Story ID: 405
Garmin’s Third-generation Flight Deck Debuts on D328eco
By: David Donald
Caption: The D328eco is the first platform for the latest iteration of Garmin’s advanced flightdeck technology
Word Count: 357
Deutsche Aircraft’s D328eco is the first announced platform for the Garmin G5000 Prime flight deck. Tailored to transport-category aircraft (FAA Part 25 and EASA CS25), the system uses dual-core processor technology and represents what Garmin describes as its “third generation.” The system is already installed in the D328eco simulator, and pilots have reacted positively, noting improved situational awareness, reduced workload, and performance of the weather radar in particular.
The flight deck provides a large primary and secondary display unit for each pilot and represents a touch-centric approach, with all functions controllable by touch inputs. The traditional banks of circuit breakers and system warnings are all brought into the screen system with corresponding ergonomic benefits while negating the need for overhead panels.
Multi-touch operations are possible, with up to 10 simultaneous inputs, and the screens are fingerprint-resistant. Safe operation in turbulence is addressed through the ability to press and hold, and there is also a backup system in the center pedestal for each pilot with a mechanical cursor control.
Drawing on experience from 30,000 Garmin flight decks already in service, the G5000 Prime is considered “future-ready” with an open architecture that facilitates rapid adaptation to evolving technology and operational requirements. It also provides runway occupancy awareness and other safety capabilities, as well as offering fleet connectivity and integrated health monitoring for predictive maintenance.
Deutsche Aircraft rolled out the first example of the D328eco—Test Aircraft (TAC) 1—at its Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany headquarters at the end of last month. Flight trials are due to begin soon, and the company aims to have the aircraft certified and ready for service in late 2027.
With fuel efficiency and low cost of operation high on the list of design criteria, the regional twin-engine airliner program represents a modern-day reworking of the Dornier Do328, with a fuselage stretch to accommodate up to 40 seats in a modern cabin. Power is provided by more efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-S turboprops that are customized to the D328eco. A new undercarriage from Heggeman provides rough-field ability in concert with a gravel strip kit.