Deutsche Aircraft NEWS

As a key milestone within the D328ecoTM aircraft development programme, Deutsche Aircraft is proud to announce that it has successfully concluded the first series of tests at the facilities ofthe Germany-based partner Heggemann on the new landing gear, currently in development to be fitted onto the D328ecoTM aircraft. The landing gear developmen tprogramme has now officially entered into the detail design phase.

As part of the development programme, Heggemann is building three testbeds for systems engineering bench tests as well as evaluation on first prototypes for the D328ecoTM. Heggemann will provide the complete landing gear structures and systems of both main- and nose landing gear.

This new landing gear will allow the D328ecoTM to inherit the robustness of its predecessor D328, and will increase operational capabilities towards the higher aircraft operational weight. Furthermore, the new landing gears will support unpaved runway operation, on a variety of rough surfaces such as grass, gravel, ice and sand.  

“We're glad to get Heggemann as a strong business partner with key capabilities, know-how and a great team spirit on board of the D328ecoTM programme. We are confident that Heggemann is the right partner to industrialise and produce our Landing Gear, which is a key element of the versatility, mission flexibility and performance of the D328ecoTM”, said Nico Neumann, Vice President Operations and Programmes of Deutsche Aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft’s partnership with Heggemann is not only built upon strong past collaborations, but is also further strengthened by the two companies sharing similar visions. Both are dedicated to sustainable and efficient Industry 4.0 manufacturing. While Deutsche Aircraft is planning to build a state-of-the-art final assembly line in Leipzig, Heggemann already implemented a fully digital 360° end-to-end process and product lifecycle tracking system. Both companies keep the majority of production in Germany and benefit from experienced aviation talents in building Germany’s next regional aircraft.

“We are delighted to join effort on this exciting new D328eco programme which is being developed at an opportune time where the world is more and more opening to air travel, sometime without the possibility to offer proper runways to land or infrastructure to support the aircraft and crew. Being highly flexible, with short runway performances, the D328eco aircraft plays in a class of its own and the current work on the landing gear will increase the reach of destinations’ possibilities. Besides, working with Deutsche Aircraft is further supporting the development of collaborative opportunities within the local supply chain while supporting the growth of the German aviation’s industry”, said Robert Heggemann, CEO and founder of Heggemann.

The Deutsche Aircraft program, currently in concept design phase, is focused on the specification of the new systems, qualification of materials and new production process to align with today standards and secure efficiency for the industrialisation. The regional aircraft program continues to be led out of Oberpfaffenhofen airport near Munich and planning work has commenced to establish the final assembly line at Leipzig Halle Airport.

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• Parties plan to fly a Dornier 328 demonstrator, zero carbon emissions, hydrogen fuel cell aircraft in 2025
• Project designed to demonstrate potential for climate-neutral regional flights
• H2FLY already flew the world’s first hydrogen-electric passenger flight and demonstrated longest ever hydrogen fuel cell-powered flight in 2020
• Partnership demonstrates German leadership in hydrogen technology
  

H2FLY, a German start-up developing hydrogen fuel cell systems for aircraft, and Deutsche Aircraft, a new German aircraft manufacturer putting climate change at the centerstage of their design philosophy, today announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to work together on the research and development of Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology for commercial regional aircraft.

The partnership will see the two companies convert the Dornier 328 aircraft for hydrogen flight, with the demonstrator aircraft expected to take to the skies in 2025. The program is expected to validate the potential for hydrogen to deliver climate neutral regional air travel with up to 40 seats, while demonstrating German leadership in this important field.

Having grown out of a partnership between the German Aerospace Center and the University of Ulm, H2FLY has demonstrated innovative Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology in aviation. The four-seater hydrogen-electric-powered HY4 proved successfully in multiply flight campaigns and over 70 take-offs the applicability of this technology in aviation. With its range of up to 750 km regional markets can be developed.

Today’s announcement marks the next step on the journey towards making climate neutral regional flight a reality, with the teams planning to equip the demonstrator aircraft with a 1.5MW hydrogen system, making it the most powerful hydrogen-electric-powered aircraft to date.

The project will see the companies work together on integrating the power system into the aircraft as well as defining the specific technical and certification requirements for fuel cell systems in EASA’s large aircraft class (“CS25”). The project is designed to complement the German Federal Government’s Aviation Strategy.

Commenting on the announcement, Prof. Dr. Josef Kallo, co-founder and CEO, H2FLY, said: “Flying provides an incredibly important opportunity for humankind, but today that opportunity comes at a significant cost to our planet.

