The Dornier 328 is a twin-turboprop regional airliner developed in Germany by Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH in the early 1990s. Known for its fast cruise speed, pressurized cabin, and jet-like comfort, the Dornier 328 was designed for short-haul routes with an emphasis on performance and passenger experience.

🛩️ Overview:

• Role: Regional airliner / Commuter aircraft
• Manufacturer: Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH (later Fairchild-Dornier)
• First flight: December 6, 1991
• Entered service: October 1993
• Production: 1991–2000 (later under Fairchild-Dornier)
• Total built: ~217 aircraft
• Also known as: Do 328 or Dornier 328-100 (turboprop version)

🛠️ Key Specifications (Dornier 328-100):

• Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW119B turboprops
• Power: 2,180 shp (1,625 kW) each
• Max cruise speed: ~620 km/h (385 mph / 335 knots)
• Range: ~1,850 km (1,150 mi) with full payload
• Service ceiling: 31,000 ft (9,450 m)
• Passengers: Up to 33
• Crew: 2 pilots, optional 1 flight attendant
• Length: 21.23 m (69 ft 8 in)
• Wingspan: 20.98 m (68 ft 10 in)

✨ Notable Features:

• Fastest turboprop in its class at the time of introduction
• Pressurized and climate-controlled cabin — uncommon in smaller regional turboprops
• 1–2 seating configuration: Comfortable and spacious for passengers
• Excellent short-field performance, capable of operating from small runways
• Advanced avionics for its era (EFIS-equipped cockpit)

🔁 Variants:

• Dornier 328-100 – Original turboprop version
• Dornier 328JET (328-300) – Jet-powered version with PW306B turbofans
• Dornier 328-110 – Higher max takeoff weight
• 328DB – Military variant (Data Bus version for training)
• Dornier 328-120 – Improved high-altitude version

🧳 Operators (past and present):

• Private Wings (Germany)
• SkyWork Airlines (Switzerland, former)
• Rheinland Air Service (RAS)
• U.S. military (as C-146A Wolfhound)
• Numerous charter and government agencies

🔥 Fun Facts:

• The U.S. Air Force operates modified Dornier 328s as C-146A Wolfhound for special operations transport.
• Dornier was acquired by Fairchild Aircraft, and production continued under Fairchild-Dornier.
• The design lives on: German company Deutsche Aircraft is reviving it as the D328eco, a modernized, sustainable version with advanced avionics and engines.

🏁 Summary:

The Dornier 328 stands out as a fast, comfortable turboprop that brought jet-like performance to the regional market. While it never reached large-scale success due to market competition, its design was technologically ahead of its time, and it remains valued in niche and special missions today.