[1] On 30 September 1926, the first R 2 Superwal conducted its maiden flight; twelve world records for seaplanes were set by the type during early 1927.

[citation needed] The Superwal went into service with Severa and later DVS in List, both organisations of the German government, tasked to develop military seaplanes, ignoring restrictions imposed under the Treaty of Versailles.

[citation needed] Between 20 January 1927 and 5 February 1927, Dornier Chief Pilot Richard Wagner established twelve world records for seaplanes with a new R4 Gas Superwal.

[citation needed] Apart from their use by Luft Hansa, six Superwals saw regular service with SANA into the early 1930s on a route along the Italian west coast and on to Spain.

[2] The flying boat could carry almost 10 metric tons, having roughly double the payload capacity of the preceding Do J while still achieving the same speed (dependent on engine configuration).

[5] The wing of the flying boat was of a semi-cantilever design, comprising a moderately thick yet aerodynamically favourable cross-section that had uniform dimensions between the tips and centre point.

[4] The centre of gravity of the power plant was positioned directly above that of the overall craft and of the fuel tank, easing both flight and substitution options.

[9] It was claimed that virtually any pair of engines in the 1,400-2,000 hp range could be installed and that this choice was dependent upon customer preferences.

[6] Furthermore, it was stated that the location of the engines above the middle of the wing in no way limited the flying boat to using only two engines in tandem; reportedly as many as three sets of double-engines could be accommodated upon the middle section of the wing provided that suitable distance from one another was maintained to account for the propeller diameters.