Dornier Aircraft

In March 2022, the Sri Lankan and Indian governments signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to deliver two Dornier Aircraft 228 aeroplanes to the Sri Lankan Navy.

This Memorandum of Understanding is among numerous agreements signed in the Sri Lankan capital in 2022 when the Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa. Keep reading the article below to learn more about the Dornier Aircraft to better prepare for your upcoming UPSC prelims and mains examination.

Dornier Aircraft - Overview

The Dornier Aircraft 228 is a dual-turboprop utility aircraft of the Short-Take off and Landing (STOL) variety. Originally designed by DASA Dornier, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) purchased a production license in 1983 and set up a manufacturing unit for these Dornier Aircraft in Kanpur and built around 124 aircraft. While the wings, fuselage, and tail units are manufactured by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) in Kanpur, RUAG Aviation manufactures its body in Oberpfaffenhofen in Germany.

Design of Dornier Aircraft

The Dornier Aircraft is a public aircraft with dual engines capable of carrying approximately 19 passengers. With its STOL (Short-Take off and Landing) capability, it can run on short runways and in tropical climates.

Furthermore, this Dornier Aircraft has been sold as a general-service plane competent for working in multiple functions such as counter aircraft, military transport, or cargo haulier. It has a special mission, such as:

• Border Patrol
• Maritime Surveillance
• Medical Evacuations
• Para drops
• Search and Rescue
• Environmental research.

It comes equipped with unique equipment such as 360-degree searchlights, surveillance radar, operator stations, satellite uplink, enlarged fuel tanks, etc. Here is a tabular overview of Dornier Aircraft.

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Distinct Features Dornier Aircraft

• Capacity: 19 pax
• Crew: 2
• Wingspan: 16.97 m (55 ft 8 in)
• Length: 16.56 m (54 ft 4 in)
• Height: 4.86 m (15 ft 11 in)
• Wing measure: 32 m2 (340 sq ft)
• Airfoil: Do A-5[50]
• Empty poundage: 3,900 kg (8,598 lb)
• Max takeoff poundage: 6,575 kg (14,495 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 1,885 kg (4,156 lb)
• Propellers: MT-Propeller 5-bladed, 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) length fully-feathering constant-speed rollers
• Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop, 579 kW (776 shp) each

Performance Dornier Aircraft 228 Characteristics

• Cruise speed: 413 km/h (257 mph, 223 kn)
• Stall speed: 137 km/h (85 mph, 74 km)
• Ferry area: 2,363 km (1,276 nmi, 1,468 mi) with 547 kg (1,206 lb) payload
• Endurance: 10 hours
• Range: 396 km (246 mi, 214 nmi) with 1,960 kg (4,321 lb) payload
• Service ceiling: 7,620 m (25,000 ft)
• Take-off run: 792 m (2,600 ft) (MTOW, ISA, SL)
• Power consumption: 0.945 kg/km (3.35 lb/mi) at 413 km/h (257 mph per 223 km)
• Landing run: 451 m (1,480 ft) (MLW, ISA, SL)

FAQs on Dornier Aircraft

Q.1. What is the Dornier Aircraft?

The Dornier Aircraft is a dual-turboprop utility aircraft of the Short-Take off and Landing (STOL) variety.

Q.2. What are the missions for which Dornier Aircraft was used?

The Dornier Aircraft was used for the following purposes -

• Border Patrol
• Maritime Surveillance
• Medical Evacuations
• Para drops
• Search and Rescue
• Environmental research.

Q.3. What is the power consumption of the Dornier Aircraft?

The power consumption of Dornier Aircraft is 0.945 kg/km (3.35 lb/mi) at 413 km/h (257 mph per 223 km).

Q.4. When did the MoU signed by the Srilankan and Indian Government in terms of Dornier Aircraft?

In March 2022, the Sri Lankan and Indian governments signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to deliver two Dornier Aircraft 228 aeroplanes to the Sri Lankan Navy. This Memorandum of Understanding is among numerous agreements signed in the Sri Lankan capital in 2022 when the Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Q.5. What is the fuel capacity of Dornier Aircraft?

The fuel capacity of the Dornier Aircraft is 1,885 kg (4,156 lb).