THE A321-200 SDF ADVANTAGE
The A321-200 SDF delivers greater volume and payload capability with enhanced fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Containerized cargo on upper and lower decks delivers improved operating economics and offers the most competitive P-to-F solution to replace the 757 and 737 Classic freighters. The A321 provides the most efficient and modern platform for a freighter conversion, with the reliability and benefits of the best selling single-aisle airplane family.
Sine Draco’s team has over 200 years of experience in passenger-to-freighter conversions, major modification programs, VIP interior design and certification. Sine Draco has also partnered with key industry experts on critical features of the A321-200 SDF program to minimize cost, schedule and risk.
With an experienced team and key industry partners, Sine Draco will deliver the next generation in narrowbody freighter, meeting the needs of the cargo industry.
Latest Status
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The prototype airplane was inducted for the conversion from the all passenger to all freight configuration on the 1st of October 2021. Completion of the conversion to the all-freight configuration is anticipated by 1st quarter 2023. The FAA Supplemental Type Certificate Approval is expected by early 2nd quarter 2023.
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The prototype airplane was inducted for a 6Y heavy maintenance check in mid-July.
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Pre-modification ground and flight testing to support the design, development and certification of the A321-200 SDF was successfully completed in late-February.
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An FAA Project Number has been issued for the Sine Draco A321-200SDF program.
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The initial FAA STC will address the A321-200 Model Series airplane powered by the IAE V2500 engine family.
Ideal Next Generation Freighter
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Main Deck – 8 to 12 ULD container positions
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Lower Deck – Bulk cargo
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Aging fleet and limited feedstock for 737-300/-400 models
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Higher per container Operating Cost than A321-200 SDF
737-300 / -400 / -700 / -800
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Main Deck – 14 ULD container positions
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Lower Deck – 10 ULD container positions
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Lower Deck Aft Bulk Cargo Area
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Large fleet and feedstock available
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Over 30% more cargo volume available than 737-800 freighter
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Cargo volume on par with 757-200 freighter when using lower deck containers
A321-200 SDF
757-200
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Main Deck – 15 ULD Container Positions
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Lower Deck – Bulk Cargo
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Aging Fleet and Limited Feedstock Availability
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Negligible Operating Cost per container advantage over A321-200 SDF
Specifications
A321-200 SDF Characteristics ¹
197,093 lb / 89,400 kg
196,211 lb / 89,000 kg
171,520 lb / 77,800 kg
162,701 lb / 73,800 kg
6,260 gal / 23,700 ltr
Maximum Taxi Weight (MTW)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)
Maximum Landing Weight (MLW)
Maximum Zero Fuel Weight (MZFW)
Fuel Capacity²
1 – Representative Weights. Actual weights dependent on feedstock configuration.
2 – Standard three (3) Fuel Tank Configuration. STC supports Auxiliary Center Tank (ACT) configuration.
A321-200 SDF Cargo Volume and Payload Capability ¹
Main Deck Cargo Volume²
Lower Deck Cargo Volume³
Total Cargo Volume
Volume Limited Payload (7 lb / ft³) ⁴
Maximum Structural Payload⁴
6,084 ft³ / 172.3 m³
1,519 ft³ / 43.0 m³
7,603 ft³ / 215.3 m³
53,220 lb / 24,140 kg
62,000 lb / 28,123 kg
1 – Payload Capability limited by Main and Lower Deck Design Limit Loads and Airplane Weight and Balance restrictions.
2 – Main Deck Cargo Configuration: 13 AAA ULD Containers and One AAP ULD Container
3 – Lower Deck Cargo Configuration: 10 LD3-45W Containers (5 forward and 5 aft positions) and Aft Bulk Cargo
4 – Representative Gross Payload. Actual Gross Payload dependent on feedstock configuration.
Payload / Range Capability
A321-200SDF
Beijing
Specifications
V2533 No Aux Center Tank
Total Payload
••• 53,220 lb / 24,140 kg
••• 62,000 lb / 28,120 kg
Assumptions
• Fuel Capacity – 18,960 kgs
• Zero Winds
• ISA Temperature
• 200 nm Alternate
• 5% Contingency Fuel Reserve
Note: Representative payload / range capability. Payload / range performance will be dependent on feedstock configuration.
Partners
3S Engineering and 3S Certification provides full-service, custom solutions for aircraft modifications. As a designated ODA by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 3S specializes in aerospace engineering design, analysis, and certification of aircraft modifications, and issuance STCs. 3S Engineering and 3S Certification will be supporting Sine Draco in the engineering validation and FAA approval of its A321-200 SDF passenger-to-freighter conversion.
Aernnova is a leading company specializing in the design and manufacturing of aerostructures and a major supplier for the main aircraft OEM´s worldwide. Aernnova will be supporting the design and development of the Main Deck Cargo Door for the Sine Draco A321-SDF program.
Ancra International is the world leader in the area of aircraft cargo handling and restraint systems. Ancra has been selected by Sine Draco to provide the main deck cargo handling system and window plugs for its A321-200 SDF project. Additionally, Sine Draco is offering, as an option, Ancra’s lower lobe cargo handling system.
Ascent Aviation Services, with two locations in southern Arizona, is one of the largest 14 CFR Part 145 certified MRO’s in the world providing fully integrated aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul, storage, and reclamation services to owners, operators, and lessors of wide body, narrow body, and regional aircraft. Ascent Aviation Services will be performing the modification of the A321-200 SDF by completing the touch labor, modification planning and inspection requirements. Ascent will also be completing a heavy maintenance check on the airplane and providing maintenance support during the ground and flight test program.
Proponent is a leading independent global aerospace parts distribution business headquartered in Brea, California. As well as providing traditional distribution services to airlines, MROs and OEMs, the company also provides a range of inventory management solutions designed to reduce operating costs and improve supply chain performance. Proponent will be supporting the Sine Draco A321-200 SDF program as a Tier 1 supplier of machined parts and other conversion hardware.
SACC is a commercial airplane manufacturing enterprise that integrates design, testing, production, sales, and associated businesses with international import and export trade. Located in China (Liaoning) Pilot Free Trade Zone and Shenyang Comprehensive Bonded Area, SACC leverages the economic strength and industrial capabilities of the region to support commercial aircraft development and manufacturing in a state-of-the-art, 366,000 square meter facility. SACC will be manufacturing complex structural elements including the main deck cargo door, surround and reinforcement structure for the A321-200 SDF.
SNC is headquartered in Sparks, Nevada. Its ISR, Aviation and Security (IAS) business area is a leading, prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. It specializes in complete end-to-end design, modification, integration, test and certification. Together with subsidiary 3S Engineering, SNC will perform integration and detailed design for the A321-200 SDF program.
TLG Aerospace is an aerospace engineering company with the capability to support the entire iterative aircraft design cycle. From product development to certification, TLG Aerospace has experience with over 100 aircraft models from over 40 different manufacturers. TLG is furnishing aerospace engineering services to Sine Draco for the design, development and validation phases of the A321-200 SDF program including loads and flutter analyses, flight and ground load surveys and Finite Element Model validation.