Story ID: 321ruagFboro16.doc
Ruag Touts New-build Do228 Turboprops
By: Gregory Polek
Caption: Swiss manufacturer breathes new life into a long-successful airframe design.
Word Count: 284
Switzerland’s Ruag is in Farnborough promoting the entry of its new-production Dornier 228 turboprop to the North American market following the airplane’s March 15 certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Changes to the original Do 228, whose original FAA certification dates from 1990, include a new five-blade propeller, an “optimized” engine system, a new glass cockpit and enhanced avionics.

“Prior to issuing this additional airworthiness certification, the FAA requested no supplemental modifications to the aircraft’s hardware or design,” said Dornier 228 product manager Fabian Kolliker. “This is fully in line with Ruag Aviation’s strategy of internationalization and growth, with U.S.-based customers set to benefit substantially.”

To help with support in North America, Ruag has named AMC Aviation, a subsidiary of Legacy Warbirds in Raleigh, North Carolina, as an authorized service center and Dornier 228 reseller.

Ruag (Chalet A21) sees the Dornier 228 as particularly suited to North American federal and civil policing applications, including medevac, special operations and surveillance activities. The company is launching the airplane in North America in its multi-role configuration which, according to Ruag, offers the reliability, flexibility and safety needed for varied mission profiles.

Separately, Ruag and its longstanding partner Sojitz Aerospace have concluded a purchase agreement covering a new Dornier 228 for Tokyo-based New Central Airservice. NCA operates a Do 228 fleet in passenger and cargo configurations between Tokyo’s Chofu Airport and the city’s southern islands, where high winds and short runways demand the STOL capability and crosswind stability the model offers.

Work on serial production of the new Dornier 228 has begun in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, and Ruag expects first deliveries by the end of the year.