The Dornier Do217

The predecessor to this medium bomber, the Do 17, was initially designed as a fast postal delivery aircraft and was first flown in 1938 setting a new speed record. The Do217 was a faster and lighter development and was first used as a high-speed reconnaissance aircraft over Soviet territory before Operation “Barbarossa”. It was distinguished from earlier models by the dorsal turret. This and later versions were converted to night fighters as their vulnerability to fighter attack in daylight increased. During the blitz on London, Dorniers became known as "flying pencils", a reference to the profile of the narrow fuselage.