Deutsche Aircraft delivers D328™ to German Aerospace Center (DLR) as next flying test lab for climate-friendly regional transport

• DLR and Deutsche Aircraft sign a contract in Paris for the use of a D328® as an industry-open Flying Testbed platform under the project title “UpLift” which will be financed by a public grant by BMWK.

• The German OEM Deutsche Aircraft equips a D328® Turboprop with far-reaching, universally usable basic modifications for the DLR to accelerate technology research and development towards climate-friendly aviation.

Le Bourget, 20 June 2023 Deutsche Aircraft has won the public tender with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for the step-by-step conversion of a Dornier 328 Turboprop into a flying testbed. The procurement, conversion and use as a flying testbed is part of the UpLift project for research into technologies for the use of hydrogen in aviation. By converting the D328, a classic regional aircraft, into a flying testbed, a bridge will be built between research and practice.

DLR will act as the project manager for UpLift. Deutsche Aircraft is one of the project partners and will contribute its expertise as an aircraft manufacturer. The plan is to test pioneering propulsion, fuel and system technologies under real flight conditions in order to accelerate research and development. The funding for 2023 to 2025 is part of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) aviation research program LuFo Klima, which is how the German government is supporting the aviation industry on its way to CO2 neutrality and climate compatibility.

German OEM for the future of German aviation

The D328, EASA's large aircraft class ("CS25"), provides the ideal platform for demonstrating new components and systems under test since it has a wide stand-up cabin which allows for various modular options. Aside from the space, the turboprop boasts a 30,000-foot flight ceiling, an upgradeable flight deck, the option to convert to 100% SAF, and strong field performance. The overall high performance and robustness of the aircraft, the expandable cockpit and, last but not least, the possibility of testing SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) and, in the future, hydrogen or other sustainable energy sources in flight, make the D328® the perfect tool for the research project. Future system technologies, fuel cells, fuel systems and their integration will play an important role here.

Furthermore, the OEM Deutsche Aircraft brings in the technological expertise and know-how to support DLR's research activities in UpLift. Deutsche Aircraft is also a partner to science and industry in other LuFo projects, working together to pave the way to climate-compatible aviation. Those relationships are an important component of the German aviation ecosystem, also in terms of developing chances for future aviators.  

Dr. oec. Jasmin Eberharter, Head of Research and Technology programs at Deutsche Aircraft, emphasizes: “The path towards climate-neutral flights is a joint effort between the whole aviation ecosystem. With UpLift, aviation experts have a significant opportunity to join forces across science and industry, further contributing and accelerating sustainable aviation.”

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chairwoman of the DLR Executive Board, says, "The new D328® UpLift research aircraft will perfectly complement DLR's research fleet as a flying test laboratory for hydrogen technologies and pave the way for a new generation of climate-compatible aircraft in the regional aircraft class. This new fleet member, in close partnership with the aviation industry, the air transport industry as well as SMEs and start-ups, gives DLR the opportunity to test disruptive approaches in the development of new propulsion systems including hybrid-electric concepts based on hydrogen technologies and novel fuels up to the flight test stage."

The D328® is particularly suitable for assessing innovative propulsion technologies in flight due to its specific design characteristics. In addition, the D328® is used worldwide for regional commercial flights with usual propulsion technologies, providing a wealth of reference values for the evaluation of new technologies. Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, emphasized what this agreement meant for the future developments: “The UpLift Programme and the D328® as a test platform is an important step towards paving the way for the future of the aviation industry. The D328® as a flying testbed platform will be crucial in laying out the groundwork for needed technological advancements.” Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft, is proud to have a D328® in DLR's fleet. He states that: “We are fully committed to support as an OEM the integration of emerging technologies, to move aviation and technologies towards climate neutral flights.”

(From left to right): Nico Neumann, Chief Operations Officer at Deutsche Aircraft, Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, Dr. Anna Christmann, Coordinator for Aerospace of the German Federal Government, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Dr.-Ing. Markus Fischer, Divisional Board Member Aeronautics at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Alexander Reinhardt, Managing Director of German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI)

About Deutsche Aircraft

Deutsche Aircraft is a German aircraft manufacturer built on the heritage of aviation pioneers that continues to propel the aviation industry forward with innovative solutions. Supported by a highly skilled and passionate team of international engineers and aviation experts, Deutsche Aircraft is developing the most advanced regional aircraft on the market: the D328eco. As type certificate holder and service partner for existing D328® (both prop and jet) operators worldwide, the company is uniquely positioned to complement the existing fleet with this next-generation aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft employs the latest technologies and best practices to ensure the highest levels of reliability, efficiency and sustainability for the D328eco. As a strategic partner for the sustainable development of regional air transport, Deutsche Aircraft is working with key players in the industry to achieve climate-neutral flights.

