Garmin on June 1 announced an agreement to supply its G5000 flight deck for the D328eco, an upgraded version of the Dornier 328 regional turboprop under development by Germany-based Deutsche Aircraft.

Garmin said the stretched, 37-43 passenger D328eco will be the first air transport category aircraft to feature the G5000 and the first application of its synthetic vision technology (SVT) in the Part 25 segment. The system has been engineered to meet specifications of both regional airline and special mission operators.

Deutsche Aircraft is returning the Dornier 328, last built in 2000, to production with more powerful and efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127S engines, a new flight deck, a nearly 2 m (6.6 ft.) longer fuselage and improved landing gear, resulting in a higher gross takeoff weight aircraft with increased payload. Plans call for the D328eco to meet future requirements for single-pilot operation and be fully compatible with sustainable aviation fuel.

Formed in 2019, Deutsche Aircraft plans to fly a test aircraft in 2024, with certification and entry into service following in late 2025.

The G5000 “Companion” flight deck for the D328eco supports Simplified Vehicle Operation by integrating key aircraft systems and other features in touchscreen displays, Garmin said. An image that the avionics company provided depicts three large-format, high-resolution, SVT-enabled displays: a multifunction display in the center with two segmentable primary flight displays on either side.

The G5000 suite will integrate Garmin’s GWXTM 8000 StormOptix weather radar.

“Deutsche Aircraft is developing the D328eco to be a disruptive new entrant in the regional air transportation segment, and we are proud to work in close coordination with their team to help them bring new technologies to this market,” said Creighton Scarpone, Garmin director of airline and business aviation sales.