Difference between revisions of "Do 335 A-1"

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{{Specs-Card|code=do_335a_1}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
| about = German strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = German twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
+
| usage = other uses
 
| link = Do 335 (Family)
 
| link = Do 335 (Family)
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=do_335a_1
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].
 
  
Contrary to popular belief the Do 335 is not a super prop. The initial design was a "Schnellbomber" (fast bomber), but with the start of the emergency fighter program, most bomber contracts were shelved to increase fighter production. At Dornier, the idea arose to reconfigure the current bomber design into a heavy fighter to exploit the failure of Focke Wulf's [[Ta 154 A-1|Ta 154]].
+
[[File:GarageImage_Do335A1.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a rank {{Specs|name}} German twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].
  
Consequently, flight agility is mediocre, lending itself in feeling to Dornier's previous heavy fighters: [[Do 17 Z-7|Do 17 Z-7]] and [[Do 217 N-1|Do 217N]]. Both of which were coincidentally bombers by birth too. The exception to this trait is the fantastic roll-rate, accomplished by boosted ailerons as seen on the [[Ta 152 H-1]].
+
The Do. 335 is a difficult plane to fly. It has good armament, however, lacks anything else of substance. Sub-par climb, bad turning, and handling, as well as the lack of armor and a propensity to catch fire make this aircraft a very difficult grind. Pilots should utilize the air spawn, then climb as high as possible and go after bombers. Once available, the air belts are devastating against bombers; however, as the plane lacks armor and catches fire quickly, tailing should be avoided. It is also possible to Boom & Zoom with, however, the plane tends to veer off target in prolonged dives.
  
The Do 335 is a difficult plane to fly. It has good armament, however, lacks anything else of substance. Sub-par flat climb rate, bad turning, and handling, as well as the lack of armor and a propensity to catch fire make this aircraft a very difficult grind. Pilots should utilize the air spawn, then climb as high as possible and go after bombers. Once available, the air belts are devastating against bombers; however, as the plane lacks armor and catches fire quickly, tailing should be avoided. It is also possible to Boom & Zoom with, however, the plane tends to veer off target in prolonged dives.
+
Contrary to popular belief the Do 335 ''Pfeil'' is not a super prop. The initial design was a ''Schnellbomber'' (speedy bomber), but with the start of the emergency fighter program, most bomber contracts were shelved to increase fighter production. At Dornier, the idea arose to reconfigure the current bomber design into a heavy fighter to exploit the failure of Focke Wulf's Ta 154 ''Moskito''.
 +
 
 +
Consequently, flight agility is mediocre, lending itself in feeling to Dornier's previous heavy fighters: [[Do 17 Z-7|Do 17 Z-7]] and [[Do 217 N-1|Do 217N]]. Both of which were coincidentally bombers by birth too. The exception to this trait is the fantastic roll-rate, accomplished by boosted ailerons as seen on the [[Ta 152 H-1|Ta 152H-1]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
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=== Flight Performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
+
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed 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.'' -->
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Being originally designed as a fast bomber, it is not surprising that the {{PAGENAME}} features excellent top speed and rolling characteristics. While the plane has mediocre flight characteristic in a level flight, in a shallow dive, the plane can quickly gain its speed and momentum. This can be exploited by zoom-climbing using the energy gained in a dive, then do a shallow dive to regain its energy again, rinse and repeat.
+
|-
 
+
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
However, the {{PAGENAME}} suffers from common weaknesses of converted light bombers, that being it has overall poor handling. The plane tends to oversteer, especially in a dive or at high speed, while also being too sluggish to keep up with fighters or even some light/medium bombers in horizontal manoevers. This restricted the plane's usage against enemy aircraft to only boom-and-zoom tactics.
+
|-
 
+
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
+
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
+
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
! Stock
+
| 737 || 721 || 11,400 || 30.7 || 31.3 || 10.3 || 12.3 || 464
| 727 || 709 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.3 || 28.3 || 9.5 || 9.5 || rowspan="2" | 464
 
 
|-
 
|-
! Upgraded
+
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
| 784 || 755 || 24.8 || 26.0 || 16.9 || 12.9
+
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,000 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude
 +
(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time
 +
(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 784 || 755 || 11,400 || 24.8 || 26.0 || 16.9 || 12.9 || 464
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
==== Details ====
+
====Details====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
+
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
| X || || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| || X || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
+
! colspan="5" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
+
! +
 +
! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 386 || 280 || ~9 || ~4
+
| 940 || 270 || 450 || ~7 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
+
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
| < 380 || < 340 || < 400 || > 440
+
| < 380 || < 380 || < 380 || > 285
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 7,070 m || 2,880 hp || 3,880 hp
+
| 7,070 m || 2,880 hp || 3,880 hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
 
|-
 
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
+
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
  
