The Dornier Do 228 appeared in the early 1980's and served as a utility transport and maritime patrol aircraft for several global military branches. The high-wing monoplane was a versatile and steady performer, powered by two Garrett (later Honeywell) engines and crewed by two to four personnel depending on the model and the specified role. The Dornier firm would later be acquired by Fairchild in 1996, with production of the Do 228 moved exclusively to India with the HAL firm, to which India would become one of the largest users of the system.
The Do 228 featured a very basic but highly identifiable fuselage design based on the previous Do 28 ans Do 128 models. The box-structure allowed for high passenger seating and impressive cargo loads while the powered landing gear systems were installed low onto the underside. The Do 228 appeared in several minor variants, each offering up subtle improvements and changes to suit differing roles, while others were pushed into more specialized military roles fitted with powerful search radars.
The twin Garrett turboprops produced 715shp in the 228-100 series whilst generating 776shp in the 228-200 models. While the 228-100 allowed for seating of up to 15 personnel, the 228-212 improved this number to 19. Operating weights were consistent in either model with the 228-212 holding a slight edge there. Among the users of the Do 228, Germany, India and Thailand stood out with the latter fielding the system with a Bendix search radar. for maritime duties. India utilized the system for all three major air service branches for maritime patrolling.
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Aircraft Quick Profile:
1981
Designation:Dornier Do 228 Classification Type:Utility Transport / Maritime Patrol Aircraft Contractor:Dornier - Germany Country of Origin: Germany Production Total: 270
Operators: Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Oman and Thailand.
Variants
228-100 - Improved Range Model
228-101 - Strengthened fuselage and landing gears for increased payload support.
228-200 - Increased Payload Model
228-201 - Similar improvements as in the 228-101.
228-202 - Licensed Production Models in India under HAL brand.
228-212 - Definitive 228; improved performance, updated avionics package and increased operational weights.
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