“Hydrogen fuel cell technology provides an opportunity for us to completely eliminate carbon and NOx emissions from regional flights and the technology to make that happen is closer than most people think.

 “Over the last 16 years we have worked hard to demonstrate our technology on smaller aircraft, completing record breaking flights based six powertrain generations. Today we’re pleased to be taking that to the next level with Deutsche Aircraft as we scale our efforts up to regional aircraft.”

Martin Nüßeler, CTO at Deutsche Aircraft, added: “Deutsche Aircraft is convinced that the higher propulsive efficiency of propeller powered aircraft will drive the change in propulsion technology and will result in reducing fuel consumption and emissions even further in the future. Combining modern propeller aircraft design with zero carbon energy sources is central to achieving climate-neutral air transportation. “

“We are looking forward to partner with companies that do not only share our passion for the environment, but also have the technical expertise to ensure that climate-optimised aviation stays safe and reliable, we are convinced the partnership with H2FLY will move us forward on the path to applying hydrogen fuel cells in larger aircraft.”   

Walter Schoefer, Spokesman of the Management Board of Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH (FSG), says: “The process of transforming aviation into a climate-friendly form of air transport is now gaining momentum in a tangible way. This partnership combines pioneering spirit and world-class science with decades of experience in aircraft engineering. We are convinced that this is a milestone on the road to zero-emission aircraft. As an airport, we are called to act as an enabler on this path. As fairport, we want to continue to be a pioneer in the area of sustainability.”

Thomas Jarzombek, Member of the German Bundestag, Coordinator of the Federal Government for German Aerospace, made the following remarks: “From 2035 onward hybrid-electric flying has to be the new standard in Germany. I am happy about the agreed technological cooperation for a sustainable aviation made in Germany. The German Government will continue to support this path to innovation with its R&D funding program aiming to let the vision of a Zero-Emission Aircraft become reality”

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Deutsche Aircraft selected GKN Aerospace for D328eco’s Empennage production. The global Tier 1 aerospace supplier is one of the world’s market leaders in aerostructures and is aligned with Deutsche Aircraft in advanced technologies. 

D328eco is a new 40-seat turbo prop aircraft being developed by Deutsche Aircraft. Based on the proven D328 platform, the D328eco not only inherits the aerodynamic advanced D328 performance, but also will focus on sustainability for both product and production. In the development of D328eco, Deutsche Aircraft looks for reliable and environmentally conscious partners. 

GKN Aerospace is a Tier 1 aerospace supplier serving over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine OEMs, and is market leading in empennages for business and regional aircraft. Deutsche Aircraft will be working with GKN Aerospace on the development of the empennage and the industrialisation of this airframe main assembly which includes the rear fuselage and the vertical- and horizontal tail plane fin. The empennage will feature advanced lightweight solutions involving state-of-the-art composite technology. Working in partnership, both businesses are committed to continuously improve the environmental performance of the platform. 

Deutsche Aircraft commits to deliver significant improvements in operations and maintenance. We are glad to have GKN Aerospace as a partner who aligns on the mission of supporting the success of the aircraft program.

Nico Neumann, Vice President of Operations and Programmes for Deutsche Aircraft said: “The selection of GKN Aerospace with their deep knowledge and long history in advanced composite materials and processes is a perfect fit to the D328eco programme and aligns with the objectives from Deutsche Aircraft.”

John Pritchard, President Civil Airframe GKN Aerospace said: “In the quest for more sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation, we are excited to become part of the D328eco programme. GKN Aerospace is proud to bring its wealth of experience in design and certification, in conjunction with key technological innovations on lightweight composites.” 

Dietmar Czaia, General Manager at GKN Aerospace’s Munich facility, said “We are proud to be a part of the D328eco programme and a part of the German Aerospace ecosystem relaunching this great aircraft. This programme will secure jobs and create future growth for the Munich facility.”

The program, currently in concept design phase, is focused on the maturity of new systems and materials required to support the aircraft industrialisation. The regional aircraft programme continues to be led out of Oberpfaffenhofen airport near Munich and planning work has commenced on establishment of the FAL at Leipzig Halle Airport.

As a key milestone within the D328eco aircraft development program, Deutsche Aircraft is proud to announce it has selected the Garmin® G5000® avionic suite, to equip the brand-new benchmark, Companion™ flight deck: a built-in and fully integrated avionics suite that will be fitted on the new D328eco™ aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft is driving innovation in the overall flight deck design for commercial aircraft. This announcement marks the very first time a new flight deck is fitted into a below 50-seat regional aircraft category since the beginning of the 21st century.