 
* 8 mm Steel - Plate behind the pilot seat
 
* 8 mm Steel - Plate behind the pilot seat
 
Survivability characteristic of the {{PAGENAME}} were mixed. The airframe is extremely tough and are more than capable of taking hits from several autocannons, yet its pilot and internal modules were prone to taking damage. The fuel tanks were especially vulnerable, as it will easily catches fire and difficult to extinguish. Thus rendering the airframe durability moot.
 
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
+
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
+
{{main|MK 103 (30 mm)|MG 151/15 (15 mm)}}
{{main|MK 103 (30 mm)|MG 151 (15 mm)}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 1 x 30 mm MK 103 cannon, nose-mounted (70 rpg)
+
* 1 x 30 mm MK 103 cannon (70 rpg)  
* 2 x 15 mm MG 151 cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
+
* 2 x 15 mm MG 151 cannon (200 rpg = 400 total)
  
 +
The two 15 mm cannons and 30 mm cannon are all nose mounted in the aircraft.
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
{{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|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)}}
 
{{main|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
  
* Without load
 
 
* 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (500 kg total)
 
* 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (500 kg total)
 
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
 
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb + 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (1,000 kg total)
+
* 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (1,000 kg total)
 +
<!--
 +
=== Defensive armament ===
 +
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 +
-->
  
== Usage in battles ==
+
== Usage in the 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 an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''-->
 
Boom & Zoom: While it does not have the capability to turn, accelerate or climb (sustained) quickly as might an energy fighting aircraft, it can be used to make quick, swooping attacks on enemy bombers, and in a limited capacity, fighters. Advantaged by its swift dive acceleration, Boom & Zoom is a viable tactic; however, it should be noted that prolonged engagements with enemy aircraft should be avoided, as energy fighters will quickly deplete its momentum, and turn-fighting aircraft will easily outmanoeuvre this lumbering aircraft. Instead, diving on a target with a lower energy state (it is permissible to engage some slower aircraft in level flight as the 335 can reach speeds well in excess of 450 km/h within seconds of levelling the aircraft out of a climb) and then simply running away and zoom climbing out of range if the target is not killed on the first run is a significant advantage for DO-335 pilots who wish to return home alive. It may take several runs to kill a target, even with the heavy armament possessed by this aircraft, however momentum conservation is a key advantage of the 335, and multiple swooping attack runs disallow slow, "walking" adjustment of fire by bomber turrets, and can deny a turn-fighter an opportunity to attack, and potentially significantly drain them of energy. Targets in a higher energy state (More altitude and/or speed) should not be engaged unless you can ensure that once you have followed through with the attack run, you will be moving fast enough to avoid retaliation by the target.
 
Boom & Zoom: While it does not have the capability to turn, accelerate or climb (sustained) quickly as might an energy fighting aircraft, it can be used to make quick, swooping attacks on enemy bombers, and in a limited capacity, fighters. Advantaged by its swift dive acceleration, Boom & Zoom is a viable tactic; however, it should be noted that prolonged engagements with enemy aircraft should be avoided, as energy fighters will quickly deplete its momentum, and turn-fighting aircraft will easily outmanoeuvre this lumbering aircraft. Instead, diving on a target with a lower energy state (it is permissible to engage some slower aircraft in level flight as the 335 can reach speeds well in excess of 450 km/h within seconds of levelling the aircraft out of a climb) and then simply running away and zoom climbing out of range if the target is not killed on the first run is a significant advantage for DO-335 pilots who wish to return home alive. It may take several runs to kill a target, even with the heavy armament possessed by this aircraft, however momentum conservation is a key advantage of the 335, and multiple swooping attack runs disallow slow, "walking" adjustment of fire by bomber turrets, and can deny a turn-fighter an opportunity to attack, and potentially significantly drain them of energy. Targets in a higher energy state (More altitude and/or speed) should not be engaged unless you can ensure that once you have followed through with the attack run, you will be moving fast enough to avoid retaliation by the target.
  
