| Type |
Transatlantic passenger carrying flying boat (15 - 16 passenger in high comfort, 60 passengers short distances) |
| Engine |
8 Diesel engines (2 coupled driving one prop. through gearbox and shaft) |
| Dimensions |
Length 40.0 m, height 9.50 m, span 40.00 m, wing area |
| Weights |
Empty 29500 kg, load 26500 kg, flying weight 56000 kg |
| Performance |
Max. speed ~340 km/h, cruising speed ~250 - 300 km/h |
The Do 20 flying boat project was a development of the Do X. II was to be used on transoceanic services. The planned range was more than 5000 km, the planned maximum speed approx. 340 krn/h. The cabin configuration was either for 12-16 passengers with spacious lounges and sleeper compartments. or seating for some 60 passengers.
The hull had a more favourable aerodynamical design than that of the Do X, but the under-water shape and the sponson arrangement remained unchanged. The braced wing had the same rectangular planform with rounded wing tips than the Do X, but its span was extended by one metre- The greatest progress was to be achieved over the Do X by more powerful engines: 8 diesel engines rated between 800 and 1000 HP each The engines were completely integrated into the wing and were to drive one large propeller each via a gearbox and an extension shaft.
The Do 20 model was exhibited by Domier at the 1936 International Aviation Exhibition in Stockholm (ILIS). A development contract was never awarded by Deutsche Lufthansa.
Do 20: Never built and yet flown
In 1939, Dornier's most modern flying boat - a Do 20 - is approaching a Mediterranean harbour bay. In the foreground of the scene we see the 540 K from Mercedes-Benz. This striking illustration can be found on the cover of an automobile brochure of Daimler Benz AG. Art lovers are fascinated by the beautiful drawing and Dornier fans are slightly irritated.
The Do 20 was presented in 1936 as the successor concept to the Do X in model format at the International Air Show in Stockholm. The press also reports extensively on the spectacular construction, which is intended to boost transatlantic air traffic. And the designers are also convinced that they will receive a development contract from Lufthansa. However, Dornier does not receive an order from Lufthansa or any other customer and had to stop the project. Neither in the Dornier Museum nor in the Lufthansa archives can a plausible explanation be found today for the rejection of the plans.
It is also unknown why the illustrator of the beautiful Mercedes brochure chose the Do 20 with the Lufthansa logo for his motif as late as 1939. It is possible that the reason lies in the economic hopes of the aircraft engine manufacturer Daimler Benz. Or it is simply a late aesthetic fascination of the artist (presumably Maiwald) that grants the Do 20 a virtual flying lesson.
