Deutsche Aircraft has started to build its first test aircraft, TAC 1 for the D328eco program by starting work to extend a D328 fuselage.
The D328eco is a 40-seater regional turboprop being developed by German company Deutsche Aircraft. The eco is based on the D328-100, an aircraft that initially entered service 30 years ago.
A specifically developed precision tool is being used to cut the fuselage of TAC 1, so that it can be extended by 2m (6.5ft) and modified to serve as a D328eco test aircraft. The original D328 seated up to 30 passengers.
The cutting milestone was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, at which Deutsche Aircraft also announced that the D328eco program has made substantial progress in establishing a strong supply chain network with contracts secured for over 95% of its suppliers.
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.”
The D328eco is now expected to enter service towards the end of 2027, with the German aircraft maker blaming a two-year delay on regulatory changes.
The aircraft will be powered by PW127XT-S engines fully compatible with SAF and use a Garmin avionics suite. The PW127XT-S will be the third variant in Pratt’s XT series of engines and is being developed in parallel with the D328eco’s timeline.
Deutsche Aircraft completed a wind tunnel testing campaign last October.
The Dornier 328 (D328) originally entered service in 1993. Manufacturing of the aircraft stopped around 18 years ago, and Deutsche Aircraft, which was formerly called 328 Support Services, has been the Type Certificate holder for the D328 since 2006. There are around 200 Dornier 328 aircraft in service.
Deutsche Aircraft announced its plans to restart manufacturing with the revamped D328eco in 2019 and changed its name in 2021.
