Dornier Do 28

Last updated
Do 28 Skyservant
Dornier Do-28D Skyservant (cropped).jpg
Dornier Do-28D Skyservant
Role STOL light utility aircraft
Manufacturer Dornier Flugzeugbau GmbH
First flight29 April 1959 (Do 28 A/B)
23 February 1966 (Do 28D)
StatusIn civilian and military use
Primary user German Air Force
Number built*Do 28 - 1
  • Do 28A-1 - 60 [1]
  • Do 28B-1 - 60 [1]
  • Do 28D-1 - 54
  • Do 28D-2 - 172
  • Dornier 128-6 - 6
Developed from Dornier Do 27
Developed into Dornier 228

The type designation Dornier Do 28 comprises two different twin-engine STOL utility aircraft, manufactured by Dornier Flugzeugbau GmbH. Most of them served with the German Air Force and Marineflieger and other air forces around the world in the communications and utility role. The Do 28 series consists of the fundamentally different Do 28 A/B (1959) and Do 28 D Skyservant (1966).

Contents

Design and development

Dornier Do 28 A/B

Dornier Do 28A-1 Dornier Do 28 A1 from left Dornier Museum 2009-09-27.jpg
Dornier Do 28A-1

The Do 28 was developed from the single-engine Do 27 at the end of the 1950s. The design shared the high-wing cantilever layout and the lift augmentation devices of the Do 27, together with the rear fuselage which seated six passengers.

The defining feature of the new design was the unusual incorporation of two Lycoming engines, as well as the two main landing gear shock struts of the faired main landing gear attached to short pylons on either side of the forward fuselage. The internal space of the Do 28 was the same as the Do 27.

Like the Do 27, the Dornier Do 28 possessed a high cruising speed, excellent low-speed handling characteristics, as well as very short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance. The Do 28 was readily accepted as a natural progression from its single-engine forebear. With many of the same STOL characteristics, most Do 28 production was destined for military customers, notably Germany, although a small number were in service for commercial operators as a rugged, low-cost utility transport. The design proved remarkably adaptable and was developed into a number of progressively improved variants, from the original D, through the D1 and D2 to the 128-2, introduced in 1980. Each variant introduced a number of detail changes that enhanced its already versatile performance capabilities.

Dornier Do 28 D Skyservant

The second Dornier Do28D at the Paris Air Show in 1967 Dornier Do28D Skyservant D-IBUL Le Bourget 03.06.67 edited-3.jpg
The second Dornier Do28D at the Paris Air Show in 1967

The Dornier company was given financial assistance from the German government to develop a larger STOL transport to carry up to 13 passengers. [2] The type was designated the Do 28D and later named Skyservant. The Do 28D was a complete redesign and shared only the basic layout and wing construction of the earlier versions. [3] The fuselage and engine nacelles were rectangular, unlike the rounded Do 28A/B. The aim was to develop a simple and rugged aircraft for use under arduous conditions, which could be easily maintained. With a crew of two pilots, the cabin accommodated up to 12 passengers; freight could be loaded easily through large double doors and with the seats removed the cabin gave 283 sq ft (26.3 m2) of unobstructed space. The first flight of a Do 28D took place on 23 February 1966 [4] and the type was publicly exhibited at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget airport in June 1967.

Dornier Do 28 D-2/OU pollution patrol aircraft Dornier do 28 d2 sky 01.jpg
Dornier Do 28 D-2/OU pollution patrol aircraft

A further variant of the Skyservant was the Do 28D-2/OU (Oil Unit). Two aircraft were fitted with radar and SLAR (Side-Looking Airborne Radar) to monitor oil pollution in the Baltic and North Seas. Painted in a white scheme, they were operated between 1984 and 1995 by MFG 5 of the Marineflieger, on behalf of the German Transport Ministry. These aircraft are easily recognised by the fuselage-mounted SLAR antenna and a radome under the cockpit. In 1991, both aircraft operated for several weeks in the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War under the control of the United Nations. These two aircraft were replaced by the Dornier 228 at the end of 1995. These Skyservants are preserved in the Aeronauticum museum at Nordholz.

In 1997, the Hungarian engineer A. Gál developed a conversion based on a D-variant, that was intended to meet the requirements of skydivers. Instead of the Lycoming piston engines, Gál had two Walter M601-D2 and now its derivative General Electric H75 turboprop, modified three-blade AVIA propellers and a skydiving kit installed by Aerotech Slovakia on seven planes. Although CAA, Hungary's aviation authorities, instantly certified the conversion, the JAA-certification could not be applied for before 2007, due to certification restrictions on the engines. In 2008, there have been six planes flying in Europe, all of them Hungarian registered, mainly at dropzones in Soest, Germany, Target Skysports, Hibaldstow in the United Kingdom, Algarve (Portugal) and Seville (Spain).

