The Dornier D328 is getting its successor, the D328eco. As announced at the last airshow in Farnborough, Deutsche Aircraft, the successor to the failed Fairchild Dornier aircraft program, has begun assembling the new D328eco aircraft.
It was announced that Deutsche Aircraft has successfully begun construction of the first test aircraft, TAC 1, by starting work on a D328 fuselage extension that will accommodate 40 passengers. “This achievement not only represents significant progress for the D328eco program, but also highlights the outstanding teamwork involved in the development process. The use of a specially developed TAC 1 precision fuselage cutting tool demonstrates the expertise required for this meticulous task by Deutsche Aircraft’s engineering team,” Deutsche Aircraft said in a media release.
The D328eco program has made significant progress in establishing a strong supply chain network. With contracts secured for more than 95% of its suppliers, the program looks promising so far.
“We are delighted to announce fuselage reductions for the D328eco program,” said Nico Neumann, Deutsche Aircraft’s chief operating officer. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our team, which has successfully started the TAC 1 development process. It demonstrates our commitment to providing superior solutions and enabling early flight testing for the D328eco.”
“The start of construction of the test D328eco is great news for the company and the market,” added Anastasija Visnakova, vice president of sales and marketing at Deutsche Aircraft. “The hard work put into designing the D328eco in line with market needs will be integrated into the design of the test aircraft, to deliver a best-in-class turboprop for regional and special mission operators.”
The D328eco program aims to revolutionize regional aviation with an environmentally friendly and cost-effective aircraft. With its advanced technologies and sustainable design, the D328eco offers operators improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, contributing to a greener future for the aviation industry.
Earlier this year, Deutsche Aircraft announced that a letter of intent had been signed for the purchase of 5 D328eco aircraft by the carrier Private Wings, making it the first customer of the said aircraft.
You can read more about Dornier, the failed company that was the carrier of the D328 aircraft program, as well as the program that ultimately destroyed the company, in our text From History: Fairchild Dornier 728 – the plane that never took off
