The German aircraft manufacturer General Atomics AeroTec Systems GmbH (GA-ATS) has successfully delivered the next Do228 NG. The aircraft, which has undergone extensive modernization at the OEM and MRO center in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany is the first of the NG series delivered to North America. The new owner, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), the world’s leading provider of unmanned aerial (UAS) systems, will utilize the aircraft for various airborne sensor research and development projects, and flight testing production sensor systems.
Extensive modernization: Customized equipment for future operations
The Do228-212, which had been in service for many years, was completely rebuilt at General Atomics AeroTec Systems and optimally adapted to its new tasks. As part of an extensive refurbishment, the aircraft was completely disassembled, inspected and the necessary repairs and structural upgrades were completed. The aircraft technology was then upgraded to Do228 NG standards. A decisive step in this process was the replacement of the wing. The new wing is equipped with Hardpoints, providing the option for carrying underwing sensor payloads in the future.
The modernized aircraft is specially designed and equipped for future tasks planned, including a variety of connection points, dedicated mission power bus, structural interfaces for radar and EO/IR sensors, multiple mission RF antennas. These unique adaptations make the Do228 the ideal aircraft for developing and testing advanced technologies. It is the first Do228 of the NG series to enter service in North America.
Successful Do228 ferry flight under extreme weather condition
After extensive ground and flight testing in Germany, the Do228-212 NG was ferried from Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany to San Diego, California, USA, and ceremoniously handed over to the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. The delivery route being via Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada and the western United States. The demanding journey proved the reliability and resilience of the aircraft, even under the most adverse weather conditions – including heavy fog, extreme winds, ice / snow, as well as temperatures below -25°C on the ground (Kangerlussuaq, Greenland) – Per expectations, the Do228 NG impressed with its durability and outstanding performance.
