Dornier 228

The Dornier 228 is among the most versatile and most advanced high-wing aircraft in its class. This is why authorities all over the world count on it when it comes to demanding special missions of various kinds. Key features are the long range, high utilization rates and high payload – and all this at impressively low operational costs. Pilots know that there is hardly another aircraft combining state-of-the-art technology and efficiency in the way the Dornier 228 does. Depending entirely on the individual customer‘s needs, RUAG supplies the Dornier 228 as special mission, commuter or cargo transportation aircraft.

With its Transport Category OEI field performance, control and engine responsiveness and wide range of operational speed (74 to 223 KIAS), the Dornier 228 ensures safe margins throughout the entire mission envelope.

Rectangular cross-section and volume:

• Allow for large operator console(s) and still guarantee safe egress path
• Floor structure offering several spot for sensors installation without a need for structural reinforcements
• Flat bottom and side for easy sensors integration and low fuselage interference
• Retractable gear allowing for unobstructed 360° radar scan
• Aft cargo area configurable and accessible in flight (drop-hole possible)
• 30 second quick change pax/cargo door
• Roller door, in-flight operation (optional)

The structure of the fuselage is a conventional alloy construction (non-pressurized fuselage). The structure of the wing is new technology. While a conventional wing has a main and a secondary spar, ribs and stringers and sheet metal skin – riveted together – the Dornier 228 wing structure is a box formed from four integrally milled alloy panels. Leading edge is conventional alloy sheet metal with ribs and stringers, trailing edge and fowler flaps are made from para-aramid synthetic fiber (Kevlar).

The Dornier 228 flies with the Honeywell TPE-331-10, a single shaft engine, that is extremely compact for its size yet delivers high power capabilities, immediate and direct responsiveness and low acceleration time. The best-in-class performance of the Dornier 228 has been significantly improved by the upgrade to a 5-blade, composite propeller in combination with the fuel-efficient TPE331-10 engine. Improved performance and enhanced operational capabilities are realized over the entire flight profile.

The Dornier 228 is the only 3rd-generation aircraft in its class and has been natively designed to the FAR23/CS23 commuter category airworthiness standard, which gives safety margin equivalent to transport category aircraft. Its advanced design provides the Dornier 228 with unmatched performance, payload capacity, operational flexibility and efficiency. Due to its advanced aerodynamics, the Dornier 228 is able to match or exceed the STOL performance of competitors on the same payload, while cruising up to 50 kts faster.

The Dornier 228 is the platform of choice for special mission operations taking place between low level and 10,000 ft. Military and government law enforcement organisations operate the Dornier 228 worldwide for maritime patrol (pollution control, search and rescue, border control, fishery patrol), research flights, surveillance and reconnaissance, and light transport operations (cargo, paratrooper, passenger, medevac).

The Dornier 228 success is proven by the over four million hours flown to date. Based on continuous improvements and innovations the Dornier 228 offers a high level of safety, even in its standard version, and is one of the most reliable aircraft in the world with its mix of a mature design and innovative technologies.