[Coming soon] Do 335 B-2: the last “Arrow”

Historical Note

The revolutionary heavy fighter, Do 335 Pfeil (German for “arrow”), was designed by Claudius Dornier. This concept of a combat piston aircraft became very interesting in the mid-20th century. The unique tandem configuration with two engines – one pulling and one pushing – provided outstanding speed, making the Do 335 one of the fastest piston aircraft of World War II. The first prototype took to the air in 1944, but even the hasty launch of production couldn't change the course of the war.

The most advanced version in the series, the Do 335 B-2, featured enhanced armament: two 15 mm MG151 machine guns and a standard 30 mm MK103 cannon in the nose were supplemented by two more MK103s in the wings. The Do 335 modifications didn't get to do any flying. The loss of production facilities meant Germany couldn't make many of these fighters.

Do 335 B-2 (Rank VIII)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: excellent speed, very powerful forward-firing weapons, 250 and 500 kg bombs, high roll rate.
• Weaknesses: mediocre maneuverability, small gun load.
• Opportunities: dive attacks, hunt for bombers, assault missions available.
• Threats: maneuverable combat.

In battle

The Do 335 B-2 is an intriguing German “push-and-pull” heavy fighter with two coaxial engines. It will delight its pilots with an incredibly high speed for a piston-powered aircraft and very powerful armament. Do 335 B-2 Pfeil – the swift “Arrow” of top-tier aerial battles!

The main feature of the Do 335 B-2 is the interesting arrangement of its engines. The front and rear engines provide very high speed and good turning. The “Pfeil” can easily catch up with any air target at any altitude and quickly break away from pursuit! However, this design also has its drawbacks: the fighter flies remarkably well in a straight line, but it is very slow in turns. Virtually any maneuverable combat is deadly for the Do 335. The best tactics for using the Do 335 B-2 are attacks in passages and “boom-and-zoom” tactics from high altitudes.

The second advantage of the Do 335 B-2 is its excellent armament – the fighter is equipped with three 30 mm and two 20 mm cannons. The cannons' ammunition includes high-explosive incendiary “Minengeß” rounds with increased explosive charges, effective against aircraft. The armament also included HVAP-T, which easily destroyed armored vehicles in the upper hemisphere. Additionally, the Do 335 B-2 can carry 250- and 500-kg bombs, which turn it into a swift strike aircraft. Keep in mind the relatively small ammunition load of the forward-firing weapons and don't forget to reload the guns before each attack.

Flying at speeds of over 700 km/h, the Do 335 B-2 is the terror of high-altitude bombers and an elusive “boom-and-zoomer”!

Premium ♠Do 335 B-2♠︎ (Rank VIII)

The Premium variant is an extra plane for your roster! The premium aircraft maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With the premium aircraft, you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still a work in progress and may differ on release.

The Do 335 B-2 (Rank VIII) will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.