I have been trying to follow up on the Dorner 217 type. It was certainly used for bombing and for launching missiles such as the Henschel 293 and Fritz-X. But information on its actual use in the torpedo role is vague to the point of non-existent.
However there is one photo on the internet showing a 217 carrying FOUR aerial torpedoes and there are hints that it was torpedo capable but probably not actively used in that role. I personally suspect that the four-torpedoes shot was a propaganda photo as I would doubt it would retain enough fuel for a decent range with three torpedoes, let alone four.
Peter C. Smith in his book on torpedo bombers implies that the Luftwaffe continued to use the Ju88 in the torpedo role when the He111 was withdrawn and relegated to transport duties. Can any members throw any light on the Dorner 217’s service as a torpedo bomber or name any units where it was used in a torpedo capacity?
By: Barry Slemmings - 4th July 2012 at 19:00
Beautiful!
This is exactly what I had suspected.
Thank you.
By: Skyraider3D - 4th July 2012 at 17:11
You’ll probably have more luck here: http://www.luftwaffe-experten.org/forums/
But you’re in luck as I have a book on the Do 217 and I literally opened it at the page dealing with the torpedo carrying role! In summary plenty of trials with torpedoes were carried out on the Do 217 E, K and M and the “R4” equipment pack was developed consisting of an PVC 1006B rack to carry an F5 torpedo, or (LM)A mine, in the bomb bay. Two more torpedoes could be carried under the inner wing sections (and in trials up to 5 torpedoes were used). Although the Do 217 performed quite well, the RLM however didn’t approve the Do 217 torpedo bomber because the Ju 88 was fulfilling the torpedo role already and the Do 217 was needed more urgently to deliver guided weapons instead as well as for mine laying. Plans were also hampered by equipment shortages with Do 217 units.
Source: Do 217/317/417 by Manfred Griehl. Superb book, by the way.
By: Barry Slemmings - 4th July 2012 at 16:40
Hmmmm…. 127 views and no replies.
Makes me suspect that the Dornier 217 does not have a combat history with torpedoes.
Any replies on the subject would be welcome.
Sign In
July 2, 2012 at 5:42 pm