During the Second World War, Heinrich Focke of Focke-Achgelis, a manufacturer of helicopters, developed a design for a short takeoff and landing aircraft that would utilise a system of pusher propellers, one on each wing in a pusher configuration, to provide downward thrust and enhance lift.

[1] In the 1950s, however, a renewed interest in STOL and VTOL aircraft led to a re-evaluation of Focke's concept.

Dornier was given a contract to develop an aircraft capable of demonstrating the tilting-propeller system.

The aircraft, given the designation Do 29, was based on the Do 27 light transport, modified with twin Lycoming GO-480 engines mounted below the wings.

[2] In the following flight testing, the propeller system was not rotated further than 60 degrees as opposed to its nominal 90 degree capability,[1] but the aircraft proved to be highly successful, with a stalling speed of 24 kilometres per hour (15 mph) and exceptional short-field performance.