20 / 60 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
185 Rp icon.png
Cost:
55 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
185 Rp icon.png
Cost:
55 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg_belt_pack
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Flamm C 250
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg_turret_belt_pack
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
EHVC 500
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
mg17_new_gun
Research:
185 Rp icon.png
Cost:
55 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15120_belt_pack
Research:
185 Rp icon.png
Cost:
55 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
mg15_turret_new_gun
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
mg15120_new_gun
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 120 mm MG 151 cannon
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Weapon 23 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine gun
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main articles: MG 151 (20 mm), MG 17 (7.92 mm)

The Do 17 Z-7 is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (400 rpg)
  • 3 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (1,000 rpg = 3,000 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 110 x 50 kg SC50JA bomb
Setup 21 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb
Setup 31 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
Main articles: SC50JA (50 kg), SC250JA (250 kg), Flam C 250 incendiary

The Do 17 Z-7 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (500 kg total)
  • 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
  • 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb

Defensive armament

Turret7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun
Ammunition750 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Turret7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun
Ammunition375 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Main article: MG 15 (7.92 mm)

The Do 17 Z-7 is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun, dorsal turret (750 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun, ventral turret (375 rpg)

Usage in battles

The Do 17 Z-7 is the first twin-engine heavy fighter that is unlocked in a long line of German "Zerstörer" (lit. "Destroyer", used to refer to heavy fighters) aircraft. Like all of its successors, the Do 17 Z-7 is a full-bred Boom & Zoom fighter, through and through. This means the Do 17 should, under any circumstances always strive to maintain an altitude advantage over enemy aircraft. Utilise the potential energy to dive on them and make a high speed pass while firing, then quickly make an escape. There is however, a couple of caveats for the Do 17 Z-7 that is worth considering when flying it.

For starters, its energy retention and climb rate are mediocre at best. Immediately making a second pass will generally be a bad idea, as it will attract a lot planes with ample opportunity to return fire. Instead, utilise the high air speed from the dive to gain as much horizontal distance from enemy planes as possible before starting to climb. Also, remember to never commit to chasing after a specific plane since the plane will lose too much speed and energy in doing so. Pick out a target from high altitude, roll over and dive down in a vertical position as soon as possible, in order to maximize the altitude-speed trade off. When at first possible moment get a gun solution on the target, and once the solution is lost, level the plane out and speed away at high speed, potentially destroying other players that may cross the path along the way with the same principle.

The Do 17 Z-7's primary source of damage comes from its single 20 mm MG 151 cannon. While not spitting as much lead downrange as the Bf 110's dual MG FF/Ms do, it makes up for it by having access to the MG 151's Air targets belt, which contains a lot more Minengeschoß. They are highly effective against unarmoured planes, which the Do 17 Z-7 will regularly face. While the MG 17s also can do some damage to biplanes, any aware fighter pilot will be able to move away from the gun sight and end up on the Do 17 Z-7's tail, if solely using the machine guns. The MG 151 and 17s are clustered in the nose, however, and combined can ravage lightly armoured ground formations. They must never be underestimated as an alternative to the Do 17 Z-7's bombs.

The Do 17 Z-7 is risky to use when making stealth approaches, particularly in the day, since the twin engines spew modest, but quite visible, white smoke at the higher altitudes. This makes hiding your presence hard enough, let alone your flight path. As a precaution, do what you can to gun it and make sure you are ahead of any interceptors so that your gunners can effectively defend the plane.

Counter-tactics

The best way to deal with this plane is to fly fast and aim for the engines. Don't tail the plane because then the gunners will have an easy target. If tailing the plane, dip down a little bit, as the dorsal gunner won't be able to hit the plane this way and the ventral gunner will be pointed down too much to do anything about it. At this battle rating, there are a lot of newer players, who most likely haven't put Crew XP into the gunners vitality. If the gunners are taken out, then the plane is a flying duck.

