Deutsche Aircraft is preparing to present a new proposal for the governmental and special aviation market during ILA Berlin, which will take place from June 10 to 14. The German company will showcase the concept of the D328 Multi Role, or D328MR, a multipurpose version based on the future D328eco turboprop.
The proposal still exists in digital format, but it previews how the platform could be quickly adapted for different types of missions. According to the manufacturer, the project includes the use of interchangeable cabin modules, allowing the same aircraft to be reconfigured for tasks such as border patrol, maritime surveillance, medical evacuation and tactical transport.
The central idea is to offer a versatile aircraft capable of meeting different requirements without government operators having to maintain separate fleets for each type of mission. This flexibility is seen by the company as one of the most important points for future state aviation and security programs.
In addition to the D328MR, Deutsche Aircraft also plans to present a new drone developed to operate together with crewed aircraft. The proposal is for the unmanned system to assist in surveillance missions over large areas, expanding observation capability and reducing the need for constant movement of the main aircraft.
At the center of the company’s strategy is the D328eco, a modernized version of the classic Dornier 328. The model has received an enlarged cabin for up to 40 passengers, new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT engines and updated avionics, seeking to reposition the aircraft in the regional segment and in special applications.
The first D328eco prototype is currently undergoing ground testing in Germany. However, the program has undergone a new schedule adjustment: the first flight, previously expected by the end of 2025, is now planned for the second half of 2026.
With its presentation at ILA Berlin, Deutsche Aircraft aims to show that the D328eco could go beyond traditional regional transport, also serving as a basis for special missions in a market increasingly interested in flexible, modular platforms integrated with unmanned systems.
Source and images: Deutsche Aircraft. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
