Dornier Do 29
Dornier · Germany · first flew 1958 · light aircraft
The Dornier Do 29 was a West German STOL research aircraft built to investigate the use of tilting propellers to achieve near-vertical takeoff and landing capability. Its two piston engines could pivot their propellers to provide direct vertical thrust.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- STOL research aircraft with tilting propellers for short-field performance
- Twin piston engines with propellers that rotate to provide direct lift
- Conventional high-wing layout but with vectored thrust nacelles
High-wing twin with large tilting engine nacelles set ahead of and below the wing leading edge — the prominent tiltable propeller nacelles distinguish it from conventional light twins.
Specifications
- The Dornier Do 29 has a length of 9.5 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.2 m (43 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 290 km/h (180 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Built by Dornier in the late 1950s as part of NATO's interest in STOL battlefield support aircraft, the Do 29 first flew in 1958. Two prototypes were constructed and evaluated; the concept proved viable but was not developed into a production aircraft as turboprop and jet-powered alternatives were preferred.
Variants
Only two prototypes were built; no production version was developed.
Where you'll see it
Operated as experimental testbeds only; not used operationally by any air force.
Related aircraft
- Dornier Do 28
- Dornier Do 27
- Dornier Do 27A-4
- Dornier Do 25
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- Cessna 175 Skylark
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