Summary

  • Deutsche Aircraft constructing the D328eco test aircraft signifies progress in creating environmentally friendly turboprop planes.
  • The program secured 95% of suppliers, boosting chances of success for D328eco.
  • D328eco is designed for lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, pledging a more eco-friendly future.

Deutsche Aircraft, a German Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), announced that it has begun constructing its first D328eco test aircraft (TAC 1) by extending the Dornier D328 fuselage.

The announcement of the test aircraft development marks a key step in the company’s goal to create a new generation of environmentally friendly turboprop aircraft under the D328eco program, a new 40-seat sustainable turboprop regional airliner. This update was revealed at the

Farnborough Airshow

on July 25, 2024. Commenting on the development process, Nico Neumann, COO at Deutsche Aircraft, said:

“We are thrilled to announce the fuselage cut for the D328eco program. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our team, which has successfully started the TAC 1 development process. It showcases our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and enabling early flight testing for the D328eco”.

Furthermore, the program has made significant strides in building a robust supply chain network, having secured contracts with over 95% of its suppliers. According to Deutsche Aircraft, this positions the program well for success.

The D328eco program

In 2022, Deutsche Aircraft announced a significant investment in the D328eco program. So far, the company has identified Private Wings as its sole launch customer. In 2023, Deutsche Aircraft and Private Wings signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for the delivery of five D328eco aircraft.

The D328eco aircraft

Photo: Deutsche Aircraft

Private Wings, CEO Peter Gatz said:

“We see the D328eco as a great addition to our existing fleet of ten Dornier 328 aircraft. The D328eco is a natural step forward for Private Wings as we look to grow our business and fleet and seek the most operationally efficient yet sustainable solution to meet the needs of the market.”

According to the manufacturer, the D328eco, which builds on the older Dornier D328 model, will match the field performance of its predecessor while providing greater power and payload capacity, expanding its range of mission possibilities. Notably, the aircraft will be capable of landing on unpaved runways in challenging weather conditions.

The D328eco final assembly line is located at Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ).

Contributing to a greener future

Deutsche Aircraft promises that the D328eco will offer the lowest fuel consumption and carbon emissions on the market. This aircraft is designed to operate on 100% SAF power-to-liquid (PtL), which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95%.

The D328eco cockpit

Photo: Deutsche Aircraft

In addition, the aircraft will be capable of reaching service ceilings of up to 30,000 feet, enabling it to use less crowded upper airways, which reduces fuel consumption and allows for longer missions. Commenting on the start of the D328eco construction, Anastasija Visnakova, VP Sales, and Marketing at Deutsche Aircraft, added:

“The hard work that has gone into the design of the D328eco according to market needs will be integrated into the construction of the test aircraft, to deliver a best-in-class turboprop for regional and special mission operators.”

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