Deutsche Aircraft has completed the first phase of ground, taxi and flight testing for a new landing-gear system intended to support certification work on its D328eco regional turboprop programme.
The manufacturer said on 8 September that its certification programme had progressed through low-speed and high-speed taxi testing before moving into an initial flight-test phase. Flight testing began on 5 August, with a legacy D328 aircraft operating as a dedicated flying testbed rather than a new D328eco prototype.
The test aircraft has now completed five development flights, and Deutsche Aircraft said the planned objectives for those flights were achieved. More than 15 hours of combined ground and flight-test activity have been logged with the new landing-gear system.
The completed work allows the company to enter a further phase of flight testing. Planned assessments include braking and stopping distances, steering and ground handling, crosswind performance, and operation from unpaved runways.
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Certification activity is also expected to cover high-load structural work as well as assessments of stress, durability and reliability.
Deutsche Aircraft said the programme is intended to mature the landing gear and provide evidence for D328eco certification activities. It has brought the landing-gear system under direct OEM control as part of a strategy focused on support and parts availability for present and future operators.
The D328eco is Deutsche Aircraft’s next-generation regional turboprop programme based on the Dornier 328 platform. The company has previously described it as a 40-seat aircraft for short- and medium-range operations, designed with sustainable aviation fuel compatibility and updated avionics.
Using an in-service-generation D328 as a test aircraft enables the landing-gear work to continue independently of the new-aircraft prototype programme. The announcement does not mean that the D328eco itself has been certified, entered service or completed a first flight.
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