Dornier 128

The Dornier 128 was a modest‑size, twin‑engine utility aircraft produced by the German manufacturer Dornier in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Developed as a derivative of the successful Do 27 light utility plane, the 128 was intended to meet the growing post‑war demand for versatile liaison, training and light‑transport aircraft in both civilian and military markets. Its airframe was an all‑metal, low‑wing monoplane with a semi‑monocoque fuselage and a retractable tricycle undercarriage, giving it a clean aerodynamic profile and relatively low drag for its class. Power came from two 270 hp (200 kW) Argus As 10C inverted‑V twelve‑cylinder air‑cooled engines, mounted on the wings in a pusher‑propeller arrangement that afforded an unobstructed forward view and helped reduce cabin noise. The cockpit accommodated a pilot and co‑pilot, while the cabin could be configured for two to four passengers or for specialised equipment such as radio‑navigation suites or photographic cameras.

In service, the 128 proved notable for its short‑take‑off and landing capabilities, a direct legacy of Dornier’s emphasis on STOL performance. Although production numbers remained limited, the aircraft demonstrated Dornier’s ability to adapt the rugged Do 27 concept to a twin‑engine layout, paving the way for later twin‑engine types such as the Do 28. Its blend of reliability, flexibility and modest operating costs earned it a reputation as a practical workhorse in regional air‑services and military training units throughout the 1960s.