Dornier Do 335 Pfeil

Aircraft Monograph 15
Marek Rys
AJ Press, © 2000
96 pages
Available from Air Connection for $19.99

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

The latest from AJ Press is this timely release covering the Dornier Do 335. This odd-looking plane with two engines and a cruciform tail was a late addition to the Luftwaffe during World War 2, with only a handful actually being finished. The odd shape makes it a popular subject, though, with the result of many kits being produced of it, the latest being the Tamiya 1/48 example. If you're one of those who rushed out to buy that kit, you'll definitely want to get this book along with it.

While many of the AJ Press books are in Polish, this example is all in English, and it's jam-packed full of useful information. The center section is packed with 34 pages of scale drawings, covering everything from the early beginnings with the small Göppingen Gö 9 to the four-engined twin fuselage stretched Ju 635. Accompanying these drawings are some very well done color profile illustrations, as well as plenty of black and white photos.

The majority of this book is made up of the text, though, and this book is very well written. Nothing is left out as the book takes you from the start of the push/pull setup to the post-war usage in France, England and the US. Detail photos of restored Do 335s as well as service manual shots round out this excellent book.

Much has been written on the Do 335 over the years, but you'd be hard pressed to find another book that has this much information for such a low price. If you're interested in Luftwaffe aircraft or the Do 335 in particular, you'll definitely want to get this book right away.