RUAG Aerospace’s development Dornier 228 Next Generation made its first flight on November 12, shortly after a rollout ceremony of the 19-seat utility aircraft.
The aircraft, which is based on an original Do228-212 airframe but has been modified with an upgraded avionics suite, engines and new five-blade propellers, rolled out in a ceremony at RUAG’s Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, facility in a ceremony attended by a number of local dignitaries. The aircraft then took to the skies, accompanied by two other Do228s operated by the German navy and German Aerospace Centre.
The development aircraft is expected to undergo over 40 hours of flight testing, while the first new production Do228NG is due to roll out in January. RUAG currently holds orders for 10 aircraft, with orders coming from Argentina, Mexico and Vietnam, while an undisclosed Australian operator has also ordered the aircraft.
