Revamping the Dornier 228: German Military’s Bold Upgrade Initiative
The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has engaged Aerodata AG, alongside its subsidiary OPTIMARE Systems GmbH, to enhance the mission equipment of two German Dornier 228 maritime surveillance aircraft. As the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), RUAG MRO International is set to deliver critical engineering services for this project.
Based in Oberpfaffenhofen, RUAG MRO International, under subcontract to Aerodata AG, will manage engineering tasks related to the removal and installation of mission equipment. This includes supporting the supplemental military type certification process, utilizing their dedicated Dornier 228 test aircraft for rigorous evaluations.
The primary objective of this initiative is to bolster the sustainability of existing OPTIMARE MEDUSA® mission systems, including sensor suites, communication systems, spare parts packages, and ground segment facilities.
The German Navy operates both Dornier 228 aircraft on behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, focusing on marine pollution monitoring in the North and Baltic Seas. These specialized mission aircraft are stationed at German Naval Air Wing 3 in Nordholz, Germany. This extensive retrofit project is scheduled from 2020 to 2023, with major activities taking place at the Aerodata AG facility located at Airport Braunschweig-Wolfsburg.
