This may seem a bit too generalized of a question, but simply put, how are the economics on the Dornier 328JET?
It's well known that turbofan aircraft cost more to operate and maintain than turboprops for a number of reasons such as higher fuel consumption and more intricate components, plus the higher costs of acquring them.
As you all know, the Dornier 328 was originally a turboprop-based platform and was found to be a pretty good design for a jet and as a result they added two PW306 turbofans to it. Cost of development was very little because it only required a change in the pylons, some engine software, wing strengthening, and the lengthening of the leading edge flaps by 10cm.
I don't think any other major modifications were done, someone correct me if I'm wrong. Were any other modifications done to the wing?
Does the Dornier 328 turboprop have spoilers or is this only on the Dornier 328JET? I didn't really notice this until recently.
Anyways, simply put, how are the economics on this aircraft? Is it comparable to the economics of the Embraer ERJ-135 or is it worse or better?
I have heard worse, but haven't been given specific numbers which is what I would like.
It seems like quite a slow aircraft with a cruise speed of only 400 knots. It's range is also quite lacking at only 900nm which is roughly half of what the many CRJs are capable of. So it is strictly a very very "regional" aircraft. It's range is slightly shorter than the Dornier 328 turboprop. It's speed is only 65 knots faster than the Dornier 328 turboprop.
The way I see it, it doesn't seem like a very fantastic regional jet. I'm assuming the main reason why it hasn't been popular by airlines is because of its lack of range and speed. I don't know how economics are, if they are poor, then that would be another reason.
AvCraft is going to bring back the Dornier 328JET production line, so there must be some demand for it. Does anyone know if AvCraft is planning to bring back the Dornier 328 turboprop line?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.