Do 328 Aircraft: A Comprehensive Overview
The Do 328 is a German-built turboprop aircraft designed and manufactured by Dornier Aviation (formerly Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) in the 1990s. The aircraft was intended for regional airline and corporate use, offering a unique combination of performance, efficiency, and comfort. In this article, we will delve into the history, design, and features of the Do 328, as well as its significance in the aviation industry.
History of the Do 328
The Do 328 was developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a replacement for the earlier Dornier 228, which was a popular turboprop aircraft in the regional airline market. The Do 328 was designed to be a more modern, efficient, and comfortable aircraft, with a focus on reducing operating costs and improving passenger experience.
The Do 328 made its maiden flight in 1990 and entered commercial service in 1994. However, the aircraft’s production run was relatively short-lived, with only 78 units produced before the company went bankrupt in 2002. Despite this, the Do 328 remains an important part of aviation history, and its legacy can still be seen in the modern turboprop aircraft that followed.
Design and Features
The Do 328 is a high-wing, twin-turboprop aircraft with a sleek and modern design. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,500 kg (29,800 lbs) and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW119B turboprop engines, each producing 1,950 horsepower.
The Do 328 has a maximum cruising speed of 460 km/h (290 mph) and a range of approximately 1,500 km (932 miles). The aircraft has a maximum capacity of 32 passengers and can be configured for either passenger or cargo transport.
Some of the key features of the Do 328 include:
- State-of-the-art avionics: The Do 328 was equipped with a modern glass cockpit, featuring a Collins Pro Line III avionics system with a multi-function display (MFD) and a head-up display (HUD).
- Advanced engine technology: The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW119B engines were designed to be more efficient and reliable than earlier turboprop engines, with a lower operating cost and reduced maintenance requirements.
- Comfortable cabin: The Do 328 has a spacious and comfortable cabin, with ample legroom and overhead storage compartments. The aircraft is also equipped with air conditioning, pressurization, and oxygen systems to ensure a comfortable flight experience for passengers.
Specifications
Here are some key specifications for the Do 328:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 13,500 kg (29,800 lbs) |
| Length | 20.47 m (67.2 ft) |
| Height | 7.39 m (24.3 ft) |
| Wingspan | 21.35 m (70 ft) |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 460 km/h (290 mph) |
| Range | 1,500 km (932 miles) |
| Service Ceiling | 8,230 m (27,000 ft) |
| Engines | 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW119B turboprop engines |
| Thrust | 1,950 horsepower each |
Operators and Routes
The Do 328 was operated by several regional airlines and corporate operators around the world. Some of the notable operators of the Do 328 include:
- Finnair: Operated the Do 328 in Finland and the Baltic States.
- Lufthansa CityLine: Operated the Do 328 in Germany and Europe.
- British Midland Airways: Operated the Do 328 in the UK and Europe.
- Corporate operators: Several corporate operators, including private companies and government agencies, operated the Do 328 for charter and special mission purposes.
The Do 328 was used for a variety of routes, including:
- Short-haul regional flights: The Do 328 was used for short-haul regional flights, connecting cities and towns within a few hundred kilometers.
- Cargo transport: The aircraft was also used for cargo transport, carrying packages and freight for various industries.
- Special mission flights: The Do 328 was used for special mission flights, including medical transport, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring.
Legacy of the Do 328
Although the production run of the Do 328 was relatively short, the aircraft left a lasting legacy in the aviation industry. The Do 328 was a pioneering aircraft that introduced many innovative features and technologies that are now common in modern turboprop aircraft.
Some of the key legacies of the Do 328 include:
- Advancements in turboprop technology: The Do 328 introduced several advancements in turboprop technology, including the use of modern avionics and advanced engine design.
- Improved passenger experience: The Do 328 was designed to provide a more comfortable and modern passenger experience, with amenities such as air conditioning and pressurization.
- Increased efficiency: The Do 328 was designed to be more efficient than earlier turboprop aircraft, with a lower operating cost and reduced maintenance requirements.
In conclusion, the Do 328 was a significant aircraft in the history of aviation, offering a unique combination of performance, efficiency, and comfort. Although its production run was relatively short, the aircraft left a lasting legacy in the industry, influencing the design and development of future turboprop aircraft.