 
Made a problematic aircraft to master by its poor manoeuvrability, both anti-bomber operations and ground strafing are a challenging task in this aircraft; however, it does have bomb capacity for 1,000 kg of ordnance and considering its speed, it is moderately capable in the role of a medium or strategic bomber aircraft. Subsequently, the ability to disrupt soft (20 mm) and hard (30 mm) ground targets far away from the initial fighter onslaught does provide some redemption for its poor anti-aircraft capabilities.
 
Made a problematic aircraft to master by its poor manoeuvrability, both anti-bomber operations and ground strafing are a challenging task in this aircraft; however, it does have bomb capacity for 1,000 kg of ordnance and considering its speed, it is moderately capable in the role of a medium or strategic bomber aircraft. Subsequently, the ability to disrupt soft (20 mm) and hard (30 mm) ground targets far away from the initial fighter onslaught does provide some redemption for its poor anti-aircraft capabilities.
  
The Do 335's design flaws make it particularly inept at chasing other planes. It is nigh-impossible to try to aim while performing a dive since the nose dances around in all directions and provides no stability to the aiming reticle. Indeed, aiming at the enemy while climbing is prone to the same inaccuracy. Trying to roll the wings to enter a quick dive, e.g. to escape an approaching enemy, is more akin to turning a ship than a heavy fighter. During ground attacks, its inability to aim properly makes more of a "spray and pray" than an accurate firing platform. The most useful approach would be to dive on bombers and attempt to hit with the 30 mm cannon at a distance.
+
The Do 335’s design flaws make it particularly inept at chasing other planes. It is nigh-impossible to try to aim while performing a dive since the nose dances around in all directions and provides no stability to the aiming reticle. Indeed, aiming at the enemy while climbing is prone to the same inaccuracy. Trying to roll the wings to enter a quick dive, e.g. to escape an approaching enemy, is more akin to turning a ship than a heavy fighter. During ground attacks, its inability to aim properly makes more of a “spray and pray” than an accurate firing platform. The most useful approach would be to dive on bombers and attempt to hit with the 30 mm cannon at a distance.
  
 
====Counter-Tactics====
 
====Counter-Tactics====
Line 142: Line 180:
 
The Do 335 is fast in a dive but flies like a brick. Out-turning it is easy in almost all aircraft it will face. Due to the centre-mounted cannons, it is best to avoid head-ons.
 
The Do 335 is fast in a dive but flies like a brick. Out-turning it is easy in almost all aircraft it will face. Due to the centre-mounted cannons, it is best to avoid head-ons.
  
=== Manual Engine Control ===
+
===Manual Engine Control===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
+
! colspan="3" |Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! Flight performance
 +
! Survivability
 +
! Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair, Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 15 mm
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
+
| II
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| Offensive 30 mm, ETC 250/II
 
|-
 
|-
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
+
| III
 +
| Wing Repair, Engine
 +
|  
 +
| New 15 mm Cannons
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| Engine
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 30 mm Cannons, ETC 500/III
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Excellent top speed at very high altitudes
 
* Excellent top speed at very high altitudes
* Great dive top speed and acceleration, good at zoom climbing
+
* Great armament
 +
* Great dive top speed
 
* Great roll rate
 
* Great roll rate
* Very tough airframe
 
* Powerful 30 mm and 15 mm autocannons were mounted at centerline, providing good accuracy head-ons
 
 
* Internal bomb bay for second payload drop
 
* Internal bomb bay for second payload drop
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Bad flatline acceleration and sub-par climb rate compared to other twin-engine fighters
+
* Bad acceleration
 +
* Sub-par climb rate compared to other twin-engine fighters
 
* Sub-par top speed at sea level
 
* Sub-par top speed at sea level
 
* Tends to over-steer with mouse control on rudders and elevators, resulting in worse manoeuvrability overall as you either will have to turn more gently in order to avoid over-steering, or wait for the instructor to compensate
 
* Tends to over-steer with mouse control on rudders and elevators, resulting in worse manoeuvrability overall as you either will have to turn more gently in order to avoid over-steering, or wait for the instructor to compensate
* Steering in a dive results in very poor accuracy
+
* Steering in a dive results in very poor accuracy.
 
