328JET

328JET is the designation for a proposed re-engining program for the Fairchild Dornier 328 turboprop aircraft. The original 328 was a 30-33 seat regional airliner that entered service in 1993. The 328JET was envisioned as a jet-powered derivative of this successful airframe, offering increased speed and potentially longer range capabilities.

The 328JET concept aimed to utilize the existing fuselage and wing of the 328, but replace the turboprop engines with turbofan engines. This modification would allow the aircraft to operate at higher altitudes and speeds, making it more competitive in certain regional jet markets. The proposed engine types were typically smaller turbofans suitable for the aircraft's size and weight.

Despite the potential advantages, the 328JET program ultimately did not proceed to full production. Several factors contributed to this, including the financial difficulties experienced by Fairchild Dornier and the competitive landscape of the regional jet market at the time. While the 328 turboprop found a niche, the jet variant faced challenges in securing sufficient orders and investment to justify its development and manufacturing. The aircraft did fly in prototype form, demonstrating the feasibility of the concept.

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