Deutsche Aircraft selected Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127XT-S engine to power its new regional turboprop aircraft, the Dornier 328eco. The new powerplant, which was unveiled during the 2021 Dubai Air Show, will enable lower operating costs and reduce the environmental impact of flights.
«Turboprop technology remains the most efficient and eco-friendly form of regional air transport available in the world», noted Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. The executive also commented that both companies will cooperate in the study and development of new propulsion technologies.
According to Pratt & Whitney, the new engine will reduce maintenance costs by up to 20%. In addition, it will consume 3% less fuel compared to the PW127E/M engines currently used by ATR aircraft.
The joint work will focus on studying the ability to operate with two of the main sustainable aviation fuels: Power-to-Liquid, a liquid hydrocarbon synthetically produced from electrical energy from renewable sources, and hydrogen. Both companies will study their impact and the necessary conditions for large-scale implementation.
In a statement, Deutsche Aircraft highlighted the first customer advisory meeting, which was held at the end of 2021. It reported that more than ten companies contributed their vision for the development of the Dornier 328eco. The meetings addressed operational and design issues of the aircraft.
With those considerations, the manufacturer completed last month a review of the product design, based on the work of the engineering and supply chain teams. «We were able to improve our product, not only through feedback from potential customers, but also through advanced discussions with some of our key suppliers», the company said.
On the other hand, they highlighted the recent conclusion of the aerodynamic studies and wind tunnel tests of the program. This marks the end of the first stage of a long series of initial tests, the results of which will be regularly reported over the coming months.
In line with this progress, Deutsche Aircraft has opened the recruitment process for the model’s final assembly line, which will be developed in Leipzig. According to the company, the goal is to achieve the certification of the Dornier 328eco during the second half of 2026.
See also: Flying in a Dornier 328JET: Taos Air reconnects California and Texas with the Rockies
