The Do 27 which Boschung Global is offering is a little more special that most, given that it was once flown by NASA Astronaut Neil Armstrong. Built in 1959, this aircraft is one of sixteen B-3 dual control machines produced. It began its use as a research platform in 1960, operating initially from Oberpfaffenhoffen with ESt 61 (Erprobungsstelle) and thereafter from Braunschweig with the German Test and Research Institute for Aviation and Spaceflight – in which colours it still wears today. In 1969 the Dornier was equipped with Fly-By-Wire systems for flight testing, the aircraft continuing to be involved in aerospace, experimental flights and occasionally glider towing for more than two decades thereafter.

In 2018 the Dornier was passed into private ownership and made appearances at various air shows where it demonstrated the type’s now legendary flying prowess.

AIRCRAFT DETAILS:

Airframe:

TTSN 3’620 hrs

4’850 Total Landings

Engine(s):

1x Lycoming GO-480-B1A6

TSO 980 hrs

TBO 1400 hrs

Overhauled in 1988, one cylinder replaced 2021.

Propeller(s):

1x Hartzell HC-82-V20-1B / V101 33D-3

TSO 150 hrs

TBO 1500 hrs; 5 yrs LTA insp. in 2022

Avionics / Radios:

GARMIN GNC 255A VHF COM/NAV 8,33 kHz

FLIGHTCOM 403 6-place intercom

GARMIN GTX 330 Mode S Transponder

ACK A-30 ALT Encoder

Bendix King KG102A Directional Gyro with slaving unit

Bendix King KI252A HSI

Bendix King RMI KI-229

(ADF receiver currently not installed, wiring exists for Becker AD2070)

Additional equipment

Aircraft is presently equipped with 4 seats.

A second seat bench is included in the offer to operate the aircraft in a 6-seat configuration (only seat belts subject to replacement).

Being the -B3 version of the Dornier 27, the aircraft features dual controls with one set of brakes on the pilot side.

On the bottom side to the rear of the pilots, there is a large camera hole facing directly downwards for photo missions.

This was used for reconnaissance missions on the military versions of the Dornier 27. Furthermore, it is possible to open the rear doors in flight, making the aircraft perfect for aerial photography as well as parachute dropping.

The Dornier 27s speed range from stall speed (24 kts) to never exceed speed (178 kts) is remarkable and makes it worth to see on airshows.

Its slats and flaperons support the STOL-abilities of the aircraft. Together with its useful load of 600kg, this is a very versatile airplane.

HISTORY & BACKGROUND

Built in 1959, this Dornier 27 (s/n 392) was used as a research platform starting in 1960. Registered as YA+913 and later 56+84, the aircraft was assigned to ESt 61 (Erprobungsstelle) in Oberpfaffenhoffen and later served the German Test- and Research Institute for Aviation and Spaceflight (DFVLR) in Braunschweig. She is still wearing the latter's paint scheme today.

In 1969, the aircraft was equipped with one of the first Fly-By-Wire systems for flight test. During demonstration flights in 1971, NASA-astronaut Neil Armstrong was on board of the aircraft, taking control of the side stick.

In 1994, the meanwhile D-EDFL-registered aircraft was transferred to the flying group of the German Aerospace Center (DLR)

and remained in Braunschweig for another 24 years,  being used for glider towing on behalf of the DLR and air-to-air photo missions for various experimental flights.

Since 2018, the aircraft is privately owned. With its appearance on various airshows, it continues to commemorate the aviation achievements of the Dornier 27.