Deutsche Aircraft’s D328eco will not enter into service until the end of 2027, with the German aircraft maker blaming regulatory changes for the delay.
The D328eco 40-seater regional turboprop, based on aircraft that initially entered service 30 years ago and was set to enter service at the end of next year. However, this has been put back two years because of changes to the certification process and the compliance requirements.
The company said that the reasons behind this decision are multifaceted and that the revised timeline will enable Deutsche Aircraft to implement additional capabilities and improvements to the regional turboprop.
Possible new features and performance enhancements being considered for the D328eco include improvements to its STOL (Short Take-off and Landing) performance in non-benign operational environments and adding advanced avionics capabilities.
Deutsche Aircraft said any changes will be made in the context of the current certification and program envelope and enable the D328eco to better meet customers’ needs.
Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft said, “While we have had to realign the entry into service for our D328eco, we are taking this opportunity to investigate further product enhancements.
“We are satisfied with the progress of the program to date. Our certification panels with EASA are advancing successfully, construction for our Final Assembly Line in Leipzig has begun and we have secured over 95% of our suppliers, including those providing access to strategic growth markets.”
Deutsche Aircraft is expected to announce further progress later this month at the Farnborough Airshow.
Based on the D328-100, the D328eco 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.
