German aircraft manufacturer General Atomics AeroTec Systems GmbH (GA-ATS) has successfully delivered the latest Do228 NG aircraft. Following extensive modernisation at the OEM and MRO centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, this marks the first NG series aircraft delivered to North America. The new owner, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), a global leader in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), will employ the aircraft for airborne sensor research and development projects, as well as flight testing production sensor systems.
The Do228-212, previously in service for many years, was completely rebuilt and customised by General Atomics AeroTec Systems to meet its new operational requirements. During an extensive refurbishment process, the aircraft was disassembled, inspected and underwent necessary repairs and structural upgrades. Its technology was then enhanced to meet Do228 NG standards.
A significant element of the upgrade was the installation of a new wing featuring hardpoints, allowing for the future deployment of underwing sensor payloads. The aircraft has been specially designed with features such as multiple connection points, a dedicated mission power bus, structural interfaces for radar and EO/IR sensors, and multiple mission RF antennas. These adaptations ensure the Do228 NG is ideally suited for developing and testing advanced technologies, making it the first of its kind to enter service in North America.
After rigorous ground and flight testing in Germany, the Do228-212 NG was ferried from Oberpfaffenhofen to San Diego, California, U.S.A., where it was ceremoniously handed over to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The delivery route included stops in Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada and the western United States.
The challenging journey highlighted the aircraft's reliability and resilience, withstanding heavy fog, strong winds, ice, snow and temperatures dropping below -25°C on the ground in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Despite these extreme conditions, the Do228 NG demonstrated its durability and exceptional performance, meeting expectations with flying colours.
