Summary
- Deutsche Aircraft is reviving the Dornier 328 name with the D328eco program, aiming to achieve zero-emission operations by 2035.
- The aircraft can operate on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the manufacturer is collaborating with Pratt & Whitney Canada on new propulsion technology involving SAF and hydrogen.
- The D328eco has the potential to open up new regional services to isolated airports with short runways and challenging terrains, making it a vital tool for promoting regional economic growth.
The D328eco program was initially launched by Deutsche Aircraft in 2020. The German outfit seeks zero-emission operations with its 40-seat regional model by 2035. However, the maiden flight of the plane is targeted for the summer of 2025 before it is introduced the following year.
Old but new
Those familiar with short-haul aviation will recognize the Dornier 328 name. The original conducted its first flight in 1991 and went on to have 217 examples built. Moreover, 110 units of the jet edition, the Fairchild-Dornier 328JET were built between 1996 and 2002.
Bringing the classic into the modern era, Deutsche Aircraft has sustainability and efficiency on its mind with the new edition. Notably, the plane can operate on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Powered by PW127XT-S engines, the aircraft’s manufacturer is working with Pratt & Whitney Canada on new propulsion technology involving SAF and hydrogen.
Regional prospects
During the groundbreaking for the D328eco’s final assembly line at Leipzig/Halle Airport, it was announced that charter carrier Private Wings signed a letter of intent to be the aircraft’s launch customer. The airline caters to corporations, sports teams, and special event outfits, and already holds nine of the D328 turboprops and a D328 jet. So, the eco is a natural progression for the company.
Deutsche Aircraft is working for the aircraft to reach up to 600 km/h (373 mph). Moreover, it will have the ability to take off and land on runways with a length of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
With a max payload of 9,260 lbs, the plane has a range of 740 KM (400 NM). In practice, the aircraft could enable new services to isolated airports in tricky terrains. After all, Deutsche Aircraft highlights that the eco is “a vital tool to promote regional economic growth.”
Deutsche Aircraft VP Sales & Marketing Anastasija Visnakova told the following to Simple Flying:
“The aircraft can land on very short runways easily with decent load factors. So, 800-meter runways with a 75% load factor are not a problem for us at all. We’re even looking further to improve it. Unpaved runways, difficult weather conditions, everything that is, let’s say, non-conventional, these aircraft are capable of handling. Our main focus is regional operators who are in need of replacement of their aging fleet of theirs.”
It’s been a busy year for the company, marked by a major update in the summer. In June, Deutsche Aircraft delivered a D328 to German Aerospace Centre (DLR). The aircraft will be used as a flying test lab to help develop hydrogen technologies.
Speaking of testing, the activity hasn’t stopped. This week, Deutsche Aircraft announced that it completed extensive wind-tunnel testing for the 328ALPHA technology demonstrator. The goal of this project is “to evaluate, develop and flight-test promising technologies that will reduce aviation emissions, such as electric propulsion, fuel cells and liquid hydrogen storage.”
Comfort in the cabin
While sustainability is at the heart of the project, the passenger experience will not be lost. Simple Flying had the opportunity to hop in a cabin mock-up of Deutsche Aircraft’s model at the Paris Air Show June. There is plenty of space to be had on board.
The redesigned seats offer lots of room for movement while there is an abundance of space in the stowage compartments. Nonetheless, the manufacturer remains mindful of its sustainability motives, choosing recycled or recyclable materials for its components.
With introduction expected in just three years, we can anticipate several more updates from Deutsche Aircraft in the coming months. We will be keeping a close eye on progressions ahead of the first flights!
What are your thoughts about the D328eco program? What do you make of the prospects of the aircraft? Let us know what you think in the comment section.