A multi-mission humanitarian version of the Dornier 328 turboprop will be developed by type certificate holder 328 Support Services (328 SSG) and sales and leasing company AMC Aviation, working with partners Jetran International and Jetcor Aviation Services. The initial agreement will see the conversion of three aircraft.
The first two D328s are ex Corning aircraft. The plan is for them to arrive at 328’s base at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport, near Munich, Germany, in August 2018, with final delivery in early 2019.
The work will include C1 through to C4 maintenance checks and avionics upgrades. Modifications will include ADS-B out, Dual Flight Management, satcom with wi-fi and satellite tracking capabilities, a gravel kit for better unapproved runway operations, and provisioning for systems including a retractable turret for EO/IR camera installations. A third aircraft will undergo the same modifications, and also feature an air-operable aft cargo door and oversized windows.
The 328s will be delivered with 12 interior options in passenger/passenger-cargo (combi)/ medevac/casevac versions. In each the toilet and galley system will be relocated to the forward portion of the aircraft for aft loading and air dropping of cargo.
328 SSG is currently engaged on a Re-Entry into Service inspection program. This certifies that the type certificate holder has inspected and repaired the aircraft to near production level standards so they can operate in jurisdictions that have strict aircraft age limitations.
“Holding a Re-Entry into Service Certificate, issued by the type certificate holder – as well as the maintenance, inspections, upgrades and modifications – will endorse an aircraft not currently seen in this category,” said Dave Jackson, CEO at 328 SSG. “It will also greatly improve operational capabilities for the future.”
