Fairchild Dornier 328 Regional Transport Aircraft, USA

The Fairchild Dornier 328 was designed and engineered by Fairchild Dornier in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. The aircraft first flew in 1991 and entered service with Air Engiadina in 1993. Over 100 aircraft have been delivered.

In July 2002, Fairchild Dornier was declared insolvent. In March 2003, AvCraft Aviation of Virginia acquired the 328 program including the 32-seat 328JET and 328 turboprop. AvCraft filed for insolvency in March 2005.

OGMA of Portugal manufactured the fuselage shells. Cockpit shells were developed and built by Aermacchi in Northern Italy. Westland Aerostructures on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom produced the engine nacelles and doors. The PW 119B/C engines were made by Pratt & Whitney Canada and Hartzell Propellers, Inc. of the US provided the six-bladed, carbon-fibre propellers. Parts for the wing, the empennage and the fuselage tail were made by the EADS plants in Munich and Augsburg.

DESIGN

The Fairchild Dornier 328 turboprop is a 32-seat turboprop powered regional airliner. It has 6ft 2in stand-up headroom in the aisle, large overhead bins and a full size galley and lavatory. Its cruising speed is 335 knots (385mph). With the additional 5% thermodynamic power of the P&W 119C engines, the 328-120 version can take off at maximum weight and achieve its full range in hot temperatures and from airports at high elevations (hot and high capability). The 328-130 has further improved field performance, thanks to a 20° flap setting for take-off, ground spoilers and a Rudder Enhanced Deflection System (REDS).

CABIN

The interior contains 32 seats as standard, a galley/refreshment centre and lavatory. Other interior configurations may be produced according to customers' specifications.

FLIGHT DECK

The Primus 2000 avionics suite is supplied by Honeywell of Glendale, Arizona. Primus 2000 includes a completely integrated set of computers and sensors displayed on five 8in x 7in displays, all working together using GAMA's avionics standard communications bus (ASCB). Not only does the ASCB eliminate many wiring requirements, but it also allows seamless integration of functions across the entire network. This architecture allows system integration.

Other features of the avionics system are: flight management system, dual PRIMUS II integrated radio system, dual integrated avionics computer, automatic flight control system, dual digital air data reference unit, dual altitude and heading reference system, PRIMUS 650 weather radar, mode S transponder, fault recording, traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) and ground proximity warning system (GPWS).

The Primus 2000 integrated avionics system is also the standard avionics system on board the Fairchild Dornier 328 regional jet.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

The optional equipment consists of an auxiliary power unit (AS 36-150), a global positioning system (with GPS approach), a PRIMUS 870 weather radar, HF, CAT II approach and CAT IIIa wind shear detection.