DLR at a glance

DLR is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research centre for aeronautics and space. They conduct research and development in aeronautics, space, energy and transport, security and digitisation. The German Space Agency at DLR is responsible for planning and implementing German space activities on behalf of the Federal Government. Two DLR project management agencies oversee funding programs and support knowledge transfer.

Globally, climate, mobility and technology are changing. DLR uses the expertise of its 55 institutes and facilities to develop solutions to these challenges. The 10,000 employees share a common mission: To explore the Earth and outer space and develop technologies for a sustainable future. In this way, they help to strengthen Germany as a centre of knowledge and business.

For media enquiries, please contact pressoffice@deutscheaircraft.com

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Building the future of flight

Deutsche Aircraft delivers D328™ to German Aerospace Center (DLR) as next flying test lab for climate-friendly regional transport

June 20, 2023
Deutsche Aircraft delivers D328™ to German Aerospace Center (DLR) as next flying test lab for climate-friendly regional transport

• DLR and Deutsche Aircraft sign a contract in Paris for the use of a D328® as an industry-open Flying Testbed platform under the project title “UpLift” which will be financed by a public grant by BMWK.

• The German OEM Deutsche Aircraft equips a D328® Turboprop with far-reaching, universally usable basic modifications for the DLR to accelerate technology research and development towards climate-friendly aviation.

Le Bourget, 20 June 2023 Deutsche Aircraft has won the public tender with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for the step-by-step conversion of a Dornier 328 Turboprop into a flying testbed. The procurement, conversion and use as a flying testbed is part of the UpLift project for research into technologies for the use of hydrogen in aviation. By converting the D328, a classic regional aircraft, into a flying testbed, a bridge will be built between research and practice.

DLR will act as the project manager for UpLift. Deutsche Aircraft is one of the project partners and will contribute its expertise as an aircraft manufacturer. The plan is to test pioneering propulsion, fuel and system technologies under real flight conditions in order to accelerate research and development. The funding for 2023 to 2025 is part of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) aviation research program LuFo Klima, which is how the German government is supporting the aviation industry on its way to CO2 neutrality and climate compatibility.

German OEM for the future of German aviation

The D328, EASA's large aircraft class ("CS25"), provides the ideal platform for demonstrating new components and systems under test since it has a wide stand-up cabin which allows for various modular options. Aside from the space, the turboprop boasts a 30,000-foot flight ceiling, an upgradeable flight deck, the option to convert to 100% SAF, and strong field performance. The overall high performance and robustness of the aircraft, the expandable cockpit and, last but not least, the possibility of testing SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) and, in the future, hydrogen or other sustainable energy sources in flight, make the D328® the perfect tool for the research project. Future system technologies, fuel cells, fuel systems and their integration will play an important role here.

Furthermore, the OEM Deutsche Aircraft brings in the technological expertise and know-how to support DLR's research activities in UpLift. Deutsche Aircraft is also a partner to science and industry in other LuFo projects, working together to pave the way to climate-compatible aviation. Those relationships are an important component of the German aviation ecosystem, also in terms of developing chances for future aviators.  

Dr. oec. Jasmin Eberharter, Head of Research and Technology programs at Deutsche Aircraft, emphasizes: “The path towards climate-neutral flights is a joint effort between the whole aviation ecosystem. With UpLift, aviation experts have a significant opportunity to join forces across science and industry, further contributing and accelerating sustainable aviation.”

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chairwoman of the DLR Executive Board, says, "The new D328® UpLift research aircraft will perfectly complement DLR's research fleet as a flying test laboratory for hydrogen technologies and pave the way for a new generation of climate-compatible aircraft in the regional aircraft class. This new fleet member, in close partnership with the aviation industry, the air transport industry as well as SMEs and start-ups, gives DLR the opportunity to test disruptive approaches in the development of new propulsion systems including hybrid-electric concepts based on hydrogen technologies and novel fuels up to the flight test stage."

The D328® is particularly suitable for assessing innovative propulsion technologies in flight due to its specific design characteristics. In addition, the D328® is used worldwide for regional commercial flights with usual propulsion technologies, providing a wealth of reference values for the evaluation of new technologies. Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, emphasized what this agreement meant for the future developments: “The UpLift Programme and the D328® as a test platform is an important step towards paving the way for the future of the aviation industry. The D328® as a flying testbed platform will be crucial in laying out the groundwork for needed technological advancements.” Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft, is proud to have a D328® in DLR's fleet. He states that: “We are fully committed to support as an OEM the integration of emerging technologies, to move aviation and technologies towards climate neutral flights.”