* Alignment of the engines along the centre axis makes it extremely easy for either one or both to get damaged when attacked by enemy fighters and potentially set on fire
 
* Alignment of the engines along the centre axis makes it extremely easy for either one or both to get damaged when attacked by enemy fighters and potentially set on fire
* Hard to take off and land due to its dual engine configuration
+
* Heavily reliant on it's 30 mm Mk 103 with limited ammo to do the damage dealing as the 15 mm MG 151's won't be able to suffice considering the aircraft's handling.
* Heavily reliant on it's 30 mm Mk 103 with limited ammo to do the damage dealing as the 15 mm MG 151's won't be able to suffice considering the aircraft's handling
+
 
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
The Dornier Do 335, also known as the "Pfeil" ("Arrow" in German), was a heavy fighter aircraft developed by the Dornier company during World War II. It was Nazi Germany's fastest piston-engined aircraft at the time. Dornier completed as many as 48 Do 335s, and another nine were under construction when the war ended. The original plan issued by the RLM (Reichsluftfahrtministerium) called for Dornier to build 310 Do 335s by late 1945, but delays in engine deliveries meant that only a handful of Do 335s were delivered before the war ended.
 
 
 
The Do 335 saw limited combat action due to the war's end. However, its first recorded combat encounter was against French pilot Pierre Clostermann in April 1945. French ace Clostermann intercepted a Do 335 during this encounter. Its performance and unique design made it a formidable adversary, especially in boom-and-zoom attacks, making quick, swooping attacks on enemy bombers. However, the Do 335 faced challenges in manoeuvrability and handling, which affected its combat effectiveness, and its scarcity and late entry into combat hindered its overall impact.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 
 
;Skins
 
  
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=do_335a_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
== Read also ==
 
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|CBAvompXsWQ|'''The Shooting Range #319''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:02 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
 
 
 
== 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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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== Sources ==
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
  
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.'' -->
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* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
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* ''other literature.''
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/402957-dornier-do-335/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
* [https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/dornier-do-335-0-pfeil-arrow/nasm_A19610129000 Dornier Do 335 A-0 Pfeil (Arrow) | National Air and Space Museum (si.edu)]
 
* [https://planehistoria.com/do-335/ Dornier Do 335 Pfeil - The Piston Powerhouse - PlaneHistoria]
 
  
{{AirManufacturer Dornier}}
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{{Germany twin-engine fighters}}
{{Germany strike aircraft}}
 

Revision as of 15:11, 19 August 2019

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A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
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Do 335 A-1
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This page is about the German twin-engine fighter Do 335 A-1. For other uses, see Do 335 (Family).

Description

GarageImage Do 335 A-1.jpg


The Do 335 A-1 is a rank Do 335 A-1 German twin-engine fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB), 4.3 (RB), and 5.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.57 "Battle March".

The Do. 335 is a difficult plane to fly. It has good armament, however, lacks anything else of substance. Sub-par climb, bad turning, and handling, as well as the lack of armor and a propensity to catch fire make this aircraft a very difficult grind. Pilots should utilize the air spawn, then climb as high as possible and go after bombers. Once available, the air belts are devastating against bombers; however, as the plane lacks armor and catches fire quickly, tailing should be avoided. It is also possible to Boom & Zoom with, however, the plane tends to veer off target in prolonged dives.

Contrary to popular belief the Do 335 Pfeil is not a super prop. The initial design was a Schnellbomber (speedy bomber), but with the start of the emergency fighter program, most bomber contracts were shelved to increase fighter production. At Dornier, the idea arose to reconfigure the current bomber design into a heavy fighter to exploit the failure of Focke Wulf's Ta 154 Moskito.

Consequently, flight agility is mediocre, lending itself in feeling to Dornier's previous heavy fighters: Do 17 Z-7 and Do 217N. Both of which were coincidentally bombers by birth too. The exception to this trait is the fantastic roll-rate, accomplished by boosted ailerons as seen on the Ta 152H-1.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 7,000 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
737 721 11,400 30.7 31.3 10.3 12.3 464
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 7,000 m)
Max altitude

(meters)

Turn time

(seconds)

Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
784 755 11,400 24.8 26.0 16.9 12.9 464

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flap
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
940 270 450 ~7 ~4
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 380 < 380 < 380 > 285
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
7,070 m 2,880 hp 3,880 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 8 mm Steel - Plate behind the pilot seat

Armaments

Offensive armament

The Do 335 A-1 is armed with:

  • 1 x 30 mm MK 103 cannon (70 rpg)
  • 2 x 15 mm MG 151 cannon (200 rpg = 400 total)

The two 15 mm cannons and 30 mm cannon are all nose mounted in the aircraft.

