328 Support Services GmbH (328 SSG), the type certificate holder of the Dornier 328, confirmed today it has signed a Letter of Intent with AMC Aviation, the North Carolina, US based aircraft sales and leasing company to develop a multi-role/ multi-mission humanitarian version of the D328 turboprop. Working with its partners, Jetran International and Jetcor Aviation Services, the group has committed to an initial three aircraft in the conversion programme.
The deal was ratified at last week’s Farnborough International Airshow between 328 SSG’s CEO Dave Jackson and Chris Stern, General Manager of AMC Aviation.
The first two D328s are ex Corning Inc aircraft and are planned to enter modification and maintenance this August at 328’s Oberpfaffenhofen Airport, near Munich base, to be ready for delivery in early 2019. A third aircraft, with the same modifications and additional systems plus Air Operable AFT cargo door and oversized windows on either side of the aircraft, will follow.
The initial programme of work on the first two 328s will cover - C1 through to C4 maintenance checks; upgrades to the existing avionic systems; modifications such as ADS-B out, Dual Flight Management (FMS), plus SATCOM with Wi-Fi and satellite tracking capabilities. The installation of gravel kit for better unapproved runway operations and provisioning for systems including retractable turret for EO/IR camera installations and other systems will further enhance the aircraft’s operational advantages.
Multi role /multi mission covers 12 applications
The 328s will be delivered with 12 different interior options in Passenger/Passenger-Cargo (Combi)/ Medevac/Casevac versions. In each the toilet and galley system will be relocated to the forward portion of the aircraft for AFT loading and Air Dropping of cargo.
“We are delighted that AMC Aviation, along with its partners, share our vision about this aircraft and the multi roles it can serve. Not just flying commercial passengers, but for humanitarian use as well,” said Dave Jackson, CEO, 328 SSG.
Chris Stern, General Manager of AMC Aviation commented: “The Dornier 328 is the perfect rugged and versatile platform, extremely well suited for our novel approach to bring true multi-mission capability and operational safety to humanitarian operators in difficult environments.”
“I am very pleased to bring this popular aircraft into the Humanitarian/Special Purpose World of operations. Jetran is honoured to be involved and will support this unique and exciting project working closely with 328 AMC and Jetcor,” highlighted Doug Jaffe, CEO of Jetran.
Re-entry to service inspection programme
328 SSG is currently engaged on a “Re-Entry into Service” inspection programme, taking the aircraft to the latest standards for maintenance. This certifies the Type Certificate holder has inspected and repaired the aircraft to near production level standards so they can operate into jurisdictions that have strict aircraft age limitations.
“Holding a ‘Re-Entry into Service Certificate,’ issued by the Type Certificate Holder, as well as the maintenance, inspections, upgrades and modifications will endorse an aircraft not currently seen in this category. It will also greatly improve the operational capabilities for the future,” added Dave Jackson.
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