Construction of the Dornier Do 217 P High Altitude Prototype

[wuzak]

View: https://youtu.be/loEp6cMG4oE?si=buHYiLMPnTtQRJ_m

 

[Crimea_River]

Thanks for posting that. I didn't know the plane carried a third engine to accomplish the needed pressurization.

 

[cammerjeff]

The 3rd engine did pressurize the crew compartment, but its main purpose was to supercharge the main engines at altitude. Not the most fuel efficient way to supercharge engines, but it worked, and was used in a few other prototype high altitude A/C types.

 

[Tailskid]

The 3rd engine did pressurize the crew compartment, but its main purpose was to supercharge the main engines at altitude. Not the most fuel efficient way to supercharge engines, but it worked, and was used in a few other prototype high altitude A/C types.

Interesting novel "Trespass in Heaven" by David Bruce about a 217P recce aircraft operating over Southern England in the months before D day, and the efforts of an RAF unit operating a modified Westland Welkin to try and bring it down. On Amazon.