Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases Local Legend 12: The Dornier Do X Flying Boat

Now, simmers can fly the largest flying boat ever built around the world. Microsoft Flight Simulator!

Claudius Donier’s Do X took off on the 12th of July 1929 at Lake Constance in Altenrhein, Switzerland. The Do X, powered by 12 V-12 engines with 610 horsepower, was the biggest, heaviest and most powerful ever hydroplane. This was the only flying machine in history powered by at least ten engines. According to most reports, the Do X is the aircraft with the highest number of pistons ever built.

Claudius Do X, also known as a flugschiff, was first conceived in 1924. This period of aviation history saw the technology of flying advancing at a rapid pace, with designers striving to build ever-larger, faster and more durable aircraft. The first aircraft drawings were created in September 1924, and the engineering work on the Do X began. Just under five years later the world’s largest aircraft debuted, a pinnacle of German innovation and engineering. Dornier produced three during the production period from 1927-1932. Airframes operated in Germany, Italy and France from 1929 until 1937.

This design consists of a hull of three decks with an overall length of 131 ft, 5 inches (40.05 meters), a main wing of 156 ft, 10 inches (47.8 m), and sponsons that are mounted to the lower hull and stabilize the Do X on water. They also act as complementing wings when the Do X is aloft.

The lower deck of the aircraft’s hull stored thousands of gallons of fuel. Seating for 100 was available on the middle deck (though, when it is operational, seating capacity can be as high as 70). A lounge, dining area, bathroom, and storage are also located on the middle deck. Upper deck: This is where the 14-person crew and the control systems to operate the aircraft are located. These include the cockpit, the engine control room and the radio equipment. 169 passengers, crew and cargo were carried by a Do X during a particular flight. This was a record world-record that lasted for over two decades. Dornier’s Do X was a crowd-pleaser wherever it traveled, but especially on a trip from Europe to America via Africa and South America.

The Do X’s powerplants were 12 Curtiss V-1570 engines, each of which produced 610 horses. They turned a 4-bladed fixed-pitch propeller. Six pairs of tractor-pusher engines, mounted in a nacelle above the main wings by braces, were used. Do X’s range was 1,100 km (1,770 miles) and could be increased with additional fuel. Fuel is stored in the hull as well as the wings. It cruises at 110 mph (177 kph) and has a maximum speed of 150 mph. The Do X hydroplane flew typically at 1,600 feet (488) above the water. However, it can reach an elevation of 10,500 foot (3,200 m) above sea-level when emptied of passengers.

Dornier Do X Microsoft Flight SimulatorThe data was carefully compiled from historic sources. The historic aircraft is a powerful performer, able to confidently cross oceans and lift up into the air. Its combined 7,200 horsepower allows it to do so. Flying it takes a delicate touch, with an outlook to “keep in front of the aircraft” at all times due to its size and the large distances required to maneuver. Dornier’s Do X is available in three different liveries, including Historic, Aviators Club and Xbox Aviators Club. Order it Today in Microsoft Flight SimulatorFor USD $14.99. Sky is the limit!

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S, PC, Windows and Steam. It is also available via Xbox Cloud Gaming for Xbox One, supported mobile devices, tablets and PCs with lower specifications.|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Keep up to date with the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator news by visiting @MSFSOfficialTweets