Production of composite components for the Do228 NXT by Röder Präzision GmbH

For the series production of the Do228 NXT, German aircraft manufacturer General Atomics AeroTec Systems GmbH (GA-ATS) is focusing on suppliers from Europe in order to guarantee quality and a reliable supply chain. Many key components are also manufactured in-house. One of the most important suppliers is the long-established German company Röder Präzision GmbH, which manufactures a wide variety of composite components for the Do228 NXT.

A contract between GA-ATS and Röder covers over 100 different components of varying complexity and sizes that will be installed in the new Do228 NXT. The components are manufactured by Röder using state-of-the-art technologies and materials, including prepreg materials (resin-impregnated semi-finished fiber products made from carbon or glass fibers) for example. These are processed under exactly defined temperature and pressure conditions and precisely inserted into the respective construction fixtures in several layers to achieve an optimal combination of high strength and low weight. The final hardening process in autoclaves ultimately gives the components their final shape and structural strength.

Both companies have enjoyed a successful partnership for many years in the areas of composite components and surface treatment.

“We are delighted to have Röder Präzision GmbH as a reliable partner for our composite components, with whom we have been working for many years,” said Florian Rohe, Managing Director of General Atomics AeroTec Systems. "It is important to us that the majority of the manufacturing steps for the Do228 NXT take place in Germany and Europe so that we can guarantee quality and a stable supply chain – which also means better availability of the Do228 NXT for our customers. We are therefore very pleased about the continued cooperation, which will contribute significantly to the successful market launch of our Do228 NXT this year."

The Do228 NXT is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft with special flight characteristics, such as short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. It was developed for passenger and cargo transport as well as for special missions and offers a wide range of equipment options.