GKN Aerospace to build D328eco empennage

Image courtesy Deutsche Aircraft

A global Tier 1 aerospace supplier, GKN Aerospace specialises in aerostructures and is aligned with Deutsche Aircraft in advanced technologies.

D328eco is a new 40-seat turbo prop aircraft being developed by Deutsche Aircraft. Based on the proven D328 platform, the D328eco not only inherits the aerodynamic advanced D328 performance but also will focus on sustainability for both product and production. In the development of D328eco, Deutsche Aircraft looks for reliable and environmentally conscious partners.

GKN Aerospace is a Tier 1 aerospace supplier serving over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine OEMs and is market leading in empennages for business and regional aircraft. Deutsche Aircraft will be working with GKN Aerospace on the development of the empennage and the industrialisation of this airframe main assembly which includes the rear fuselage and the vertical and horizontal tail plane fin.

The empennage will feature advanced lightweight solutions involving state-of-the-art composite technology. Working in partnership, both businesses are committed to continuously improve the environmental performance of the platform.

Deutsche Aircraft commits to deliver significant improvements in operational and maintenance, with GKN Aerospace as a partner who aligns on the mission of supporting the success of the aircraft programme.

Nico Neumann, Vice President of Operations and Programmes for Deutsche Aircraft said: “The selection of GKN Aerospace with their deep knowledge and long history in advanced composite materials and processes is a perfect fit to the D328eco programme and aligns with the objectives from Deutsche Aircraft.”

John Pritchard President Civil Airframe GKN Aerospace said: “In the quest for more sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation, we are excited to become part of the D328eco programme. GKN Aerospace is proud to bring its wealth of experience in design and certification, in conjunction with key technological innovations on lightweight composites.”

Dietmar Czaia, General Manager at GKN Aerospace’s Munich facility, said: “We are proud to be a part of the D328eco programme and a part of the German Aerospace ecosystem relaunching this great aircraft. This programme will secure jobs and create future growth for the Munich facility.”

The programme, currently in concept design phase, is focused on the maturity of new systems and materials required to support the aircraft industrialisation. The regional aircraft programme continues to be led out of Oberpfaffenhofen airport near Munich and planning work has commenced on establishment of the FAL at Leipzig Halle Airport.