Page 27 - AAA JULY - AUGUST 2016 Online Magazine

FEATURE AIRCRAFt MANUFACtURING
FEA TURE AIRCRAF t MANUF A C t URING

The commuter Do-228 will be
offered as an 18 seater with an
additional seat for the cabin-crew.
Easy baggage access is afforded
by the large cargo door, which can
also accommodate steps quick
disembarking of passengers at
smaller airfields. The aircraft will be
offered with a full glass cockpit and
will be powered by more powerful
Garret TPE-331-10 turbo-props
generating 776 SHP and fitted with
five bladed composite propellers

hinted by industry sources as a strong its approval for manufacture of Dornier (Do- Air Ambulance version. The Cargo version
potential candidate to place orders for the 228) aircraft in civil role in accordance with is available with a wide roller door for easy
Do-228 for use in India’s North-East region. India’s Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR 21G). loading and unloading and can carry seven
Speaking to Asian Airlines & Aerospace, The HAL Do-228 commuter will be pallets with containers. In the Executive
a senior HAL official said, “We are already available with a full glass cockpit – featuring transport role, up to 11 passengers can be
receiving interest for the commercial variant four displays (6X6 or 6X8) as per the accommodated. The cabin can be configured
of the Do-228, as it is a proven platform and customer preference. The aircraft will be with a working table for VIPs, large galley,
economical to operate. Countries in Africa offered in an 18 seat configuration with an wardrobe, refrigerator and food warmer,
have expressed interest and we will target additional seat for the cabin crew. The civil toilet, additional sound proofing and IFE.
our export customers for sales also.” HAL Do-228 will be powered by more powerful HAL’s Kanpur division has produced more
will provide single vendor support for all Garret TPE-331-10 engines that generate 776 than 120 Do-228s for the IAF, Navy, Coast
equipment onboard the aircraft. Training for SHP, with five bladed composite propellers. Guard and export customers in Mauritius and
pilots on the type requires two weeks say Honeywell has an exclusive manufacturing Seychelles. There are plans to upgrade the
company officials and a simulator will also be relationship with HAL to source the TPE 331 Do-228 fleet in India and HAL is also exploring
available for training by 2017. -10/-12 engines for its global customer base, cost reduction to make the aircraft viable for
HAL will also look at lessors who are support for the engine is assured. options more export opportunities and internal civil
willing to support the aircraft on lease to will be available for seats, carpets, IFE and operations. Production of the type continues
regional commuter airlines. The month of there will also be an option for a toilet. Power with orders from the Navy and the IAF. More
March also saw HAL complete the delivery outlets and charging points will be available than 110 Do-228 aircraft remain in operation
of the first of four ship-sets of structural as an option and HAL is also offering a 5” in India.
assemblies destined for RUAG, Germany LED display every three rows as an optional
for the Do-228-212 NG (New Generation). feature. A draw back of the aircraft remains
The orders were received by the airframer the fact that passengers cannot stand up
in November 2015. “We have manufactured straight in the cabin, however passenger
and supplied the ship-set in a record time, space and comfort for short hops is perfectly
ahead of schedule commitment”, said T. adequate. The front and rear baggage
Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL. The manufactured compartments can accommodate 120 kg and
ship-sets were produced at HAL’s Transport 210 kg of luggage respectively.
Aircraft Division at Kanpur. India’s civil other variants being offered by HAL
aviation authority, the Directorate General for customers in India and for export are
of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also accorded a Cargo version, Executive transport and
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