Dornier 228 Aircraft
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: ANI
Subject: Security
Context: The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard.
About Dornier 228 Aircraft:
What is the Dornier 228?
• The Dornier 228 is a twin-engine, turboprop Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) utility aircraft designed for passenger, cargo, and special mission operations. It is widely used for maritime patrol, border surveillance, search and rescue, and transport roles.
Manufactured By:
• Originally developed by Dornier GmbH (Germany) in the early 1980s.
• License-produced and currently manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at its Kanpur facility.
Types / Variants:
• Dornier 228-100 / 200: Early 15- and 19-seater variants.
• Dornier 228 NG (Next Generation): Upgraded version with glass cockpit and five-blade propellers.
• Hindustan-Dornier 228: Civilian and military variants produced by HAL.
• Maritime Patrol Version: Equipped with surveillance radar and mission systems.
• Business / Air Ambulance Variant: Modified for VIP and medical roles.
Key Features:
• Capacity: Up to 19 passengers – Designed as a light commuter aircraft, it can carry 15–19 passengers or equivalent cargo loads efficiently.
• Engine: Twin Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines. Powered by two reliable turboprop engines known for durability, fuel efficiency, and high performance in varied climates.
• Powered by two reliable turboprop engines known for durability, fuel efficiency, and high performance in varied climates.
• STOL Capability: Operates from short and unpaved runways Its special wing design allows take-off and landing on short, rough airstrips, ideal for remote and coastal regions.
• Its special wing design allows take-off and landing on short, rough airstrips, ideal for remote and coastal regions.
• High Endurance: The standard Dornier 228 manufactured by HAL typically has a maximum endurance of approximately 5 to 6 hours.
• Rectangular Fuselage: Large side-loading doors for cargo flexibility. The box-shaped body and wide doors allow easy loading of cargo, stretchers, or mission equipment.
• The box-shaped body and wide doors allow easy loading of cargo, stretchers, or mission equipment.
• Advanced Avionics (NG Variant): Glass cockpit, digital displays, autopilot options. Modern navigation systems improve situational awareness, safety, and enable single-pilot operations.
• Modern navigation systems improve situational awareness, safety, and enable single-pilot operations.
• Maritime Equipment: 360° surveillance radar, infrared sensors, real-time datalink. Equipped with specialized sensors for coastal surveillance, detecting vessels, and transmitting live data to ground stations.
• Equipped with specialized sensors for coastal surveillance, detecting vessels, and transmitting live data to ground stations.
Significance:
• Enhances coastal surveillance, EEZ monitoring, and anti-smuggling operations for the Indian Coast Guard.
• Procurement under the Buy (Indian) category promotes indigenous defence manufacturing.
• Production generates employment and strengthens HAL’s supply chain of ancillary industries.