Deutsche Aircraft officially launches D328eco
September 25, 2024
German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft has officially launched its D328eco, a more efficient evolution to the previous conventionally-powered D328 turboprop; something it says “represents a paradigm shift in sustainable and efficient air travel technology”.
Building on what the OEM describes as “the heritage of aircraft pioneers and Dornier’s reputation for design, quality and innovative aircraft solutions,” Deutsche Aircraft is the only German manufacturer of regional commercial aircraft. It plans to certify its D328eco initially for the American market, defining its updated platform as “a compelling alternative to ageing aircraft in the regional US market”.
The 40-seater D328eco will have a maximum range of 655 nautical miles at full capacity, while with a maximum cruising speed of 324 kts, “will be capable of flying faster than any other turboprop aircraft currently in production” stated Deutsche Aircraft. “Its ability to operate on shorter runways enables access to remote communities, fostering economic growth and boosting tourism in underserved areas,” added the OEM.
Construction work of the first D328eco test aircraft, the DAC 1, commenced in July of this year; described by Deutsche Aircraft chief operating officer Nico Neumann as “showcasing [the company’s] commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and enabling early flight testing for the D328eco”.
In service, the D328eco will feature a Garmin Companion flight deck and a jet-bridge-compatible forward door, something described as a first for the regional segment. These features will combine with a cabin that “[proves] itself as a turboprop of the 21st century that can cater to the demands and expectations of the jet-driven North American market”.
The 32-seat turboprop-powered Dornier 328, itself described by Deutsche Aircraft as “the leader in field performance in this category,” was initially produced by Dornier before its acquisition by Fairchild Aircraft in 1996. After the bankruptcy of Fairchild Dornier in 2002, production rights to the D328 were subsequently acquired by AvCraft Aviation (which also folded in 2005), with 328 Support Services then acquiring the D328’s type certificate in 2006.
This was passed to US engineering company Sierra Nevada Corporation in 2015, with the proposed D328NEU (to be built by the newly-established DRA) formally rebranded to the D328eco in April 2020. DRA also officially created a new brand, Deustsche Aircaft, completing the aircraft’s long and seemingly complex lineage.