Through the D328eco program, Garmin is opening a new chapter by introducing for the first time an avionics flight deck into a Part 25 air transport, scheduled commercial operation aircraft. 

We are honored to work with the Deutsche Aircraft team to help achieve their mission of providing the D328eco aircraft as a disruptive new entrant into the regional air transportation market,” said Creighton Scarpone, Garmin director of airline and business aviation sales. “The G5000 integrated flight deck, optimized specifically for the D328eco, brings an established solution into the segment, and offers a scalable platform to meet both current and forward-looking needs of operators around the world.”

As main design goals, the new Companion™ flight deck is being developed to offer a cognitive & intuitive operation, with reduced workload, enhanced ergonomics, safety and improved maintainability. To achieve these main design goals, some features and characteristics are being implemented like touchscreen control for avionics and aircraft systems, flight path-based guidance, enhanced synthetic vision, active electronic checklists, increased system automation & integration, single lever engine control and paperless operations capability. 

The implementation of the Garmin avionics into the Companion™ flight deck is one key enabling system towards future Single Pilot Operation capability. 

To enhance safety, an important focus and attention has been given to human factors, increased situational awareness and features like envelope protection, automatic emergency descent mode and runway awareness and alerting. Offering a flexible and configurable maintenance computer, highly integrated built-in testing and diagnostic functions with quick and easy upload and download of data, the Companion™ flight deck will offer unprecedented maintainability. 

“The new Companion™ flight deck has been designed whilst keeping in mind all requirements and expectations of the market allowing a total control of how we have designed it. Its functionalities really make Deutsche Aircraft’s innovative vision a reality.” said Dave Jackson, Managing Director of Deutsche Aircraft. “The new D328eco Companion™ flight deck features a significant leap in enabling pilots to successfully complete their mission, whether it is flying commercial passengers or special operations.” 

The Deutsche Aircraft program, currently in preliminary design review phase, is focused on the maturity of new systems and materials required to support the aircraft design targets and industrialisation. The regional aircraft program continues to be led out of Oberpfaffenhofen airport near Munich and planning work has commenced to establish the final assembly line at Leipzig Halle Airport.

As aviation is fuelled by what we call “derived demand”, aviation is one of the most exposed industries – if not the most exposed – to macroeconomic shocks. Whilst over the last two decades or so our industry has faced multiple external shocks, from terrorist attacks to variable fuel prices and the worldwide financial crisis, <strong>unquestionably Coronavirus has been the ultimate test</strong> that we as an industry have faced over the last 100 years.

The Test Takers

Whilst every aviation sector has faced external pressures due to the very nature of the underlying demand, these external shocks have affected parts of our industry differently. Here at Deutsche Aircraft, we have taken a look at the amount of flying by aircraft types and their numbers in active service and in storage. We’ve grouped aircraft in the following broad groupings:

• Turbo-props
• Regional jets
• Narrow bodies
• Wide bodies

Who did Better in the Test

From the graphs below we can see the widely expected results, namely wide bodies taking most of the brunt as long-haul international travel was effectively stopped, followed by narrow bodies.

As expected, regional aircraft were more sheltered from the chaos – if such a thing exists during the current pandemic.

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How so?

The regional flights enjoy the advantage of more flexible operational deployment. And the fact that many routes require small regional aircraft to fly to provide the essential life line for remote communities. Also, many of these airlines have started to “downgauge” some routes previously flown by narrow-bodies for which the fall in demand doesn’t warrant a larger aircraft anymore.

Crucially, in 2020 it was the turbo-prop sector which saw the smallest fall in in-service fleets and scheduled flights, primarily driven by this category being proportionally the largest contributor of essential air services.

Deutsche Aircraft is proud to be targeting the most resilient segment of the market with our new D328eco aircraft, which will deliver reduced maintenance costs, better performance, modern avionics and many other features to ensure our operators not only stay afloat, but riding the tides of changes to come.

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Get in touch with out team to learn more about Deutsche Aircraft.

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We are proud to present our 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.

In a significant advancement of its current project, 328 Support Services GmbH (328SSG) and sister company Deutsche Aircraft have appointed Maximilian Fahr as Director Supply Chain. Maximilian is leading the strategic development and growth of all supply chain activities as part of the D328eco™ aircraft development program towards the entry into service.

