Dornier Do 28D Skyservant

Dornier · Germany · first flew 1966 · transport aircraft

The Dornier Do 28D Skyservant is a German twin-engine STOL utility transport that served widely with military and civil operators for its excellent short-field performance and rugged construction. Its unusual twin-boom tail and under-wing-mounted engines give it an immediately distinctive appearance.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, straight
E — Engines2 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — FuselageTwin Lycoming piston engines mounted on fuselage stubs below the high wing
T — TailTwin fin

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Spot it by:

Unmistakeable with its two piston engines mounted on short fuselage sponsors under the high wing, twin-boom tail, and slab-sided rectangular fuselage; the large cargo door on the left rear fuselage is also distinctive.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1966 as a development of the smaller Do 28, the Skyservant was ordered in quantity by the Luftwaffe and exported to numerous countries. Over 240 were built by 1980. The German Navy (Deutsche Marine) and Luftwaffe operated the type extensively for transport, liaison, and reconnaissance duties.

Variants

The Do 28D-1 and D-2 were the main sub-variants with different avionics and equipment fits; the Dornier 128 was a turboprop development.

Where you'll see it

Widely used by the Luftwaffe, Deutsche Marine, and numerous export customers in Africa, South America, and Asia; the type served the German armed forces until the 1990s.

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