Operational history

Do-28D-2 Skyservant of JBG36 German Air Force in 1973 Dornier Do28D-2 5862 JBG36 GC 07.07.73 edited-2.jpg
Do-28D-2 Skyservant of JBG36 German Air Force in 1973
Dornier Do 28D-2 Skyservant Dornier do 28 d2 sky 04.jpg
Dornier Do 28D-2 Skyservant

A total of 121 Dornier Do 28D-2s were built between 1971 and 1974 at Oberpfaffenhofen for the Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces) where they replaced aging Percival Pembrokes. [4] They served until the introduction of the Dornier 228 in 1994, predominantly as a transportation and communications aircraft. 20 aircraft were transferred to the Marineflieger , 10 served from 1978 in the maritime reconnaissance role, additional underwing fuel tanks were fitted for extended endurance (see photo).

The high noise levels and vibration in the cabin led to the type's replacement by the significantly quieter turboprop-powered Dornier 228. During the 20 years in German military service, only three aircraft were lost to accidents.

The Do 28D was flown in 30 countries around the world and is still in service today. More than 150 aircraft were built. In the German Federal Armed Forces jargon, the Skyservant was called the "farmer's eagle" and was regarded as a reliable "workhorse". Turkey received two specially equipped SIGINT aircraft with the code name of 'Anadolou' as well as the normal transport version.

Variants

Dornier Do 28 A/B/C

Do 28
Prototype, first flew 29 April 1959 with two 180 hp (130 kW) Lycoming O-360-A1A engines and fixed pitch two-blade propellers  ; one built.
Do 28A-1
Designation of production aircraft with 250 hp (190 kW) Lycoming O-540-A1A engines and a 7 ft increase in wingspan, 60 built. First flown on 20 March 1960 at Oberpfaffenhofen. One aircraft was used for the personal transport of the German Defense Minister, Franz Josef Strauss  ; 60 built. [5]
Do 28A-1-S
Floatplane conversion of the Do 28A-1 by the Jobmaster Company of Seattle, Washington, United States.
Do 28B-1
Do 28A with enlarged nose, additional fuel tanks, increased tailplane area and powered by 290 hp (220 kW) Lycoming IO-540 fuel injected engines and three-blade constant speed propellers, 60 built.
Do 28B-1-S
Proposed floatplane conversion of the Do 28B-1 by the Jobmaster Company of Seattle, Washington, USA.
Do 28B-2
Variant with turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540 engines, one built.
Do 28C
Designation of a proposed eight-seat version with two 530 shp turboprops but this design was not pursued.

Dornier Do 28 D Skyservant and derivatives

Do 28D
Redesigned aircraft with box fuselage, larger wing, new tail and two 380 hp (280 kW) IGSO-540 engines, seven built. [6]
Do 28D-1
Production version of the Do 28D, with 0.5 m (1 ft 7½ in) greater wingspan and higher gross weight. [6] 54 built.
Dornier Do 28 D-2 Dornier do 28 d2 sky 03.jpg
Dornier Do 28 D-2
Do 28D-2
Increased maximum takeoff weight, strengthened fuselage with enlarged cabin, [7] 172 built.
Do 28D-2/OU
Do 28D modified as a pollution patrol aircraft
Do 28D-2T
In 1980 one German Air Force Do 28D-2 aircraft was fitted with two Avco Lycoming TIGO-540 turbocharged engines.
Do 28D-5X Turbo Skyservant
Prototype version powered by Lycoming LTP-101-600 turboprops rated at 298 kW (400 shp) each. One built, first flying on 9 April 1978. Also known as the TurboSky. [8] [9]
Do 28D-6X Turbo Skyservant
Prototype version powered by PT6A-110 turboprops, also rated at 298 kW (400 shp) each. One built, first flying on 4 March 1980 later redesignated Dornier 128-6. [9]
Do 28 TNT Experimental aircraft in 1980 D-IFNT-Do28TNT-1980.jpg
Do 28 TNT Experimental aircraft in 1980
Do 28E-TNT
A Do 28D fitted with a new, high technology wing (Tragflügel Neuer Technologie – New Technology Wing) of 19.97 m (55 ft 8 in) span for trials, powered by two 533 kW (715 shp) Garrett TPE331-5-252D mounted on the wing. One built, first flown on 14 June 1979. [10] Wing later used in the Dornier 228. [11]
Do 28 G.92
1995 conversion of Do 28D powered by two Walter M601-D2 750 hp turboprops used for skydiving operations, seven built. [12] Several now reengined with General Electric H75 to allow 750hp at higher altitudes than the Walter M601 [13]
Dornier 128-2
Improved version of Do 28D-2, replaced D-2 in 1980. [9]
Dornier 128-6
Production version of the Turbo Skyservant, [9] six built.