Avoid a head-on at all cost - it has nose armour and a 20 mm cannon which will shred any plane to bits. This plane cannot turn very well, if it is pursuing you, simply turn sharply to one direction. It is best to aim for the engines and not the cockpit. The cockpit glass has 58 mm sloped armour; it would be difficult for bullets to go through and hit the crew. It is highly recommended to also attack the wings when flying a plane with cannons: the wings are large, easy targets and the Do 17 Z-7, already not the most nimble plane, will not get very far with much control surface damage.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Exclusively nose-mounted armament, resulting in very little need for convergence
  • Can take a lot of machine gun fire before going down
  • Armed with an 20 mm MG 151, capable of using the air targets belt, giving the plane absolutely devastating firepower
  • 2 x rear gunners for covering both above and below the aircraft
  • Defensive armament is quite effective, high fire rate combined with deadly AP-T belts
  • Easy to put out a fire by diving
  • Can be mistaken at a distance for its bomber counterpart, allowing enemies to think they can engage you head-on

Cons:

  • Mediocre climb rate at best when upgraded
  • Slow even when upgraded (Hurricanes will be able to outrun it in level flight)
  • Mediocre roll rate
  • Overall poor handling characteristics
  • Lousy energy retention
  • Best performs as a Boom & Zoom aircraft, although its poor flight characteristics makes it inefficient at it
  • Defensive armament has poor coverage to fend of attacking enemies
  • Engine overheats, important to watch the engines temp and adjust when needed

History

The Do 17 Z-7 was a model of the Do 17Z, the main variant of the Dornier Do 17. The Dornier 17, dubbed the "flying pencil", was designed in the early 1930s and was mainly used against Poland, England, France and the Netherlands. In total there were 2,139 built. Other countries that used the Do 17 were Yugoslavia, Finland, and Spain. Only a few Do 17s remain today, none of which are of the Z-7 model.

The primary model, the Z-2, was designed as a "Schnellbomber" ("fast bomber"), intended as a light bomber able to outrun enemy fighters. Its offensive armament was sparse, consisting of only two MG 15 machine guns mounted in a glass nose. The Z-7, however, was built as a night fighter, and as such was up-armed with MG 17s. The glass nose that characterized earlier models of the Do 17 was replaced with metal armour. The clustered three-machine gun, single-cannon configuration the Z-7 boasted was known as "Kauz I" ("screech owl"). It was with this weaponry that the Luftwaffe intended to take down enemy bombers, and the Z-7 was in use as a night fighter all the way up to 1945, due to its greater success as a fighter than as a bomber.

Do 17 production ended in 1940, supplanted by the Ju 88 and succeeded by the similar, but more powerful, Do 217.

Media

Images

  • Do 17 Z-7 shot down a PBY-5A Catalina

Skins
Videos
The Dornier Family discusses the Do 17 Z-7 at 1:52 - War Thunder Official Channel
(Arcade): Do 17 Z-7 - The Flying Pencil - tx141TX

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Dornier Aircraft Corporation (Dornier Flugzeugwerke)
Fighters  Do 17 Z-7
  Do 217 J-1 · Do 217 J-2 · Do 217 N-1 · Do 217 N-2
  Do 335 A-0 · Do 335 A-1 · Do 335 B-2
Bombers  Do 17 E-1 · Do 17 Z-2
  Do 217 E-2 · Do 217 E-4 · Do 217 K-1 · Do 217 M-1
Jet Aircraft  Alpha Jet A**
Helicopters  ◄UH-1D*
  *Licensed
  **Jointly manufactured with Dassault Aviation

Germany twin-engine fighters
Messerschmitt  Bf 109 Z-1
  Me 410 A-1/U2 · Me 410 B-1/U2
Dornier  Do 17 Z-7 · Do 217 J-1 · Do 217 J-2 · Do 217 N-1 · Do 217 N-2
Focke-Wulf  Ta 154 A-1
Junkers  Ju 88 C-6 · Ju 388 J

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