German airframer and engineering partner have completed initial validation of new undercarriage for twin-turboprop following first flight-test phase.
Deutsche Aircraft and German engineering firm Heggemann have completed initial flight validation for a new landing gear system that will equip the former’s new D328eco and older legacy versions of the original Dornier twin-turboprop.
The milestone follows the completion of an initial development flight campaign in September 2026, plus low-speed and high-speed taxi testing, using a dedicated Dornier 328 test aircraft.
These tests have generated critical data for the certification of the new landing gear, the manufacturer states.
Flight validation
Heggemann has served as the development and industrial partner for the landing gear system since the inception of the D328eco programme in 2020.
It has provided full landing gear engineering services, including concept development, design, analysis, drop-test campaigns, structural, performance and endurance testing, as well as specific environmental testing.
“The successful flight-test validation confirms the robustness of a landing gear system developed through years of engineering, testing and industrialisation,” says Heggemann chief executive Christian Howe.
“This achievement reflects Heggemann’s expertise in landing gear development and our commitment to delivering a solution that supports both today’s Dornier 328 operators and the future D328eco fleet.”
Certification activities will continue with further flight, structural, durability, braking, steering and operational testing as Deutsche Aircraft prepares the D328eco for entry into service in 2028.
It has not disclosed a target date for certification of the landing gear to be achieved.
Dual-platform design
The landing gear architecture was created as a single concept to be compatible with existing Dornier 328 aircraft and the future D328eco platform.
It aims to improve maintainability, increase corrosion resistance and integrate proven subsystem technologies within the aircraft’s existing installation envelope.
In addition to development work, Heggemann is acting as the partner for serial production of landing gear shipsets for existing Dornier 328 aircraft to support ongoing fleet operations.
The joint effort supports Deutsche Aircraft’s broader strategy to secure full intellectual property control and engineering authority over the landing gear, aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience and long-term product stewardship.
“The successful validation of the new landing gear is an important step on our certification journey for the D328eco,” says Wolfgang Kuhl, vice-president of programmes and innovations at Deutsche Aircraft.
“Working closely with Heggemann has enabled us to mature a critical aircraft system from concept through testing and flight validation.”
The post Deutsche Aircraft and Heggemann advance D328 landing gear certification first appeared on FlightGlobal.