(From left to right): Nico Neumann, Chief Operations Officer at Deutsche Aircraft, Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, Dr. Anna Christmann, Coordinator for Aerospace of the German Federal Government, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Dr.-Ing. Markus Fischer, Divisional Board Member Aeronautics at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Alexander Reinhardt, Managing Director of German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI)

About Deutsche Aircraft

Deutsche Aircraft is a German aircraft manufacturer built on the heritage of aviation pioneers that continues to propel the aviation industry forward with innovative solutions. Supported by a highly skilled and passionate team of international engineers and aviation experts, Deutsche Aircraft is developing the most advanced regional aircraft on the market: the D328eco. As type certificate holder and service partner for existing D328® (both prop and jet) operators worldwide, the company is uniquely positioned to complement the existing fleet with this next-generation aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft employs the latest technologies and best practices to ensure the highest levels of reliability, efficiency and sustainability for the D328eco. As a strategic partner for the sustainable development of regional air transport, Deutsche Aircraft is working with key players in the industry to achieve climate-neutral flights.

DLR at a glance

DLR is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research centre for aeronautics and space. They conduct research and development in aeronautics, space, energy and transport, security and digitisation. The German Space Agency at DLR is responsible for planning and implementing German space activities on behalf of the Federal Government. Two DLR project management agencies oversee funding programs and support knowledge transfer.

Globally, climate, mobility and technology are changing. DLR uses the expertise of its 55 institutes and facilities to develop solutions to these challenges. The 10,000 employees share a common mission: To explore the Earth and outer space and develop technologies for a sustainable future. In this way, they help to strengthen Germany as a centre of knowledge and business.

About the data:
- Source: Cirium
- Schedules data: full year 2019 vs. 2020 – excludes non-scheduled flying
- In-service data:
- For 2019 the data is dated April while for 2020 it’s dated October. We wanted to compare “shoulder month” to shoulder month, however April 2020 wouldn’t have captured the immediate impact of Coronavirus as our dataset classes aircraft as in storage after 3 months of inactivity.

DA Aviation Ecosystem Review

We are proud to present, “Aviation Ecosystem Review 2020.”
Based on market research surrounding our vision of building a sustainable future for aviation, this report provides insight into how we see Deutsche Aircraft fitting into the everchanging aviation environment.

Download the report for free here.

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Welcome: New Leadership Onboard

Nico Neumann Deutsche Aircraft

Nico’s responsibilities as Vice President of Operations & Programs include development of aircraft production programs, maintenance, overall quality management and ensuring infrastructure and knowledge are in place to meet future needs.

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As Director of Supply Chain, Maximilian’s role is to lead development and growth of all supply chain activities under a consolidated strategy.

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DA Latest News in a Nutshell

New talent appointed to strengthen the Deutsche aircraft programme

As part of its continued support of Deutsche Aircraft’s D328eco aircraft programme, 328 Support Services GmbH recently appointed a panel of “talent experts” to further strengthen the overall team and ensure strong management structure and processes are in place across the D328eco development programme. Today we focus on the Engineering & Programme departments.

On the programme side, Mr. Peter Spyrka has been appointed Director of Programmes. Peter brings over 20 years’ experience in the global aerospace industry with engineering & development works on both civil and military aircraft programmes. Prior to joining Deutsche Aircraft, Peter worked at Airbus, leading the Hybrid Electric Propulsion System development programme for demonstrator projects. He also worked for Fairchild Dornier back in the late 1990’s.

In Engineering, Mr. Jean-Damien Mazeau has been appointed as our new Head of Propulsion Systems. Jean-Damien also brings more than 20 years’ aeronautical experience to Deutsche Aircraft, having built most of his career at Airbus. He was most recently involved with the A320neo’s entry into service, in charge of propulsion system’s global technical Support.

Last but not least, Dr. Stefan Brunner brings more than two decades of expertise and experience to his position as Head of Airframe. Throughout his career, Stefan spent more than 17 years working directly for the Airbus group where he was heavily involved with a wide variety of major engineering programmes on both commercial aviation and defence & space programmes. In his new role, Stefan will be responsible for design, analysis and modification of the D328eco airframe’s primary structure (Fuselage, Fairings, Wing, Empennage), as well as establishing new processes and procedures to complete aircraft development. Finally, he is responsible for ensuring compliance with the European Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations.

In addition to Peter, Jean Damien and Stefan, we are also proud to announce that we have been busy hiring new talent from not only within Germany, but from all over the world. Coming from a variety of companies within the aerospace industry, we look forward to utilising our new team members’ skills and expertise to achieve the entry into service scheduled for 2025.

All are great assets to the current Engineering & Programme team and will, without a doubt, help support Deutsche Aircraft’s development programme over the coming years.

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