re: #200 jcm

Cool!

The Dornier DO-24 has a fascinating history. It was designed in Nazi Germany before World War 2, but for the Dutch rather than the German government. The Dutch wanted an advanced seaplane for service in the Netherlands Indies (now Indonesia). It was put into production in the Netherlands and about 30 had been built before the Germans overran the country in 1940. The Germans kept the line going for their own use and the aircraft were used by Luftwaffe air-sea rescue and patrol units throughout World War 2. It also went into production in occupied France.

The Dutch DO-24s that had been delivered to the Indies were on hand when the Japanese attacked in 1941, and the aircraft saw heavy combat. Five escaped to Australia and were taken into the RAAF as the A-24. The DO-24 therefore has the distinction of fighting on both sides in the war.
Twelve were sold to Spain during the war and remained in service into the 1970s. The one in the video was bought back by Dornier and extensively modernized in an attempt to market an updated version.
Seaplane enthusiasts assert that the DO-24’s rough water handline characteristics have never been equalled to this day.