Operators

Military operators

Dornier Do-28 at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim. Hatzerim Do-28 29012010.JPG
Dornier Do-28 at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim.
Flag of Angola.svg  Angola
Flag of Benin.svg  Benin
Flag of Cambodia.svg  Cambodia
Flag of Cameroon.svg  Cameroon
Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany
Flag of Greece.svg  Greece
Flag of Israel.svg  Israel
Flag of Katanga.svg  Katanga
Flag of Kenya.svg  Kenya
Flag of the Khmer Republic.svg  Khmer Republic
Flag of Lesotho.svg  Lesotho
Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi
Flag of Morocco.svg  Morocco
Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique
Flag of Niger.svg  Niger
Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain
  • Spanish Air Force – 1 plane used by the Spanish Governor of Equatorial Guinea. After the independence, it was transferred to the Test Flight Centre in Torrejon AB. No longer in service.
Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia
Flag of Tanzania.svg  Tanzania
Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg  Yugoslavia
Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia

Civil operators

Specifications (Do 28D-2 Skyservant)

Dornier Do 28D Dornier Do 28D three-view silhouette.png
Dornier Do 28D
side view Do28A-1.jpg
side view

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1976–77 [22]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dornier Do 215</span> Light bomber aircraft in Germany

The Dornier Do 215 was a light bomber, aerial reconnaissance aircraft and later a night fighter, produced by Dornier originally for export, but in the event most served in the Luftwaffe. Like its predecessor, the Dornier Do 17, it inherited the title "The Flying Pencil" because of its slim fuselage. The successor of the Do 215 was the Do 217.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yakovlev Yak-40</span> Airliner made by Yakovlev

The Yakovlev Yak-40 is a regional jet designed by Yakovlev. The trijet's maiden flight was in 1966, and it was in production from 1967 to 1981. It was introduced to service in 1968, with export models following in 1970.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann</span> Military training aircraft by Bücker of Germany

The Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann is a basic biplane trainer aircraft designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Bücker Flugzeugbau. It was the company's first aircraft, as well as being the final biplane to be produced in Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pilatus PC-6 Porter</span> Swiss single engine STOL utility transport aircraft, 1959

The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a single-engined STOL utility aircraft designed by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. First flown in 1959, the PC-6 was produced at Pilatus Flugzeugwerke in Stans, Switzerland. It has been built in both piston engine- and turboprop-powered versions, and was produced under licence for a time by Fairchild Hiller in the United States. After 604 deliveries in 63 years, Pilatus ended production in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander</span> Utility transport aircraft series, 1965

The Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander is a British light utility aircraft and regional airliner designed and originally manufactured by Britten-Norman of the United Kingdom. Still in production, the Islander is one of the best-selling commercial aircraft types produced in Europe. Although designed in the 1960s, over 750 are still in service with commercial operators around the world. The aircraft is a light transport with over 30 military aviation operators around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North American T-28 Trojan</span> Family of military training aircraft

The North American Aviation T-28 Trojan is a radial-engine military trainer aircraft manufactured by North American Aviation and used by the United States Air Force and United States Navy beginning in the 1950s. Besides its use as a trainer, the T-28 was successfully employed as a counter-insurgency aircraft, primarily during the Vietnam War. It has continued in civilian use as an aerobatics and warbird performer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Helio Courier</span> 1949 touring aircraft family by Helio

The Helio Courier is a cantilever high-wing light STOL utility aircraft designed in 1949.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dornier 228</span> Transport aircraft family by Dornier

The Dornier 228 is a twin-turboprop STOL utility aircraft, designed and first manufactured by Dornier GmbH from 1981 until 1998. Two hundred and forty-five were built in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. In 1983, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) bought a production licence and manufactured another 125 aircraft in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. In July 2017, 63 aircraft were still in airline service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dornier Do 19</span> Prototype bomber

The Dornier Do 19 was a German four-engine heavy bomber that first flew on 28 October 1936. Only one prototype flew, and it was converted to a transport in 1938. The other two were scrapped.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Piper PA-31 Navajo</span> Family of twin engine aircraft built 1967–1984

The Piper PA-31 Navajo is a family of twin-engined utility aircraft designed and built by Piper Aircraft for small cargo and feeder airlines, and as a corporate aircraft. Production ran from 1967 to 1984. It was license-built in a number of Latin American countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Farman F.220</span> 1932 bomber aircraft family by Farman

The Farman F.220 and its derivatives were thick-sectioned, high-winged, four engined French monoplanes from Farman Aviation Works. Based on the push-pull configuration proven by the F.211, design started in August 1925 and the first flight of the prototype was on 26 May 1932. The largest bomber to serve in France between the two world wars was the final F.222 variant. One variation was intended to be an airliner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dornier 328</span> Regional airliner family by Dornier

