Dornier 228

The Dornier 228 is a twin‑engine turboprop utility aircraft developed by the German manufacturer Dornier in the early 1980s. First flown on 28 April 1981, it entered service in 1982 as a replacement for older STOL types such as the Dornier Do 27. The aircraft features a high‑mounted wing, a pressurised cabin, and a robust all‑metal airframe designed for short‑take‑off and landing operations from unpaved runways. Powered by two Garrett (later Honeywell) TPE331 turboprop engines, the 228 delivers up to 1,300 shaft‑horsepower, providing a cruise speed of around 315 km/h (170 knots) and a range of roughly 2,200 km. Its payload capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes and flexible interior allow configurations for passenger transport, cargo, maritime patrol, and airborne surveillance. The aircraft quickly gained popularity with regional airlines, air forces, and coast guards worldwide, becoming a workhorse in rugged environments such as the Himalayas, the Arctic, and remote islands. The 228’s reliability, short‑field performance, and low operating costs have cemented its role as a versatile platform, influencing later designs like the 328 and reinforcing Dornier’s reputation for innovative, high‑utility turboprops. Today, upgraded variants equipped with modern avionics continue to serve both civilian and military operators, proving the design’s lasting adaptability.

Dornier

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