World War II AircraftThe 'Flying Pencil' earlier versions of the Do17 had largely given way to the operationally more efficient but less aesthetic Z-2 in the Luftwaffe's bombing units by the outbreak of war. Regarded by the Luftwaffe as under-powered and obsolescent by then; the type nevertheless was an important element in the bombing forces available and it soldiered on; arguably its most spectacular exploit being the low-level raid on RAF Kenley of 18 August 1940; Its two 1;000 hp Bramo-Fafnir radial engines gave it a maximum speed of about 260 mph but a short range of only some 300 miles when carrying its maximum bomb load of 1;000 kg (2;200 lb). Its crew usually numbered four; sometimes five; all housed in a single crew compartment as per usual Luftwaffe practice; and defensive armament was eventually up to eight MG17 machine guns and a single 20mm MG-FF cannon. From May 1940; 422 Do 17 Z-2s flew with Kampfgeschwaders 2; 3; 78 and 77; the aircraft illustrated belonged to KG3 - 5K was the Geschwader code - which flew the Do 17 Z-2 longer and more intensively than any other Luftwaffe unit before beginning conversion on to the Ju-88 in 1941; and was particularly active during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.Illustration (Tim Brown); 2019.