The Dornier 328 is a turboprop-powered commuter airliner. Initially produced by Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH, the firm was acquired in 1996 by Fairchild Aircraft. The resulting firm, named Fairchild-Dornier, manufactured the 328 family in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, conducted sales from San Antonio, Texas, United States, and supported the product line from both locations. A jet-powered version of the aircraft, the Fairchild Dornier 328JET, was also produced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Helio Twin Courier</span>

The Helio Twin Courier is a twin-engined version of the Helio Courier, with very few examples being produced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dornier Do 22</span> Torpedo bomber and maritime reconnaissance floatplane

The Dornier Do 22 was a German seaplane, developed in the 1930s. Despite good performance, it was built only in small numbers and entirely for the export market. The type was operated in the Second World War by Finland, Greece and Yugoslavia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dornier Do 27</span> Utility/STOL aircraft

The Dornier Do 27 is a German single-engine STOL utility aircraft that was designed and manufactured by Dornier GmbH. It was notable for being the first mass-produced aircraft in Germany following the end of the Second World War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Latécoère 298</span>

The Latécoère 298 was a French seaplane that served during World War II. It was designed primarily as a torpedo bomber, but served also as a dive bomber against land and naval targets, and as a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Of a sturdy and reliable construction and possessing good manoeuvrability, it was France's most successful military seaplane, and served throughout the war in various guises.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Potez 540</span> 1933 French reconnaissance bomber aircraft

The Potez 540 was a French multi-role aircraft of the 1930s. Designed and built by Potez, it served with the French Air Force as a reconnaissance bomber, also serving with the Spanish Republican Air Force during the Spanish Civil War. Although obsolete as a bomber, it remained in service in support roles and in France's overseas colonies at the start of World War II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caudron C.440 Goéland</span> Type of aircraft

The Caudron C.440 Goéland ("seagull") was a six-seat twin-engine utility aircraft developed in France in the mid-1930s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kawasaki Ka 87</span> Japanese bomber

The Dornier N was a bomber aircraft designed in Germany in the 1920s for production in Japan. Production of 28 aircraft started in Japan in 1927, as the Kawasaki Ka 87. Designed and built as a landplane, its layout was strongly reminiscent of the Dornier flying boats of the same period; a parasol-wing, strut-braced monoplane with two engines, mounted in a push-pull nacelle above the wing. Some of the 28 examples built saw action in Manchuria in 1931.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dornier Do Y</span> Type of aircraft

The Dornier Do Y was a trimotor German monoplane bomber of the early 1930s designed by Dornier Flugzeugwerke to an order by the Royal Yugoslav Air Force (RYAF). The Yugoslavs originally intended to use war reparations to pay for them, but ultimately had to use their own funds. Only a pair of aircraft were initially ordered to give the Yugoslavs experience with multi-engine bombers and Dornier failed to sell any more Do Y's. Two improved versions were subsequently built on speculation, but failed to find purchasers until the RYAF bought them in 1935.

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 "Dornier Do28 production list". www.siai-marchetti.nl. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  2. Air International January 1979 , pp. 13–14
  3. Air International January 1979 , pp. 14, 16
  4. 1 2 Jackson 1976 , p. 32
  5. Jackson 1976 , p. 62
  6. 1 2 Air International January 1979 , p. 16
  7. Air International January 1979 , p. 17
  8. Air International January 1979 , pp. 43–44
  9. 1 2 3 4 Taylor 1982 , pp. 82–83
  10. Air International October 1979 , pp. 188–191
  11. Air International October 1987 , pp. 163–166
  12. "GOMOLZIG Engineering - Customization for your appliance". Archived from the original on 2018-09-20. Retrieved 2018-05-31.
  13. "Wingglider selects GE H75 turboprop to power Dornier Do 28 conversion | GE Aerospace". www.geaerospace.com. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
  14. Hoyle 2012, p. 45
  15. Hoyle 2012, p. 46
  16. "Congo, Part 1; 1960–1963". ACIG. 2003. Archived from the original on 2015-01-13. Retrieved 2013-08-09.
  17. Hoyle 2012, p. 55
  18. 1 2 Hoyle 2012, p. 56
  19. Cooper, Tom; Weinert, Peter; Hinz, Fabian; Lepko, Mark (2011). African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe. Houston: Harpia Publishing. p. 159. ISBN   978-0-9825539-8-5.
  20. Hoyle 2012, p. 64
  21. "Dornier Do-28D-1 Skyservant - Ethiopia - Police". AIRLINERS. 2012-06-29. Retrieved 2021-06-21.
  22. Taylor 1976, pp. 69–70

Bibliography