Dornier Seaplane Co. recently landed its Seastar CD2 seaplane in Germany after a U.S. and Canadian demo tour. The tour encompassed more than 220 flight hours, 184 landings on land, and 154 water landings.
The CD2 is currently undergoing a C-check at RUAG at Oberpfaffenhofen Airfield in Germany, before embarking on the second half of a demonstration tour that will include Europe, India and other destinations in Asia.
The tour comes as the company finalizes production details of the FAA and EASA-certified, all composite, amphibious aircraft. Production location negotiations have been re-energized with several new options being explored, according to officials, who note they are reviewing several proposals for production in countries such as Canada, China, and India.
“I am extremely pleased with the renewed interest we have recently received with regard to the possible production location for the Seastar. We are in the process of examining all aspects of these potential partnerships, while we ready the demonstrator aircraft for the next leg of its tour,” said Conrado Dornier, chairman. A firm commitment and final announcement is expected to be made in the third quarter of this year.
“The Seastar CD2 represents a significant investment in R&D, engineering and FAA/EASA certification to this point and will build on the 100-plus year aviation legacy of the Dornier family,” he continued. “It is imperative for us to make the right decision on where the aircraft will be produced.”
The recently completed demo tour lasted three years, beginning at the NBAA Annual Convention in 2008. During the tour though the continental US and Canada, the seaplane performed without any mechanical issues. Details of the next demonstration tour, to include Europe and Asia, are expected to be finalized in July, once the C-check of the Seastar is complete, company officials said.
First delivery is expected in early 2015.
Company officials note the first 20 Seastars produced will be delivered in the current avionics configuration while options and upgrade equipment are reviewed. If configuration and equipment options become available after the initial 20 seaplanes, a retrofit package will be offered. The company expects to deliver six seaplanes in the first year of production, then hopes to double production in the second year with 12 seaplanes.
Dornier Seaplane Co. is a Canadian corporation owned by Dornier Seawings AG of Germany.
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