Dornier Do 31 in Royal Navy Service

[rickshaw]

Dornier Do 31 in Royal Navy Service

 

The Dornier Do 31 was a West German experimental VTOL jet transport built by Dornier. The Do 31 was designed to meet a NATO specification (NBMR-4) for a tactical support aircraft for the EWR VJ 101 VTOL strike aircraft designed under the NATO contract of BMR-3.

 

In the early 1960s, the German Air Force became increasingly concerned that its airfields were vulnerable to air attack from Eastern Bloc forces and actively researched the possibility of dispersed operations which included flying from Autobahnen but required aircraft with STOVL capabilities. Part of these trials involved the modification of German F-104 Starfighters to be rocket-launched from stationary ramps in what became known as the ZELL program. The Starfighters were to be recovered to short strips using aircraft carrier-type arresting gear. The Do 31 was intended to use the same strips as forward operating bases.

 

When the high cost, technical and logistical difficulties were realised, the German Air Force ceased trials involving VTOL aircraft such as the VJ101, and the later VFW VAK 191B which resulted in the cancellation of these projects and further use of these aircraft was limited to research purposes only. The utility of the Do 31 saved it from this fate. Instead Research and Development (R&D) continued.

 

Initial designs incorporated a Bristol Pegasus vectored-thrust turbofan in each of the two inboard nacelles and four Rolls-Royce RB162 lift engines in each of the outer nacelles. It was planned to dispense with the outer nacelles and their engines when larger RB153 turbofans (of approximately 5,000 lbf (22 kN) thrust) became available. By mounting the engines in pods, the fuselage could provide a capacious hold with a rear loading ramp.

 

The Dornier 31 entered service with the German Air Force in 1971. Initially in an airfield support role, where dispersed aircraft could be resupplied directly to their hidden airbases on the nation's Autobahns. It then, later became the standard battlefield support aircraft of the German Army. In the meantime, other NATO allies had become interested in the V/STOL transport. It's ability to hover and land on tennis court sized landing zones like a helicopter but to cruise at aircraft speeds was interesting. The Norwegian, Dutch, Belgium and Italian air forces all adopted the aircraft in small numbers. The RAF was not far behind, replacing some of it's outmoded heavy lift helicopters. It was particularly found useful by all services for long range Search and Rescue, being able to cruise far out to sea and still directly rescue downed pilots.

 

With the launch of HMS Queen Elizabeth the Royal Navy found itself needing a considerably larger Carrier-Onboard-Delivery aircraft than the Fairey Gannets it had used up until that date for the emergency delivery and withdrawal of personnel and equipment that had to be rushed to it's carriers. The Royal Marines became particularly interested when they tested the aircraft for suitability in the assault role. It's ability to lift small vehicles, carrying heavy weapons was particularly appreciated. It allowed the Assault Carriers to stay further off shore when launching an assault.

 

The Dornier Do.31 filled the bill perfectly.

 

 

The Model

 

The model is the 1/72 Planet Models version of the Do 31. It was painted with a hairy stick using Tamiya paints. Unfortunately, the Future seems to have made them darker than they actually are. If people are interested, I will take more photos. The decals are codgered together from the decals box.

 

Edited July 20, 2017 by rickshaw

[Crackingjob]

Excellant, though the story could be that having scrapped Sea Harriers they fitted the engines to new air frames....I believe the Pegasus was a possible choice.....love the aircraft .....the RNs version of the US Osprey tilt rotor....it would really work .

[Pete in Lincs]

Like it, nice story too.