A few Details on Dornier. Source-
PROFILE- Dornier 228 New Generation for the Bangladesh Navy - Maritime - Defence Management Journal Issue 56
PROFILE- Dornier 228 New Generation for the Bangladesh Navy
In recent years, the Bangladesh Navy (BN) has taken major efforts to modernise and equip itself to protect and patrol the vast maritime zone, and, in particular, the Exclusive Economic Zone. As part of this modernisation strategy, BN has recently signed an agreement with RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH for the procurement of two Dornier 228 New Generation aircraft. These two Dornier 228 New Generation aircraft are the first fixed wing aircraft to be purchased and operated by the BN for search and rescue (SAR) and surveillance missions.
The Dornier 228 New Generation 228NG is a proven, reliable and versatile multipurpose aircraft with high payload and range. The high 235 KTAS cruise speed and the high endurance make the Dornier 228 New Generation the ideal aircraft for special missions. The Dornier 228 New Generation for the BN will be fitted with the latest technology sensors and equipment, which includes radio and navigation aids as well as rescue equipment for SAR missions. The new state-of-the-art digital Universal EFIS cockpit is another integral part of the mission system, so that crucial mission and flight data can be exchanged between the cockpit and the
operators' workstation.
Such integration capability makes the Dornier 228 New Generation the best platform for demanding missions such as surveillance of the 400 nautical mile coastline in the Bay of Bengal. Surveillance and SAR tasks include the surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone and the claimed continental shelf. Being based in Chittagong, the aircraft has the capability to patrol 950 nautical miles in one sortie due to its efficient engines and the clean aerodynamics.
The BN has also included an extensive training programme in this contract to ensure the pilots' and mission operators' qualifications. Together with the local partner in Bangladesh, RUAG will provide such training along with in-service support during the operation of the aircraft, which will be delivered in early 2013.
With the Dornier 228 New Generation, RUAG has asserted itself against the competition of Maritime Patrol Aircraft procurement for BN. "The
cost effectiveness and, despite its sophisticated technology, ease of use sealed the decision in favour of the Dornier 228 New Generation," enthuses Alexander Müller, General Manager of RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH in Germany.
Alongside the up to 19 passengers configuration and maritime patrolling, the Dornier 228 New Generation can be used for various other special purposes, such as detecting oil slicks, controlling land borders and carrying environmental research equipment or paratroopers. The Dornier 228 is equipped with special sensors such as 360 degree radar, side-looking airborne radar (SLAR), forward looking infrared (FLIR), cameras, etc. It is a proven platform that has been operated for decades by different organisations worldwide, such as the German Navy, Finish Frontier Guard, the Nigerian Boarder Patrol or Dutch Coastguard, amongst others.
The spacious rectangular cabin allows configuring the aircraft for two consoles with operators, two observers, as well as an operator for the roller door, which can be opened during flight to drop SAR equipment, such as markers or a dingy.
"At a typical mission speed of 120kts, the unpressurised aircraft has excellent handling capabilities and allows the pilots and operators fantastic mission awareness through the big cockpit and bubble windows," says Klaus-Peter Leinauer, Vice President Marketing & Sales of RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH.
The Dornier 228 New Generation is powered by two Honeywell TPE331-10 engines with the new five-bladed composite propellers for better take-off and landing performance, as well as reduced cabin and exterior noise.
The Dornier 228 New Generation multipurpose aircraft sets new standards in its FAR23 class, thus ensuring the continuation of a successful history and the heritage of the Dornier aircraft. There are currently more than 275 Dornier 228 in operation worldwide. RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH took over the Dornier 228 programme in 2002 after the insolvency of Dornier Fairchild.