Fairchild Dornier is proposing a series of surveillance and patrol derivatives of the 328JET to the US military, Coast Guard and Customs Service as the company's new owner seeks to expand its activities into the government sector.
Following the takeover of the regional jet manufacturer by US investors Clayton Dubilier & Rice and Germany's Allianz, it has begun to compete for a number of defence and paramilitary requirements. Initial flight trials have already been conducted by various US service pilots.
Fairchild Dornier is responding to a recent US Customs Service request for information (RFI) for a drug interceptor with a proposed radar-equipped version of the 34-seat regional jet. The requirement is for 30 aircraft and "could go as high as 50," says Thomas Jobe, Fairchild Dornier vice-president government programmes.
The USCS version of the 328JET would incorporate a nose-mounted radar - such as the Northrop Grumman APG-66 - capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground modes. With the addition of a 2,225kg (4,000lb) auxiliary fuel tank in the wingbox, the jet's range can be extended from 2,040km (1,100nm) to 3,330km and would be capable of loitering for 3-4h.
A maritime patrol variant is also being studied, incorporating a 360° belly mounted radar forward of the landing gear sponson, while the leading edge of wheel well would house a thermal imager. The radome would be large enough to accommodate up to a 1.2m (48in) diameter antenna, with the Raytheon APG-143 and BAE Systems Seaspray both considered.
Fairchild Dornier has also responded via partner Lockheed Martin to a US Coast Guard RFI for up to 30 search-and-rescue (SAR) aircraft. The USCG wants a replacement for its DassaultHU-25 maritime SAR and surveillance version of the Falcon 20.
Northrop Grumman and TRW are talking to Fairchild Dornier about using the 328JET as a platform for the US Army's airborne common sensor programme.
Source: Flight International
