Dornier Do 28
Dornier · Germany · first flew 1959 · light aircraft
The Dornier Do 28 was a West German twin-engine utility light transport distinguished by its pair of piston engines mounted on short stub wings projecting from the lower fuselage, leaving the main wing entirely clean. This layout derived directly from Dornier's flying-boat tradition and eased engine-out handling.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Twin piston engines mounted on stub sponsors projecting from the lower fuselage sides, not on the wings |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin piston engines mounted on stub sponsors projecting from the lower fuselage sides, not on the wings
- High straight wing with rectangular planform
- Boxy pod-and-boom fuselage of classic Dornier utility lineage
The outboard stub sponsors carrying the engines are the defining feature; no other light twin of the period used this arrangement. The high wing and angular cabin give a workmanlike profile.
Specifications
- The Dornier Do 28 has a length of 9.15 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13 m (43 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 280 km/h (174 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 crew, up to 6 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Do 28 first flew on 26 April 1959 as a scaled-up development of the single-engine Do 27. The sponsor-mounted engine arrangement was characteristic of Dornier design philosophy. It was certificated and entered production in 1960, selling in modest numbers worldwide before being succeeded by the turboprop Do 28D Skyservant.
Variants
The Do 28A used Lycoming O-540 engines; the Do 28B introduced uprated powerplants. The substantially redesigned Do 28D Skyservant that followed shares the name but is a distinct aircraft.
Where you'll see it
The German armed forces, Lufthansa flight inspection, and numerous civil operators used the Do 28; it proved durable on rough strips in Africa and South America. Production totalled around 60 aircraft.
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- Dornier Do 29
- Dornier Do 27
- Dornier Do 32
- Dornier Do 27A-4
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