Extensive modernization of RTN's Do228 fleet

The Do228 manufacturer General Atomics AeroTec Systems has been carrying out extensive modernization and maintenance work on the Royal Thai Navy's (RTN) Do228 fleet in Oberpfaffenhofen since 2022.

ATS_Do228_RTN_1.png

Modernization of the Do228 fleet

The GA-ATS technicians carried out a comprehensive upgrade and modernization program of the aircraft, after it was transported to Oberpfaffenhofen in an Antonov AN-124. The Dornier 228 received new avionics systems for navigation and communication, new modern cockpit displays (glass cockpit) and extensive new mission equipment including a 360° mission radar, an electro-optical/infrared camera, a mission management system and a data-link system that enables the crew to transmit data to both ships and ground stations.

Cabin modernization and paint

The interior and cabin of the aircraft were also modernized and the Do228 was repainted at the GA-ATS Paint Shop. With the modernization program, the aircraft received an upgrade to Dornier 228NG standard and will be operational for another 15 to 20 years.

The Royal Thai Navy has been operating a fleet of seven Do228s for several decades, with which it monitors its exclusive economic zone (200-mile zone) and carries out extensive ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions.