RUAG MRO International has added new systems and equipment to three Dornier 228 aircraft operated by the Italian Army.

The company made the additions as part of the annual inspection of the Dornier 228 aircraft.

RUAG performed the inspections at its facilities in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany.

The inspection included maintenance check and avionics upgrade to enable the aircraft to comply with upcoming European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ADS-B Out/EHS regulation.

The special mission configuration also includes the addition of mini tablet holders to the cockpit for the pilot and co-pilot controls to improve safety.



In addition, RUAG carried out a retrofit of the VHF radios to 8.33kHz spacing.

RUAG MRO International Dornier 228 Customer Support director Michael Franz said: “Preventing potential operating limitations resulting from the upcoming regulations is a crucial issue for the Italian Army.

“With this in mind, they entrusted our engineering specialists with the complete ADS-B system integration for all three of their Dornier 228 aircraft.

“Improving safety through heightened situational awareness and reduced pilot workload is a priority for the Italian Army. The mini tablet holders were specifically developed to respond to these criteria.”

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The three RUAG-manufactured Dornier 228 aircraft support the Italian Army’s paratrooper training, passenger and material transport, and pilot training needs.

The company has been providing maintenance services for the aircraft under an MRO contract received in 2003.

RUAG MRO International Dornier 228 and Military Business Jets senior vice-president Volker Wallrodt said: “The Italian Army relies on our team for solutions that contribute to continued aircraft availability and the success of their daily missions.

“We strive to provide robust and sustainable support in our role as an OEM and, especially, as the Italian Army’s primary provider for maintenance, repair and overhaul services.”

The army operates the Dornier 228-212 aircraft from the site at Viterbo airfield north-west of Rome.