Dornier 228
The Dornier 228 is a highly versatile, twin-turboprop utility aircraft developed by Dornier GmbH of Germany, originally introduced in the early 1980s. Known for its rugged design, excellent short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance, and adaptability, the Dornier 228 has been widely used in civil, military, and special mission roles around the world.
🛩️ Overview:
- Role: STOL Utility/Transport Aircraft
- Manufacturer: Dornier GmbH (Germany) → Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), RUAG, now GKN Aerospace / General Atomics
- First flight: March 28, 1981
- Entered service: 1982
- Production: 1981–present (including HAL-built versions)
- Number built: 270+ (civil and military combined)
🛠️ Key Specifications (Dornier 228-212 NG):
✨ Notable Features:
- Rectangular cross-section fuselage maximizes cabin and cargo space
- STOL performance: Ideal for remote, unprepared airstrips
- High-wing design with unobstructed views and ground clearance
- Rugged tricycle landing gear, often used on gravel or grass strips
- Can be easily reconfigured for passenger, cargo, medevac, or surveillance
🔁 Key Variants:
- Dornier 228-100 – Original short-fuselage version
- Dornier 228-200 / -212 – Stretched, improved versions
- Dornier 228NG – "New Generation" with glass cockpit, composite materials, and more efficient systems (produced by RUAG / GKN)
- HAL Do-228 – Licensed production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (India) for both civil and military use
🧳 Operators:
✈️ Civilian:
- New Central Airservice (Japan)
- Susi Air (Indonesia)
- Norwegian Coast Guard
- Winair, Air Caraïbes, and others in the Caribbean
🪖 Military & Government:
- Indian Navy & Indian Coast Guard (Do-228 heavily used for maritime patrol and transport)
- German Navy
- Bangladesh Navy
- Nepal Army Air Wing
- Thailand, Sri Lanka, and more
🔥 Fun Facts:
- The Do-228 is known for being able to land almost anywhere — often seen operating from short, rough airstrips, islands, and mountainous regions.
- Its flat-floor cabin and large cargo doors make it perfect for humanitarian aid, cargo drops, and medevac missions.
- The HAL Do-228 is one of India's most important indigenous aircraft programs and is being upgraded for modern military use, including surveillance radar and sensors.
🏁 In Summary:
The Dornier 228 is a tough, dependable utility aircraft with exceptional versatility. Whether it’s flying supplies to remote villages, patrolling coastlines, or evacuating patients from rugged terrain, the Do-228 is trusted worldwide for jobs where reliability and flexibility matter most.
Spec | Details |
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Engines | 2 × Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprops |
Power | ~776 shp (578 kW) each |
Cruise speed | ~223 knots (413 km/h, 257 mph) |
Range | ~1,110 nm (2,050 km / 1,270 mi) |
Service ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
Takeoff distance | ~2,100 ft (640 m) |
Max takeoff weight | ~6,400 kg (14,110 lb) |
Passengers | Up to 19 |
Crew | 2 (plus mission crew if configured) |
MRO | Location | Dornier 228 Services |
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A list of parts on the Dornier 228 is coming soon. Please check back again next week.