Dornier Do 26 Flying Boat Part II – Catapult Trials

The Do 26V1 shows her elegant lines for the camera. Deutsche Lufthansa employed several large flying boat designs as mail couriers on the trans-Atlantic routes to North and South America, and this was the intended service for the new Dornier. Lufthansa had developed some unique technical solutions to ensure the success of their flying boat fleet and Seeadler was selected demonstrate the Do 26s compatibility.

While many nations employed catapults for launching aircraft from ships, for the most part the aircraft types were floatplanes or small seaplanes. Germany was unique in building ships whose primary purpose was launching large multi-engined flying boats. Before the war Lufthansa had seven of these catapult ships in service supporting the trans-Atlantic mail service. This is the Friesenland, a large ship displacing 11,500 tons with a length of 461 feet (140.5 meters).

Early in 1939 Seeadler was assigned to catapult trials aboard Friesenland. The practice was for the seaplane to land on the water in a sheltered location and then be hoisted aboard the ship. While there the aircraft could be refueled and serviced, and the crew & passengers rested. Here is Seeadler’s flight crew preparing the aircraft for hoisting. Note the open hatches and mooring line at the nose.

Cables are lowered from the Friesenland’s crane. Additional lines are secured to the aircraft, these lines will be tended to help keep the aircraft steady and prevent it from swinging.

The Friesland’s crane had a rated capacity of twenty tons. This perspective shows the crane fitted with extra padding to prevent damage to the aircraft as well as a large floodlight fixed to the upper portion for night operations.

Another view of Seeadler being hoisted aboard. The Friesenland’s huge catapult track is clearly visible.

Seeadler positioned on the catapult running up her engines. In addition to servicing the aircraft, Lufthansa’s use of catapult ships allowed the flying boats to be launched without risk of damage due to rough seas, even while heavily loaded.

Another view, evidently on a rainy day. An unusual angle, but one which shows the gull wings to advantage.

Seeadler at the moment of launch. Catapult trials were a success!

Part III Do 26 Interior and Details here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2026/01/07/dornier-do-26-flying-boat-part-iii-interior-and-details/