DOFLUG D-3803

1947 COLD WAR WORLD WAR 2 X-PLANE

• 1 History of the DOFLUG D-3803
• 2 DOFLUG D-3803 Specification
  • 2.1 Fundamentals
  • 2.2 Roles
  • 2.3 Notable Features
  • 2.4 Dimensions and Weight
  • 2.5 MAINPLANE STRUCTURE
  • 2.6 Performance
  • 2.7 Weapon

History of the DOFLUG D-3803

The DOFLUG D-3803 was a Swiss fighter aircraft developed from the D-3802 program in 1942, which had its origins in a collaboration with France before World War II. It was based on the Morane-Saulnier MS.406, known locally as "D-3800." The D-3803 retained some features from the D-3802, like the single-seat cockpit and retractable landing gear, but it also had improvements, including a better canopy for improved visibility and a shorter back fuselage. The engine was changed to a locally licensed 1,430 hp liquid-cooled Saurer YS-3 inline-piston engine.

Armed with three 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS-404 automatic cannons, the D-3803 could also perform fighter-bomber missions with bombs and missiles. Despite its modern appearance and impressive potential with speeds of up to 423 miles per hour and high altitudes, the D-3803 faced setbacks. World War II ended before the prototype could fly, and engine problems during testing delayed the project further. Eventually, the Swiss Air Force opted to acquire the North American P-51D Mustang from the United States, leading to the abandonment of the D-3803.

In summary, the DOFLUG D-3803 was a Swiss fighter plane developed from the D-3802 program, based on the French Morane-Saulnier MS.406. It featured design improvements but faced delays due to the end of World War II and encountered engine issues during testing. Ultimately, the Swiss Air Force chose a different fighter aircraft, the P-51D Mustang, instead of pursuing the D-3803.

DOFLUG D-3803 Specification

Fundamentals

Years of Service: 1947

Origins: Switzerland

Status: Development ended.

Crew: 1

Production: 1

Carrier: Switzerland

Roles

Air-to-air combat, fighter

The general ability to actively attack other aircraft of similar form and function, usually using guns, missiles and/or airborne missiles.

X-Plane (development, prototyping, tech demos)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Notable Features

Strong Aircraft Frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

High-speed performance

Can accelerate to higher speeds than the average aircraft at the time.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Rescue process

A manual process to allow the pilot and/or crew to exit in the event of an onboard emergency.

Depression in crew members

Support the pressurization required for crew survival at higher operating altitudes.

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 30.6 feet (9.33m)

Width/span: 32.9 feet (10.02m)

Height: 12. 3 feet (3.76m)

Cured weight: 6,493 lbs (2,945 kg)

MTOW: 8,598 lbs (3,900 kg)

Wgt Difference: +2,105 lbs (+955kg)

MAINPLANE STRUCTURE

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Low mount

The main aircraft is mounted low on the side of the fuselage.

Straight

Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: 1 x Saurer (Hispano-Suiza) YS-3 1,430 hp liquid-cooled in-line piston engine driving a three-bladed propeller unit on the nose.

Maximum speed: 423 km/h (680 km/h | 367 knots)

Cruising speed: 338 km/h (544 km/h | 294 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +85 km/h (+136 km/h | 73 kn)

Maximum: 30,003 feet (9,145 m | 6 km)

Area: 404 km (650 km | 1,204 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 3,012 ft/min (918 m/min)

Weapon

Standard, fixed: 1 x 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS-404 automatic cannon fired through the propeller hub.

1 x 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS-404 automatic cannon on the port flank.

1 x 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS-404 automatic cannon on the starboard wing.

Optional: Conventional Throwing Bombs or Land Attack Missiles up to 441 lbs.