Suspended armament

The Do 335 A-1 can be outfitted with the following ordinance:

  • 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (500 kg total)
  • 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (1,000 kg total)

Usage in the battles

Boom & Zoom: While it does not have the capability to turn, accelerate or climb (sustained) quickly as might an energy fighting aircraft, it can be used to make quick, swooping attacks on enemy bombers, and in a limited capacity, fighters. Advantaged by its swift dive acceleration, Boom & Zoom is a viable tactic; however, it should be noted that prolonged engagements with enemy aircraft should be avoided, as energy fighters will quickly deplete its momentum, and turn-fighting aircraft will easily outmanoeuvre this lumbering aircraft. Instead, diving on a target with a lower energy state (it is permissible to engage some slower aircraft in level flight as the 335 can reach speeds well in excess of 450 km/h within seconds of levelling the aircraft out of a climb) and then simply running away and zoom climbing out of range if the target is not killed on the first run is a significant advantage for DO-335 pilots who wish to return home alive. It may take several runs to kill a target, even with the heavy armament possessed by this aircraft, however momentum conservation is a key advantage of the 335, and multiple swooping attack runs disallow slow, "walking" adjustment of fire by bomber turrets, and can deny a turn-fighter an opportunity to attack, and potentially significantly drain them of energy. Targets in a higher energy state (More altitude and/or speed) should not be engaged unless you can ensure that once you have followed through with the attack run, you will be moving fast enough to avoid retaliation by the target.

Made a problematic aircraft to master by its poor manoeuvrability, both anti-bomber operations and ground strafing are a challenging task in this aircraft; however, it does have bomb capacity for 1,000 kg of ordnance and considering its speed, it is moderately capable in the role of a medium or strategic bomber aircraft. Subsequently, the ability to disrupt soft (20 mm) and hard (30 mm) ground targets far away from the initial fighter onslaught does provide some redemption for its poor anti-aircraft capabilities.

The Do 335’s design flaws make it particularly inept at chasing other planes. It is nigh-impossible to try to aim while performing a dive since the nose dances around in all directions and provides no stability to the aiming reticle. Indeed, aiming at the enemy while climbing is prone to the same inaccuracy. Trying to roll the wings to enter a quick dive, e.g. to escape an approaching enemy, is more akin to turning a ship than a heavy fighter. During ground attacks, its inability to aim properly makes more of a “spray and pray” than an accurate firing platform. The most useful approach would be to dive on bombers and attempt to hit with the 30 mm cannon at a distance.

Counter-Tactics

The Do 335 is fast in a dive but flies like a brick. Out-turning it is easy in almost all aircraft it will face. Due to the centre-mounted cannons, it is best to avoid head-ons.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not ontrollable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair, Radiator Offensive 15 mm
II Compressor Airframe Offensive 30 mm, ETC 250/II
III Wing Repair, Engine New 15 mm Cannons
IV Engine Cover New 30 mm Cannons, ETC 500/III

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent top speed at very high altitudes
  • Great armament
  • Great dive top speed
  • Great roll rate
  • Internal bomb bay for second payload drop

Cons:

  • Bad acceleration
  • Sub-par climb rate compared to other twin-engine fighters
  • Sub-par top speed at sea level
  • Tends to over-steer with mouse control on rudders and elevators, resulting in worse manoeuvrability overall as you either will have to turn more gently in order to avoid over-steering, or wait for the instructor to compensate
  • Steering in a dive results in very poor accuracy.
  • Alignment of the engines along the centre axis makes it extremely easy for either one or both to get damaged when attacked by enemy fighters and potentially set on fire
  • Heavily reliant on it's 30 mm Mk 103 with limited ammo to do the damage dealing as the 15 mm MG 151's won't be able to suffice considering the aircraft's handling.


History

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Media

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Read 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;
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Sources

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  • other literature.


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