Maximilian brings with him nearly 20 years of experience from a variety of industries, including aviation. He previously held leadership positions in procurement, quality and project management at Airbus, where he contributed to the development, manufacture and delivery of components for more than 3,000 Airbus aircraft in Europe and Asia. He has also operated his own finance and strategic consultancy firm in Brazil. While working for Airbus, Maximilian spent seven years in Asia. During that time, he was responsible for local procurement and supporting Airbus’s development in the region including working at the A320 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Tianjin, China.

Moving forward, the team’s primary focus is to ensure the D328eco ™ aircraft’s development progresses per program master plans, budgets and schedules. To that end, Maximilian’s team is responsible for finding suitable partners for the program who can implement future technologies and
capabilities into the D328eco to produce more efficient, economic and environmentally friendly aircraft through establishment of a more sustainable supply chain.

The D328eco is being developed to deliver significant improvements in operational and maintenance costs as well as substantial reductions in overall carbon footprint, in line with Deutsche Aircraft’s vision and strategic roadmap to support a more sustainable future for aviation.

“Aviation is entering a new era and we are very proud to welcome new talent to the team who are going to rewrite the rules,” said Dave Jackson. “We have a lot of challenges ahead, but the team’s dedication and passion for change is an undeniable advantage that will help us push boundaries and propose altogether new solutions to the market.”

The program, currently in Preliminary Design Review phase, is focused on the maturity of new systems and materials required to support the aircraft specification. The regional aircraft program continues to be led out of Oberpfaffenhofen airport near Munich and planning work has commenced on establishment of the FAL at Leipzig Halle Airport.

For media enquiries please contact pressoffice@DeutscheAircraft.com

Deutsche Aircraft, the new purpose-driven German aircraft original equipment manufacturer (OEM), has appointed Nico Neumann to the position of Vice President for Operations and Programmes, where he is now responsible for team enhancement, production, maintenance and overall quality management of the D328eco™ as part of the Regional Aircraft Program. He is also tasked with oversight of the Final Assembly Line (FAL) construction at Leipzig Halle Airport.

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Neumann began his career at 328 Support Services GmbH (328SSG) in 2007 and has held a range of operational positions within the company. Most recently, he was the Director of Maintenance and Production, during which time he coordinated the site selection in Leipzig with the German government. “Nico is an excellent addition to the Deutsche Aircraft senior management team as he possesses a wide array of experience with the Dornier 328 aircraft and deep knowledge of the RAP,” said Managing Director Dave Jackson.

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Nico’s operations team focuses primarily on programme execution, and plays a critical role in operationalising the new FAL including re-establishing all relevant approvals and processes necessary to manufacture the D328eco™ aircraft in Germany.

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Deutsche Aircraft’s new D328eco™ is being developed to deliver significant improvements in operational and maintenance costs as well as reductions in overall carbon footprint in line with the OEM’s vision and strategic road-map to support a more sustainable future for aviation.

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The programme, currently in preliminary design review phase (PDR), is focused on the maturity of new systems and materials required to support the aircraft specification.

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The RAP continues to be led out of Oberpfaffenhofen airport near Munich and planning work has commenced on the establishment of the new FAL at Leipzig Halle Airport.

On Monday, December 7th Deutsche Aircraft hosted an Industry Update webinar to provide information on the D328eco and our ambitions for a Zero Emissions future. You can watch the reply of the webinar below.

You can also find our Press Release here.

Deutsche Aircraft, the new purpose-driven German aircraft original equipment manufacturer (OEM), unveiled plans to develop the D328eco, a game-changing platform that will align the future of aviation toward a zero-emission flight objective. 
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Deutsche Aircraft is built on the heritage and expertise of 328 Support Services GmbH, the Type certificate holder of the Dornier 328 aircraft (D328 ® ). Together with participation of the German Government, Deutsche Aircraft will lead the way in a new era of clean aviation through development of the D328eco platform, a more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly aircraft.
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With plans to come to market by 2025, the D328eco will offer an alternative, eco-efficient solution within the sub-50-seat regional commuter and multi-role aircraft markets. A state-of-the-art flight deck design and capabilities offered by the latest avionics suite will target future single pilot operation for greater operational efficiency. Pratt & Whitney PW127S engines and a SAF – Sustainable Aviation Fuel - compatible airframe, set the stage for the D328eco to change the way the world flies while reducing our carbon footprint. The stand-up and new cabin design will offer increased comfort and compliance with the latest health and safety requirements.
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The D328 is the only existing platform fulfilling the efficiency and performance requirements for a modern and more sustainable aircraft. Combined with new, protected and energy-efficient technologies, it will pave
the way to zero emission within the next 15 years – much faster than any other OEM – outpacing 2050 international guidelines.
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In line with Deutsche Aircraft sustainability objectives, REACH compliant manufacturing processes will be adopted in a new state-of-the-art, Industry 4.0, paperless Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Leipzig, Germany. The project is anticipated to boost local economies throughout its supply chain, in addition to generating indirect jobs in supporting industries.

