Andrzej Jeziorski/MUNICH
DORNIER LUFTFAHRT is looking at the possibility of fitting turbofans to the planned 50-seat version of its 328, and plans to issue a request for proposals for new power plants in September.
Dornier says that using a turbofan is "technically feasible" and that "several" engine types are being considered. No power plants have been named, but sources suggest that the General Electric CF34 and the Allison AE 3007 are the most likely candidates.
The turbofan-powered version, which is likely to be equipped with a larger wing, would probably offer a 380kt (700km/h) cruise speed, with turboprop levels of field-performance and fuel consumption.
Dornier says that the timetable for the power plant decision "-depends on the reaction of the vendors", but it hopes to launch the programme formally this year, aiming to have stretched 328s operational by 1999.
Plans for a stretched version have existed since the early days of the programme, but were repeatedly put off, partly because of potential conflict with the Fokker 50 produced by Daimler-Benz Aerospace's (DASA) erstwhile Dutch subsidiary. Dornier's efforts were also heavily focused on establishing the technically impressive, but expensive, 30-seater on the market. The aircraft has been a financial disaster for Dornier, which has been forced to sell it at below cost.
Plans for the stretched variant were boosted by Fairchild Aircraft's acquisition of 80% of the German company from DASA in June. The larger variant will increase the 328's sales potential, and appease customers who bought the aircraft, believing that a stretch would follow.
Fairchild is now engaged in a cost-cutting programme at Dornier's Oberpfaffenhofen base. The aircraft order book stands at 102 firm orders, with 84 options, all for the basic 30- to 33-seat version.
Source: Flight International
