Press Release

Issued by General Atomics AeroTec Systems.

October 5, 2009

On August 7 th , 2009 the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) signed the first contract for a retrofit of the new 4 panel glass cockpit on the Dornier 228 Pollution Control aircraft. The 4 panel glass cockpit configuration is based on the up-to-date digital avionics layout of the new Dornier 228 NG.

This order initiates the modernization of the Dornier 228 Pollution Control fleet, which are operated by German Navy's MFG 3 "Graf Zeppelin" on behalf of the German Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs to perform pollution control and surveillance missions within the German coastal areas. Furthermore the aircraft are integrated in a European network of coastal and sea surveillance activities.

Instead of the old analog cockpit instrumentation, aircraft serial number 8214 will receive a 4 panel flight display suit to show the flight and navigation data as well as engine, systems and surveillance information. New digital navigation and communication systems replace the existing analog radios. In addition military navigation and communication systems, SAR capable weather radar, ACAS II, HF and V/UHF communication systems complete the new configuration.

The new 5 blade composite propellers are also part of the modernization package to enhance the fuel economy and quiet the aircraft further down.

In summary the upgraded Dornier 228 Pollution Control aircraft will correspond to the current state-of-the-art technology of the new Dornier 228 NG ensuring the continuation of a successful history of in service efficiency and reliability.