In the beginning of 30s appeared the concept of high-speed bomber that could outstrip contemporary fighters-biplanes. One of these bombers was a German aircraft Dornier Do 17. The first prototype of Do 205 was Do17V-1, which was announced passenger plane, took place in November 1934.

Appeared in the end of 1938, Do 17Z included modifications of new "Waffenkopf" nose part of fuselage and radial engines. Small amount of Do 215, which was installed with liquid-cooled DB601A, were produced in 1940.

In 1941, Do 215B-5, the night fighter version called Kauz III, was in production. The Do 215 B-5 was the first night fighter to be equipped with the FuG 202 ""Lichtenstein BC"" navigation device. These aircraft saw action from January 1941 to May 1944 with night fighter units I.IV./NJG 1 and II./NJG 2.