One Hundred Years of Tradition Reborn in the Seastar CD-2

After being introduced to aviation by Count Zeppelin, Claudius Dornier founded his first company, Dornier Metallbauten, in 1914.  Over the years, the company remained an integral part of the emerging aviation industry, producing more than 100 designs for both the civil and military markets.  Through the process, Dornier accomplished numerous technological advancements including the first fully metal aircraft.  Building on the family's aviation legacy, Claudius Dornier Jr. turned his focus to the design, production, and operation of flying boats.  After years of development, Dornier received the first type certificate for an all-composite commercial aircraft.

100 years later, the Dornier Seaplane Company has resurrected those early designs to produce the all-composite Dornier Seastar CD-2.  Promoted as the most advanced seaplane in the world, engineers developed an integrated-hull flying boat designed to reduce drag and produce maximum cruise speeds of up to 180 knots.  Powered by two PT6-135A Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines, the Seastar CD-2 requires a takeoff run of only 2,500 feet on water and 1,850 feet on land.

To eliminate the damaging effects of corrosion often seen with aircraft that operate on or around water, the Seastar CD-2 is constructed with an all-composite, corrosion-free exterior.  According to estimates by Conklin and Decker, total maintenance-per-seat mile cost (as a result of the composite exterior) are approximately 2/3rds that of either the Caravan or the Twin Otter.  The interior features similar operational flexibility; seating arrangements accommodate up to 12 passengers, designed with ergonomic seating and an optional fully enclosed lavatory.

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