Dornier 328
Dornier · Germany · first flew 1991 · airliner
The Dornier 328 is a German regional turboprop airliner seating around 30-33 passengers, notable for its high straight wing, T-tail and unusually fast cruise speed for a propeller aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | T-tail perched on a slender regional-airliner fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High straight wing with two turboprops mounted above the cabin
- T-tail perched on a slender regional-airliner fuselage
- Six-bladed propellers and a fast cruise for a turboprop
Look for the high straight wing with engines and propellers mounted above the fuselage line, topped by a T-tail. The slim fuselage and small size mark it out as a regional commuter type.
Specifications
- The Dornier 328 has a length of 21.23 m (70 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20.98 m (69 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 620 km/h (385 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 flight crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Dornier developed the 328 as a modern commuter aircraft, and it first flew on 6 December 1991, entering service in 1993. It used advanced aerodynamics and a sophisticated wing to achieve high cruise speeds, though commercial success was limited and a jet-powered 328JET version followed.
Variants
The main split is between the turboprop Dornier 328 and the later Fairchild Dornier 328JET, which replaced the turboprops with turbofans. A modernised D328eco turboprop has since been pursued by Deutsche Aircraft.
Where you'll see it
In the UK the 328 has appeared with regional and corporate operators on thin domestic and feeder routes, the kind of services associated with carriers such as Loganair. Its high speed made it attractive where turboprop economics met longer regional legs.
Related aircraft
- Dornier 228-201
- Dornier 228
- Dornier 228-100
- Dornier Do 128
- Airbus A340-300
- Bombardier CRJ100/200
- Canadair Regional Jet
- CRJ200
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