The D328 cockpit simulator expands the AVES (Air Vehicle Simulator) centre at DLR's Braunschweig site. Pilots can use it to carry out comprehensive ground-based tests of aircraft interfaces to prepare effectively for flight tests with the Dornier 328.
The D328 simulator is a precise replica of the cockpit of DLR's Dornier 328 regional aircraft and will be used to support research flights using the DLR research aircraft UpLift Dornier 328-100 (D-CUPL). The cockpit simulator enables efficient and realistic preparation for flight tests.
To support research with the UpLift Dornier 328-100 (D-CUPL), DLR has an unique D328 simulator since 2025. Using the D328 Simulator, DLR test pilots are able to precisely prepare flight tests. With its modular design, it can also serve as a high-quality research platform for testing new developments in the field of regional aircraft.
The cockpit consists of a real aircraft airframe that has been specially converted for its use as a simulator and still features some of the original D328 hardware. Thanks to the addition of generic instruments and controls, the D328 simulator offers the opportunity to actively drive current research in the fields of flight operations, avionics, human-machine interaction and flight control. The controls offer pilots modifiable active force feedback, which enhances the impression of a real system. Three high-resolution screens covering the pilots' field of vision provide the outside view.
In addition to a generic representation of the Do328 avionics systems, the D328 simulator is the only one in AVES that offers the option of using real flight hardware in the simulation with the Garmin G5000 PRIME. This opens up a further field of research opportunities with regard to the operation of future regional aircraft.
