As part of this year’s Farnborough Airshow, Deutsche Aircraft has unveiled the first fuselage cut of the first D328eco test aircraft to undergo construction.
The German planemaker confirmed on July 25, 2024, that construction of the test aircraft, TAC 1, had started, as the company progresses towards the maiden flight of the D328eco program.
Deutsche Aircraft successfully commenced the first test aircraft build by starting work on the extension of the D328 fuselage that will seat 40 passengers.
“We are thrilled to announce the fuselage cut for the D328eco programme,” Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft, said. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our team, which has successfully started the TAC 1 development process. It showcases our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and enabling early flight testing for the D328eco.”
According to Deutsche Aircraft, it already has over 95% of suppliers onboard, which has helped the D328eco program make “remarkable progress over the past four years”.
The D328eco program aims to revolutionize regional aviation with an environmentally friendly and cost-effective aircraft.
“The start of construction for the test D328eco is great news for the company and the market,” Anastasija Visnakova, VP Sales and Marketing at Deutsche Aircraft, said. “The hard work that has gone into the design of the D328eco according to market needs will be integrated into the construction of the test aircraft, to deliver a best-in-class turboprop for regional and special mission operators.”