Dornier Do 27H2

In service: 1958 - 2008

Registration: V-601 and V-607

Air picture operations or operations relating to the ground recognised air picture (GRP) were provided for by the air force with the Do 27H2 until the autumn of 2008. The two machines still available until then were stationed at Dubendorf. With the final flight of a Do 27 on 29 September 2008, an era of 50 years finally came to an end.

A replacement had to be sought, when the Messerschmitt Me 108B Taifun and the Fieseler Fi 156 Storch were decommissioned. The Dornier Do 27H2 aircraft with short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities was chosen for this. In 1958, the Federal Councils decided to procure seven Do 27 aircraft for the former Swiss Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Troops. The machines were given the matriculation numbers of V-601 to V-607 and became operational in 1958. Although civilian aircraft markings were reserved in 1958 for four of these Do 27, only two were actually registered on 20 August 1959, namely 'HB-HAC' (work number 2013) and 'HB-HAD' (work number 2014, after 1968, V-607). Since, this versatile type has proven its worth in all respects.

As the engine was generally felt to be loud and unpleasant, all aircraft were afterwards equipped with silencers designated 'Frankfurter Topf', thus significantly reducing the noise level.

On 30 May 1981, the former Swiss Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Command (SAFAAC) auctioned their obsolete aircraft for the first time. The remaining 23 former Pilatus P-2 and two Dornier Do 27H2 trainer aircraft were sold to private persons at an auction in Dubendorf.