Dornier 17 Project
Dornier News and Updates!
In the coming weeks we will bring you regular news via the website and blog so please keep checking for updates. This will include progress of the aircraft recovery and include an introduction to partners involved in the project. Members of staff will also be blogging about their role at the Museum and involvement in the Dornier project.
Work to recover the aircraft is now under way. Subject to weather and equipment serviceability the operation to recover the Dornier is scheduled to take approximately three to four weeks. We have loaded a selection of photos taken onboard the GPS Apollo into the image gallery and these can be viewed here.
The Ministry of Defence is responsible for the investigation of all military aircraft crash sites in the United Kingdom (including those situated in UK territorial waters) and has only issued a licence for recovery of the Dornier because it is NOT a war grave. The aircraft's crew of four are all accounted for and no human remains are present in the aircraft.
The recovery methodology includes a bespoke lifting frame which will be employed to retrieve the Dornier from the seabed. Of modular construction the frame will be assembled around the aircraft, the lower sections being inserted beneath the wings and rear fuselage before attachment to the upper lifting portion (once on the surface this structure will also be employed as a transport cradle).
To make a donation to help with the conservation and exhibition for the Dornier 17, please click here.
The lifting of the Dornier has been made possible by support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. Additional support has come from EADS, 328 Support Services, the RA Historical Society and the generosity of the public. The exhibition and conservation of the Dornier is supported by Wargaming.net.