OBERPFAFFENHOFEN. General Atomics AeroTec Systems GmbH (GA-ATS) has teamed up with AEE Aircraft Electronic Engineering GmbH (AEE) for the redevelopment of the Engine Interface Unit (EIU) and the Central Warning System (CAWS) of the next generation Do228 NXT special mission aircraft. The aircraft manufacturer and the avionics specialist from Germany signed the respective contract.
The EIU is a critical interface component in the aircraft that links the engines with the aircraft management system. It collects and evaluates engine data, level indicators, and flap positions, forwarding them to the cockpit displays. The CAWS ensures that the cockpit receives warning messages reliably. In addition, the Do228 uses a variety of smaller AEE components such as thermal heat controllers, various relay boards, voltage indicators, current indicators, etc.
A successful long-term cooperation continues
AEE previously developed the EIU for the Do 228 NG aircraft before its market launch in 2010. Since key components are no longer available, the now required complete redesign presented an opportunity to enhance the EIU’s capabilities with several new features and improvements. For the EIU redesign, the Do228 OEM chose AEE due to its long experience in the development and production of advanced electronic systems for the aviation industry with expertise in engine interface solutions.
“As supplier for more than 30 years for the Do228, we’re proud to continue and enhance this successful partnership, now with General Atomics AeroTec Systems as new Type Certificate holder,” stated Lukas Hamm-Riff, AEE Accountable Manager EASA Part 21G & Part 145. “Both devices are being developed in accordance with the Design Assurance Level (DAL) B. Production and maintenance will be performed under our EASA Part 21G and Part 145 certifications, respectively.“
“With the launch of the production of the Do228 NXT, it is of extreme importance to us to collaborate with reliable local partners and ensure a stable supply chain to serve our customers effectively,” stated Erik Bollen, Managing Director. “We are pleased that, after decades of successful cooperation with AEE we can continue to build on this partnership and jointly drive the restart of the Do228 forward.”
Technical Enhancements and Key Improvements
The redevelopment of the Engine Interface Unit brings the aircraft several key performance improvements, easing the operation and handling of the new Do228 NXT:
- Additional A429 Input– The upgraded EIU will feature an extra A429 input to support future integration with the new fuel system. It will also manage the pressure refuel logic once the new system is implemented.
- Emulation of Speed Switches – The unit will replicate the function of speed switches used for automatic engine start and ignition. This removes the need to install separate speed switches in the aircraft, simplifying installation and maintenance.
- Analog Sensor Calibration – The EIU will now enable calibration of analogue sensors, reducing the risk of miscomparisons and preventing signals from deviating outside factory tolerance limits.
Cost-saving, backward compatible and future-proof EIU
The upgraded Engine Interface Unit offers several key benefits to customers. One of the main advantages is full backward compatibility, ensuring that the new unit serves as a direct form-fit-function replacement without requiring any changes to existing wiring or configurations. The future-proof design ensures that the upgraded EIU is fully compatible with the upcoming fuel system, making it a long-term solution for evolving aircraft technology.
Another major benefit is cost savings, as the removal of speed switches leads to lower component costs and reduced overall maintenance expenses. Finally, the enhanced sensor flexibility allows for calibration of analog sensors, providing greater adaptability when modifying or replacing these components. This results in improved reliability and operational efficiency for aircraft operators.
Do228 NXT as a state-of-the-art multirole platform
With this partnership, General Atomics AeroTec Systems and AEE Aircraft Electronic Engineering reaffirm their commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in aviation technology and make the Do228 NXT a state-of-the-art multirole platform. The new and improved EIU will ensure greater efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for Do228 NXT aircraft operators worldwide. The aircraft can be used for special mission flights and light transport operations and impresses with its versatile cabin layouts, STOL capability and robust construction.
