Photo: Deutsche Aircraft
The German manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft is on a roll this year. It made important steps toward the commercial launch of the D328eco, the revolutionary platform that could change regional aviation. It also officially unveiled the D328 UpLift after being selected by DLR (the German Aerospace Center) to provide the flying test laboratory for its Uplift program.
As its name suggests, the D328eco is supposed to be the eco-friendly, upgraded version of the classic Dornier 328. In response to climate change and sustainability challenges, this new aircraft combines fuel efficiency with the best economics in its class. Its engines are not only more efficient compared to previous generations but also designed to run on 100% SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), which can reduce emissions drastically.
It also boasts a state-of-the-art avionics suite developed by Garmin for advanced situational awareness and the best user experience. It claims to be the first brand-new flight deck introduced on a sub-90-seat regional aircraft this century.
The D32eco was also designed to be versatile like no other aircraft in its class. It combines a modular cabin layout with a large door (operable in-flight) and the ability to convert quickly. As a result, the same platform that was primarily intended for regional passenger flights can be successfully used for emergency operations (including aerial firefighting) and humanitarian missions. Last but not least, this new-generation turboprop also promises a highly competitive seat-mile cost.
The most recent milestone in the D328eco development process is linked to supplier contracts. The German manufacturer says it has secured 90% of the supply chain for its new-generation regional aircraft. Plus, it secured partnerships with industry players in Northern Norway for future operations in the area.
Deutsche Aircraft also took another step production-wise by officially opening a new Logistics Center in Leipzig. This is where the components for the D238eco will be delivered. This new facility unfolds over 500 square meters (5,381 square feet), and it's only ten minutes away from the Final Assembly Line. The first D328eco is expected to be produced here soon.
In the meantime, a D328 turboprop in the UpLift livery was displayed for the first time at this year's National Aviation Conference in Hamburg. As part of DLR's program, the D328 UpLift will act as a test bed for several green technologies.
Deutsche Aircraft is also continuing its pioneering work related to hydrogen-electric propulsion in collaboration with H2Fly and GE Aerospace. A Dornier 328 twin-turboprop will be fitted with two GE electric motors in addition to its standard PW119 engines, with power supplied by a fuel cell system developed by H2Fly.
Most recently, the German company concluded a wind tunnel testing campaign for the project's technology demonstrator, the D328 ALPHA. The demonstrator won't take to the sky earlier than 2025, but this extensive nine-week campaign was a huge step in the right direction.
It also boasts a state-of-the-art avionics suite developed by Garmin for advanced situational awareness and the best user experience. It claims to be the first brand-new flight deck introduced on a sub-90-seat regional aircraft this century.
The D32eco was also designed to be versatile like no other aircraft in its class. It combines a modular cabin layout with a large door (operable in-flight) and the ability to convert quickly. As a result, the same platform that was primarily intended for regional passenger flights can be successfully used for emergency operations (including aerial firefighting) and humanitarian missions. Last but not least, this new-generation turboprop also promises a highly competitive seat-mile cost.
The most recent milestone in the D328eco development process is linked to supplier contracts. The German manufacturer says it has secured 90% of the supply chain for its new-generation regional aircraft. Plus, it secured partnerships with industry players in Northern Norway for future operations in the area.
Deutsche Aircraft also took another step production-wise by officially opening a new Logistics Center in Leipzig. This is where the components for the D238eco will be delivered. This new facility unfolds over 500 square meters (5,381 square feet), and it's only ten minutes away from the Final Assembly Line. The first D328eco is expected to be produced here soon.
In the meantime, a D328 turboprop in the UpLift livery was displayed for the first time at this year's National Aviation Conference in Hamburg. As part of DLR's program, the D328 UpLift will act as a test bed for several green technologies.
Deutsche Aircraft is also continuing its pioneering work related to hydrogen-electric propulsion in collaboration with H2Fly and GE Aerospace. A Dornier 328 twin-turboprop will be fitted with two GE electric motors in addition to its standard PW119 engines, with power supplied by a fuel cell system developed by H2Fly.
Most recently, the German company concluded a wind tunnel testing campaign for the project's technology demonstrator, the D328 ALPHA. The demonstrator won't take to the sky earlier than 2025, but this extensive nine-week campaign was a huge step in the right direction.
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