First photographs of the Dornier 12 Libelle in 1921, most likely the prototype, with the 2 blade propeller carefully arranged vertically. The square surfaces of the tail unit are typically Dornier of the period, all features Libelle I.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

In this head-on view with wings folded most of the wing aerofoil section and the rib structure is revealed. Close-up view of the engine shows the single-plug ignition of the Siemens-Halske 55/60 hp 5-cyl radial.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

A Libelle II with a 95 hp Cirrus III 4-cyl upright in-line engine. This was the most powerful version but no performance figures appear to have been published. The downward-tapered mainplanes can be seen, as can the black walkway on the near sponson.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

Libelle I CH-70 proving that it can still land on the lake even when its frozen over without damage. This much-publicised feat suggested that the same could be done on grass if necessary and it is very likely that this was sometimes done.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

Dornier preserved a Libelle II, seen here on display in the Dornier museum at Friedrichshafen in 1937. It has thicker centre section struts with diagonals like the E which suggests that it was most probably a/the prototype used for development.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

Swiss Libelle CH-70 with wings folded displays the nearside struts with the lower end of the front underwing strut relocated by the attachment of the rear underwing strut. This Libelle I has the wide windscreen fitted on production.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

Libelle with wings folded to fit a space 3.2 m (10 ft 6 in.) wide shows the commendable simplicity of the design. For storage the height would be reduced by turning the propeller sideways, but the height was not stated.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

In head-on view with wings spread the compact features of the Libelle are evident, even the projecting sponsons looking tidy. For folding the wings the bottom of the front parallel struts had to be disconnected and relocated.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

Dornier publicity for the Libelle included public displays, this one a Libelle I in Belgium. The poster reads 'Libelle. 3 persons' and gives maximum speed and empty weight, 130 km/hr, 390 kg (80 mph, 860 lb).

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

The Dornier Libelle 3-seat flying boat J-BCIB used stub lower wings which acted as sponsons in the water, a system first introduced on the Dornier RS IV of 1918.
The Performance of the Libelle was transformed in the II by the extra power of the 80 hp Siemens Sh 11. Behind the top cylinder is a gravity-feed fuel tank with filler cap and breather pipe.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

Cirrus III powered Libelle II, engine awaiting installation, rebuilt by the students of the Suva DTI, Fiji,in the 1960s. Delivered 1927 and regd VQ-FAB 15.9.30 it was the first aircraft in Fiji but did not fly after rebuild and was donated to the Suva museum.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

The Dornier Spatz with 100 hp Lucifer 3-cyl radial engine was not limited by the Libelle's boat-bottomed hull and sponsons and it had a comparable performance in spite of its fixed undercarriage. It did not have the Libelle's wing droop.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

This Libelle II in three-quarter rear view emphasises the upswept rudder shape and the larger 7-cyl Sh 11 engine. The pointed-top rudder was upswept on the II to reduce the effects of spray.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

The Libelle II in the air exhibits some concession to rounding off the tips of the Dornier plank-like wing. The 7 cylinders of the Siemens Sh 11 engine are prominent, as are the pair of aerofoil-section sponsons.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

The Spatz had the same wing folding as the Libelle and its wheels allowed it to be towed tail first with rods added to support the wing tips. A light patch appears on the fuselage for painting a registration but no record of one has been found.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

The angular wing and tail surfaces tend to disguise the attention given by Dornier to clean lines, but his appreciation of the importance of this was emphasised by the number of head-on photos taken, such as this one of a Libelle II on Lake Constance.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921

The cockpit of a Libelle I shows only three instruments visible, possibly engine oil pressure, rpm and airspeed indicator. There are no bracing wires. What looks like a vertical centre piece is the ignition lead and behind it a propeller blade.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dornier Do.A Libelle / Spatz - ГерманияGermany - 1921