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Thomas Jarzombek, Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy stated:

“The coronavirus pandemic has had an immediate and very serious impact on aviation and the aviation industry. It is therefore an excellent sign that – despite the crisis – work is going on full steam ahead on the D328eco. The federal government has supported the project right from the start and will continue to do so. A few weeks ago, the second tranche of our development cost loan was disbursed. The federal government is also funding the D328 ® via its ‘LuFo’ aviation research programme in order to turn the zero- carbon vision for aircraft into reality.”

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Deutsche Aircraft anticipates that travelling habits and demands on airlines will change. Traditional large-scale hub and spoke operations will be restructured as the demand for short-haul, point-to-point, low-emission transport grows. Airlines will resize their fleets to accommodate smaller, more efficient and more eco-friendly aircraft, and seek to open underserved routes with direct services through “right sizing” operations.

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The D328eco provides the perfect solution for this industry evolution, providing both economic and environmental benefits. The D328eco programme will achieve the goal of providing easy access to affordable, energy-efficient and cost-effective environmentally friendly aircraft. Generating minimal environmental impact along the way, the D328eco will stimulate sustainable economic and social growth.

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Dave Jackson, Managing Director of Deutsche Aircraft commented

“As we mark the UN’s International Civil Aviation Day we look to the future of aviation and the need to innovate today for the future. The COVID crisis has dramatically impacted the industry forever and our planet faces major challenges of which we are already starting to experience the impact. But as we plan to rebuild the sector, we can recalibrate and refocus on developing new products and processes that are much more environmentally friendly.

The Deutsche Aircraft team is driven and passionate with a unique combination of expertise and skill in engineering excellence, including new senior management appointments from major OEMs and key players within the aviation industry. Our proven capabilities and protected technology have the potential to dramatically change the industry in the short term, by offering alternative aircraft products in line with future expectations.

Our mission is to accelerate aviation’s transition to zero emission aircraft. The D328eco is the only existing platform capable of fulfilling efficiency and performance requirements for modern green aircraft now, eventually supporting the industry’s green transition. 

As we emerge from the COVID crisis, the short haul regional market will be the first to recover and the D328eco will provide an opportunity for airlines to rebuild in a more sustainable way.”

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About Deutsche Aircraft:
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Founded on the proud heritage of Dornier and Germany’s reputation for engineering design, quality and innovation, Deutsche Aircraft is the new purpose-driven German Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Built on the heritage and expertise of 328 Support Services GmbH, the Type certificate holder of the Dornier 328 aircraft (D328 ® ), Deutsche Aircraft will enable future development of the D328 ® platform, and exploit future technologies and capabilities to produce a more efficient, economic and environmentally friendly aircraft, and to drive the future of aviation toward a zero-emission flight objective. Together with the participation of the German Government, Deutsche Aircraft is leading the way in a new era of clean aviation and is addressing the needs to protect our planet and inspire future generations, for cleaner, safer and more efficient air travel.

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About 328SSG:

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328 Support Services GmbH (328SSG) is a subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation, USA.  It offers a broad spectrum of services to the aircraft industry.  Employing over 170 aviation experts it supports more than 180 aircraft globally. Through its EASA Part 21J Design Organization (Category 1A) as well as its Part 21G Production Organisation (C1, C2 and D1 rating) and Part 145 Maintenance Organisation, 328SSG provides the aero industry with design, certification, production and maintenance services. This includes base and line aircraft maintenance, avionics installation, exterior painting, Part-M services, refurbishment, training services (part 147), STC design activities and bespoke VIP interiors including avionic & IFE upgrades. 328SSG is based at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport, near Munich.

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About Sierra Nevada Corporation:

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Owned by Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, SNC is a trusted leader in solving the world’s toughest challenges through best-of-breed, open architecture engineering in Space Systems, Commercial Solutions, and National Security and Defence. SNC is recognized as one of the three most innovative U.S. companies in the industry, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and one of America’s fastest growing companies. SNC’s 55-year legacy of state-of-the art civil, military and commercial solutions includes delivering more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participation in more than 450 missions to space, including Mars.