General Atomics AeroTec Systems GmbH (GA-ATS), the German aircraft manufacturer of the Do228 NXT, and TRAKKA Systems AB, a Swedish mission equipment specialist for imaging and mission software system, have announced a strategic partnership. Together, they will offer TRAKKA’s advanced camera systems as an integrated equipment option for the Do228 NXT multi-purpose aircraft. Following its recent successful first flight and official world premiere in June 2026, the aircraft now has another success story to report: the expansion of its sensor capabilities. The Do228 NXT is the next generation of the iconic Dornier 228 – a proven, versatile multi-role aircraft designed for a wide range of special missions. With this new partnership, GA-ATS continues to expand the aircraft’s growing list of sensor and mission equipment options. TRAKKA Systems AB brings a comprehensive portfolio of gyro-stabilized, multispectral camera systems that deliver high-quality imagery both day and night, across a broad spectrum of operational environments.
The TrakkaCam TC-375 is a perfect fit for the Do228 NXT and its wide range of mission areas. It is a cutting-edge, gyro-stabilized multispectral imaging system designed for high-performance surveillance and reconnaissance across a broad spectrum of operational environments. The TC-375 delivers full HD imagery both day and night, enabling real-time detection and identification across a variety of mission scenarios. It captures high-resolution images and video to support rapid decision-making during the mission. The camera’s potential applications align perfectly with the Do228 NXT’s mission areas, making collaboration a natural fit. The TrakkaCam TC-375 is ideal for a wide range of applications including law enforcement, search and rescue, civil protection, military ISR and environmental monitoring. The collaboration between GA-ATS and TRAKKA Systems reflects both companies’ commitment to providing operators around the world with best-in-class tools for complex missions.
The Dornier 228 is a twin-turboprop STOL utility aircraft, designed and first manufactured by Dornier GmbH (later DASA Dornier, Fairchild-Dornier) from 1981 until 1998. About 245 such aircraft were built in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. In 1983, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) bought a production licence and manufactured 125 aircraft in Kanpur, India. Swiss manufacturer RUAG acquired the rights of the aircraft from Fairchild in 2002, and introduced the Dornier 228 NG variant in 2009. The fuselage, wings, and tail assembly were manufactured by HAL in Kanpur, and were transported to Oberpfaffenhofen, where RUAG carried out the final assembly. It used the same airframe as its predecessor with a new five-blade propeller, improved avionics, glass cockpit, and was capable of flying a longer range. In 2020, RUAG sold the Dornier 228 to AeroTec Systems, a subsidiary of US-based General Atomics. General Atomics announced plans to resume production of a new version Do228 NXT.
Many technical innovations and optimizations were implemented for the series production of the Do228 NXT. These range from small components to major improvements, which are being implemented step by step. Many new state-of-the-art components have been incorporated, that are more modern compared to the predecessor model Do228 NG. New features include modern LED lights in the cabin, new braking systems, the installation of a new electric air conditioning system and a new AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System), among others. More efficient components and optimizations in the manufacturing process also have additional positive effects, such as cost savings and weight reductions. With these technical improvements and the rapidly progressing production, the German aircraft manufacturer General Atomics AeroTec Systems is on the verge of the Do228 NXT launch – the Next Generation of the legendary Do228.
