Story ID: 428
Deutsche Aircraft Starts Building the First D328eco
By: Gregory Polek
Caption: A “robust” supply chain keeps program on schedule 
Word Count: 281
Deutsche Aircraft has started construction of the first D328eco test aircraft, TAC 1. The German manufacturer reported the milestone during the Farnborough Airshow on July 25, a few weeks after pushing back the projected service entry for the re-engined twin turboprop to 2027.
According to Deutsche Aircraft, it used a specifically developed precision tool to cut the fuselage of TAC 1. Its team is now focused on the development and testing stages to come with the help of a robust supply chain, added the company, which has secured production contracts with more than 95% of its suppliers. The latest of this is Triumph, which last week was selected to design and manufacture the pre-cooler system.
"We are thrilled to announce the fuselage cut for the D328eco program," said Deutsche Aircraft COO, Nico Neumann. "This milestone is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our team, which has successfully started the TAC 1 development process.
The German manufacturer has been working to modernize the 1990s-era twin turboprop and has aimed to achieve EASA type certification in 2026. The 40-passenger D328eco will feature a pair of new Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-S engines that initially will run on power-to-liquid sustainable aviation fuel.
In the longer term, Deutsche Aircraft has planned to introduce a hydrogen-powered version. It has conducted studies with Universal Hydrogen, the California-based start-up that closed last week, and also with German hydrogen propulsion developer H2Fly.
In June 2024, Deutsche Aircraft, which is based at Wessling near Munich, announced a materials management agreement with Thyssenkrupp Aerospace. The D328eco’s flight deck will use a Garmin avionics suite.