Fairchild Dornier Do.228

The Dornier Do 228 is a twin-turboprop commuter aircraft developed by Dornier GmbH in West Germany during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It features an innovative supercritical 'New Technology' (TNT) wing design that provides excellent short-field performance, making it well-suited to remote and austere airstrips. The aircraft is produced in variants seating 15 to 19 passengers. Following Dornier's financial difficulties, production rights were acquired by Fairchild and later by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India, which continues to manufacture the type under license. A modernized variant, the Do 228NG (Next Generation), was developed by RUAG Aviation and entered service around 2010 with upgraded avionics, a five-blade composite propeller, and improved fuel efficiency. The Do 228 has found wide use with regional airlines, military operators, coastguard services, and scientific research organizations worldwide. Its ability to operate from short, unprepared runways has made it popular in island communities, mountainous regions, and developing nations.