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Dornier Introduces New Amphibian

KATE O'CONNOR

Dornier Seawings has announced the introduction of the Orca, a multi-engine amphibious aircraft based on the company’s Seastar CD2 design. According to Dornier, the Orca is intended for government operations and can be outfitted for security, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring missions. Features include an all-composite airframe and optional internal and external mission equipment stations. “The main concept of the Orca is to enhance typical maritime security missions, while merging seaborne and airborne operations, making it a more superior alternative to rotor wings,” said Dornier. “The Orca can be highly customized and ideally suited to the current operational profile and demand.” The company says it is “in negotiation with several governmental marine departments” regarding use of the Orca for maritime security missions. The Orca is expected to have a 720-NM maximum range, top cruise speed of 180 knots and payload of 2953 pounds. It will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-135A engines. Dornier says it plans to have the aircraft ready to enter service in 2022. As previously reported by AVweb, Dornier received approximately $170 million in funding from its Chinese shareholders to further development of the 12-passenger Seastar CD2 in November 2018. The Seastar first flew in 1984 and received European and U.S. certification in the early 1990s. However, no aircraft have yet been delivered and only two prototypes have been built.