Featuring the unique Dornauer Do 335 “Pfeil” Heavy Striker Units! The only Striker Unit that utilizes the push-pull engine configuration.

I. Origins - From the flying boat to the arrow

The origins of the Do 335 can be traced back to Dornauer’s flying boat designs. During the inter-war years, Dornauer experimented with unconventional propulsion arrangements for several flying boats, including aircraft utilizing engines arranged in a tandem configuration (namely, the succesful Do J and the gigantic Do X)

The concept offered a number of theoretical advantages. By placing the engines behind one another rather than beside one another, aerodynamic drag could be reduced. The engines and their associated equipment could also be concentrated closer to the centerline.

These experiments initially appeared to have little relevance to Striker Units. However, this will soon change as magic-engine technology advanced. The increasing availability and power of modern magic-amplification engines meant that a single Striker could now produce enormous amounts of thrust.

Dornauer engineers realized that their old push-pull research could be adapted to create something entirely new, a high-speed heavy Striker capable of carrying the power of two engines without the aerodynamic penalties of a conventional twin-engine arrangement.

II. Development of the “Pfeil”

The development of the new Striker Unit begun as early in 1942 at Dornauer’s Facility in Oberpfaffenhofen, with the first prototype, V-1, completing its maiden flight on October 1943. Initial testing demonstrated exceptional speed and generally favorable handling, although the prototype suffered from several mechanical and landing difficulties that required continued refinement.

Following the successful prototype trials, Dornauer proceeded with a series of additional prototypes and pre-production machines intended to evaluate the Striker’s propulsion system, armament, handling and operational suitability. The results confirmed the Pfeil’s considerable potential: its two Deismus DB 603 magic-amplification engines provided exceptional acceleration and high-altitude performance, while their centerline arrangement eliminated the severe asymmetric thrust normally associated with conventional twin-engine configuration.

By 1944, the design had attracted increasing attention from the Karlsland military authorities, particularly as faster Neuroi formations and high-altitude bomber formations became a growing concern. In May 1944, the Do 335 was consequently granted priority under the Jägernotprogramm (Karlsland’s Emergency Fighter Program), with plans established for expanded production and the development of several specialized variants. The first Do 335 A-0 pre production striker units were delivered in July 1944 to the “Erprobungskommando 335” (Proving Detachment 335) formed by the imperial karlsland air testing command for training and evaluation purposes.

III. Flight Performance

The Do 335’s greatest strength was its speed. Despite its considerable size and weight, the Striker accelerated rapidly and retained its energy remarkably well at high altitude. At an altitude of approximately 6,500 meters (21,300 ft), the average air witch (without any engine tweaks) could reach a maximum speed of approximately 763 km/h (474 mph). Even with a single engine running, the Pfeil can reach speeds up to 560 km/h (348 mph). This placed the Pfeil among the fastest Striker Units of its generation, it was certainly exceptionally fast.

More importantly, the Pfeil did not feel like a conventional heavy Striker. The centerline arrangement also produced surprisingly predictable handling, even with only one engine working. The mass of the two engines was concentrated around the Striker’s longitudinal axis, allowing the Witch to roll effortlessly without the same inertia associated with other heavy striker units.

IV. Production

Following the promising trials conducted by Dornauer, Karlsland began limited production of the Pfeil.

The complicated construction of the Striker prevented immediate mass production. The two-engine arrangement required specialized components, while the rear engine installation demanded considerably more work than conventional Striker Units.

As a result, production was initially divided into several variants:

- Do 335 A-0
Pre-production model of the striker unit, used for evaluation and training. Witches using this variant are usually armed with MG 151 machine gun or MK 103 auto cannon.

- Do 336 A-1
Proper combat production variant of the striker unit. The A-1 incorporated improvements based on experience gained from the A-0. The striker unit is also equipped with internal bomb bay and 2 optional additional hardpoints on the wings.

- Do 335 A-12
A specialized two-witch training and night fighter variant. Unofficially nicknamed “Ameisenbär” (Anteater).

- Do 335 M-14 B-2
The heavily armed variant of the Pfeil. Nicknamed “Zerstörer” (Destroyer), the B-2 sacrificed some of the A-series’ performance in exchange for increased armor and firepower, making it particularly suitable for attacking heavily armored Neuroi bomber formations.

So I was reading the other day about striker units in the world witches wiki, and I stumble across these manufacturing companies for the striker units and their engines. So I was wondering if there is any official sources that listed all of these companies online? Because I can’t seem to find anything (whenever I click on them in the wiki, they always redirect me to their real world counterparts)

I swear I had seen like a japanese blog which lists all of these companies online other companies like Dornier, Arado etc in World Witches, but now I can’t find the blog anymore and I wonder if its legit or its fan made. So please let me know if you guys know! It would help me a lot :)

Featuring the late war Flakwolf/Tank Ta 152 High-altitude Striker Units! Wing commander Aufhammer was surely a bold witch eh?

All the camo schemes (and the witches names) are a direct reference to their real world counterparts.