Deutsche Aircraft, the new purpose-driven German aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), has announced the selection of HEGGEMANN AG for the D328ecoTM wing industrialisation and production. This agreement covers the manufacturing of the D328ecoTM wing box and engine support.
The aerodynamically optimised wing design of the D328ecoTM will be manufactured in a state-of-the-art automatised manufacturing process flow. Hereby, progressive quality assurance and digitalized end-to-end processes in terms of “Industry 4.0” will be implemented.
The manufactured wing and its sub-components will be fully sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatible, with new sealants, surface protection measures and materials that fit with all mainstream sustainable aviation fuels.
HEGGEMANN has over 55 years of industrial experience, mastering high-volume, industrialised production, which will support the growth of the aviation sector. The company has fully implemented the APQP principle, a digital end-to-end process and product lifecycle tracking system. These attributes are mandatory for Deutsche Aircraft’s deployment of Industry 4.0 manufacturing principles. Aside from digitalisation, HEGGEMANN also offers REACH roadmap that aligns with Deutsche Aircraft’s efforts to minimise environmental impact.
“Combining the advantage of Dornier wing structure, forward-looking SAF compatibility and HEGGEMANN’s production expertise, this partnership will create great synergy for the D328ecoTM programme”, said Nico Neumann, Vice President of Operation and Programme at Deutsche Aircraft GmbH. “We found HEGGEMANN to be the perfect partner for the D328ecoTM wing serial production. Our vision and mission align when it comes to a sustainable production roadmap. Furthermore, we are both proud of our German heritage of unmet engineering excellence and quality”.
“We are very pleased to be an essential part of the development of the D328ecoTM programme. Realising the wing in addition to the landing gear gives us the unique chance to further strengthen our partnership with Deutsche Aircraft. We will use our engineering competence and innovation strength to implement state-of-the-art digital manufacturing strategies and be an efficient manufacturing partner for Deutsche Aircraft,” said Dr Christian Howe, CEO of HEGGEMANN AG.
