Fairchild Dornier DO-228-212 Specs and Description

Background/History

In the late 1970s Dornier GmbH developed a new kind of wing, the TNT (Tragflugel neuer Technologie), subsidized by the German Government. Dornier tested it on a modified Do 28D-2 Skyservant and with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-110 turboprop engines. Dornier then installed two Garrett AiResearch TPE-331-5 engines and named the aircraft Do-128. The company soon developed a new fuselage for the TNT and TPE331-5 in two variants (15 and 19 passenger) and named the aircrafts Do-228-100 and Do-228-200 respectively. Both prototypes were flown in 1981 for the first time. Over the years Dornier offered the 228 in upgraded variants and with special equipment for specific mission profiles. In 1998 the production line was halted for the development of the successor Fairchild-Dornier 328. Later, in 2007 production was resumed with deliveries currently expected in 2010.

Power

The Dornier Do-228 is equipped with two Garrett AiResearch TPE-331-5 turboprop engines rated at 776shp each. Each engine drives four blade constant speed Hartzell propellers. Inspection interval on the engines is 2,000 hours.

Avionics

The Do-228 avionics package varies to a large degree. However, the most basic avionics suite includes VHF communication, a transponder, an audio selector, and an intercom system. The IFR instrumentation contains dual gyro horizons, dual HSIs, ADIs, VSIs and dual altimeters. Additional options include a Spectrolab SX-16P searchlight, Primus 500 color weather radar, GEC Marconi’s Electro Optics Multi-Sensor Turret System, Sextant’s Totem-3000 internal navigation/global positioning system, the IFF 400AM system and an annotating camera.

Design Features

The Do-228 is a medium range, twin turboprop, STOL-utility, business aircraft configured in a high wing, conventional tail design. Landing gear is electro/hydraulically operated with the nose wheel controllable via the rudder pedals. Two fuselage length versions, the 100 and 200, were developed concurrently, the 100 offering better range and the 200 more payload. Composites were used in a number of secondary structure areas on the 228 including upper wing skins, nose, and tail.

Accomodations

The Do-228 is a large business sized aircraft typically configured for 15 to 19 passengers arranged in an airline style layout. An air conditioned system with individual air outlets affords superior passenger comfort. A dual handrail air stair door improves accessibility and provides added safety. A large exterior cargo door enables easy access to passenger luggage. Cabin length is 20.7ft., width is 4.4ft., and height is 5.1ft.