German turboprop manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft has begun construction of its first test aircraft, TAC 1, by starting work on the extension of the D328 fuselage.
This is a significant milestone in the manufacturer’s roadmap for the D328eco despite its delayed entry into service from 2026 to 2027. Sources within Deutsche Aircraft confirmed to LARA that this will be the first of two 40-seater test aircraft constructed at its base in Oberpfaffenhofen Airport, with test flights still on track to commence in 2025.
“We are thrilled to announce the fuselage cut for the D328eco programme,” said Nico Neumann, COO at Deutsche Aircraft. “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.”
Since July 2024, 95% of its supply chain has been confirmed, with the recent signing from SASMOS HET for the electrical wiring interconnection system announced at Farnborough International Airshow 2024.
Anastasija Visnakova, VP of Sales and Marketing at Deutsche Aircraft, added: “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.”
So far, Deutsche Aircraft has already named Private Wings – a German charter airline – as the launch customer for the D328eco and, in December 2023, signed an LOI with an unnamed airline for four of the type.
Photo: Deutsche Aircraft
