| Do 29 | |
|---|---|
 Do 29 on display at theDornier Museum | |
| General information | |
| Type | Experimental aircraft |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Dornier Flugzeugwerke |
| Primary user | DFL |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 2 |
| First flight | 12 December 1958 |
| Developed from | Dornier Do 27 |
TheDornier Do 29 was anexperimental aircraft developed byDornier Flugzeugwerke and, theDeutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt (German Aviation Laboratory) in the 1950s, used to test a tilting-propeller system for Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing (V/STOL) aircraft. The concept was proved successful in flight testing; however, no further development of the system or aircraft was proceeded with, and at the conclusion of its test program the Do 29 was retired.
During the Second World War,Heinrich Focke ofFocke-Achgelis, a manufacturer ofhelicopters, developed a design for a short takeoff and landing aircraft that would utilise a system of pusher propellers, one on each wing in a pusher configuration, to provide downward thrust and enhance lift.[1] DesignatedFa 269, the design was not developed due to the state of the war.[1]
In the 1950s, however, a renewed interest inSTOL andVTOL aircraft led to a re-evaluation of Focke's concept.Dornier was given a contract to develop anaircraft capable of demonstrating thetilting-propeller system. Theaircraft, given the designation Do 29, was based on theDo 27 light transport, modified with twinLycoming GO-480 engines mounted below the wings.[1] These engines drove three-bladed,pusher propellers, that were capable of being tilted downwards to an angle of up to 90 degrees, and theengines were coupled so that symmetricalthrust could be maintained in the event of an engine failure.[1]
The forwardfuselage was also modified with ahelicopter-like cockpit. AMartin-Bakerejection seat was provided forpilot escape in the event of an emergency.[2] The previousDornier Do 27 had capacity for 4 or 5 passengers, while the Do 29 was expected to have similar passenger numbers at 4 to 6 passengers.[3]
Two examples of the Do 29 were constructed, while a third was planned but not built, with the firstprototype flying on 12 December 1958.[2] In the following flight testing, thepropeller system was not rotated further than 60 degrees as opposed to its nominal 90 degree capability,[1] but theaircraft proved to be highly successful, with astalling speed of 24 kilometres per hour (15 mph) and exceptional short-field performance.[1] The aircraft did have some issues during testing, as in July 1962, 1 of the 2 Do 29's was damaged and was written off. The 2nd remaining aircraft continued testing for another year before it was retired.[3] Theaircraft was expected to have an 82-foot takeoff run, but some sources state it had a 262-foot takeoff run and 147 foot run forlanding.[3]
Following testing, the Do-29's the tilting-propeller system was not further pursued after the end of the flight test program.[1]
One of the Do 29 prototypes survived the program, and is displayed in theDornier Museum inFriedrichshafen,Germany.[1]
General characteristics
Performance
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
