The Special Hobby SH72506 1/72 Dornier Do-27H-2 “Three Blade Propeller” is a 1/72 scale model kit of the Dornier Do 27, a versatile German light utility aircraft that was developed in the 1950s. This specific version, the Do-27H-2, features the three-blade propeller configuration, which is an important variant of the aircraft.
Key Features of the Kit:
- Scale: 1/72
- Manufacturer: Special Hobby, known for producing highly detailed kits of unique or less mainstream aircraft.
- Aircraft: The Dornier Do 27 was a light utility aircraft designed and built by Dornier Flugzeugwerke in the post-WWII era, primarily for military and civilian applications. It was a rugged, short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) aircraft capable of operating from relatively short and unimproved airstrips. The Do 27H-2 variant is equipped with a three-blade propeller, which was an upgrade for better performance, especially in terms of engine efficiency and reduced vibration.
- Markings: The Do-27H-2 model likely includes decals for a variety of user markings, such as German military (Bundeswehr), civilian operators, or other potential military users. The specific markings would showcase post-war German use, possibly from the early 1960s to 1970s.
- Quality: Special Hobby is known for producing excellent detail in their kits. This model likely comes with plastic parts, resin components (for finer details), and photo-etched parts (for delicate items like cockpit instruments, landing gear details, and other small parts). Expect good fitment with a moderate level of complexity that will suit intermediate to advanced modellers..
Key Details About the Dornier Do-27H-2:
- Role: The Do 27 served primarily as a light utility transport and reconnaissance aircraft. It was used for a variety of roles, including transporting personnel and cargo, aerial reconnaissance, and as a trainer aircraft. Due to its excellent STOL capabilities, it could operate from small airstrips in both military and civilian environments.
- Design: The Do 27 had a distinctive design with high-mounted wings, a taildragger landing gear configuration, and a rectangular fuselage. The three-blade propeller of the H-2 variant was an upgrade to the earlier two-blade configurations, improving both performance and reliability.
- Performance: The Do 27 was powered by a Wright R-975 radial engine, which was capable of providing adequate power for its role, especially in short-takeoff-and-landing operations. The aircraft’s top speed was around 185 mph (300 km/h), with a service ceiling of about 23,000 feet (7,000 meters).
- Operators: Initially designed for Germany, the Do 27 found wide use in West Germany, where it served in both civilian and military roles. It was also used by foreign military forces, including Spain, Israel, and others. Additionally, civilian operators used the aircraft for air taxi services and agricultural work.
Historical Context and Significance:
The Dornier Do 27 was one of the most iconic post-war German aircraft designed specifically for light utility and STOL operations. Its ruggedness and reliability made it a useful asset to many nations, and it was widely used in the 1950s and 1960s as a workhorse for both military and civilian operations.
The three-blade propeller version (Do-27H-2) was an improvement over the earlier models, increasing engine efficiency and vibration reduction. While the aircraft was eventually phased out in favor of more modern designs, it remains an important part of post-WWII aviation history, especially in the context of German aviation development after the war.
