The long-standing successful cooperation between the Bangladesh Navy (BN) and General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) continues with a new maintenance contract covering heavy maintenance, pilot training and modernisation. The agreement includes comprehensive services for two Do228 special mission aircraft operated by the Bangladesh Navy.
Successful operation of the Do228 in Bangladesh for over 10 years
The Bangladesh Navy is a longtime operator of the Do228, using a fleet of four Do228 aircraft. The first two aircraft were delivered to the South-East Asian country in 2013 and have now been in service for over 10 years, where they are deployed on a wide variety of special missions such as reconnaissance flights, maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) as well as paratrooper deployment.
Due to the exceptional mission performance, a few years later, two more Do228 were purchased by the Bangladesh Navy to increase the size of their fleet. These aircraft were delivered to the customer in late 2021 and mid-2022. Notably, they were the first Do228 aircraft produced and delivered by General Atomics AeroTec Systems following its acquisition of the Do228 program and the production site in Oberpfaffenhofen.
Maintenance and surveillance radar upgrades for Do228 aircraft
Now, the Do228 OEM General Atomics AeroTec Systems and the Bangladesh Navy have signed a comprehensive maintenance contract for two aircraft. The two Do228, which were delivered in 2013, will undergo heavy maintenance, including a 72-month inspection and a 12-year structural inspection at General Atomics AeroTec Systems’ service facility in Germany.
As part of the upgrade program, one Do228 will also be equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance radar technology from Hensoldt. This enhancement will further strengthen the operational capabilities of the versatile multi-role aircraft, which is used by the BN for maritime patrol and a wide range of special missions within the country’s territorial waters.
Pilot training with the OEM
As part of the contract, a comprehensive training program has been established to further train the Bangladesh Navy pilots and maintenance personnel. Pilot training will take place using the state-of-the-art Do228 flight simulator at GA-ATS’s training facility in Germany. In addition, operator training for the newly installed Hensoldt surveillance radar system will also be provided.
The Do228 in Africa
The Do228, is currently in service in many African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya and Malawi. GA-ATS continues to support these operators and their aircraft in a variety of ways.
The newly developed aircraft, the Do228 NXT, which is currently in the stages of series production in Germany, is particularly interesting for the African market due to its special features, such as STOL capability, the ability to operate on unpaved runways, gravel protection and low maintenance requirements.
