Deutsche Aircraft has unveiled the first prototype of its D328eco regional airliner. Designated TAC 1, the test aircraft was rolled out on May 28 at the German company’s headquarters at the Airtech Campus in Oberpfaffenhofen.
The D328eco is a modernized version of the 1990s-vintage Dornier 328 commuter aircraft, for which Deutsche Aircraft is the type certificate holder. Aiming to achieve a 95% reduction in carbon emissions compared with the original model, the company is marketing the upgrade to regional airlines and business aviation operators.
The 40-seat aircraft will feature a pair of new Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-S turboprop engines that the company will run on power-to-liquid sustainable aviation fuel. Longer-term plans call for a subsequent transition to hydrogen propulsion, which is being developed in partnership with H2Fly.
According to Deutsche Aircraft, it is now preparing to start flight tests with the TAC 1 aircraft in 2026 as it works towards type certification and service entry during the fourth quarter of 2027. The D328eco will also feature the Garmin Companion flight deck.
More than 500 guests attended the roll-out event in Germany, including representatives of the German federal government and Bavarian state government, as well as industry partners and suppliers, such as GKN Aerospace.
“This roll-out of our first test aircraft marks a significant achievement in the D328eco program and an important step towards our physical flight test activities,” said Deutsche Aircraft’s co-CEO, Nico Neumann. “This milestone represents our transition from conceptual design to practical testing and industrialization. At Deutsche Aircraft, we are proud to introduce an aircraft with the proven DNA of the Dornier 328, enhanced for better efficiency, reduced emissions, and a superior customer experience, making it an optimal choice for regional operators worldwide.”