Goal: FAA Certification By November
One of the most
exciting GA R&D programs we've seen in MANY years, seems to be
coming to fruition, and after watching the market embrace a new
generation of exciting single engine piston aircraft, Diamond
appears ready to set THE mark for multi-engine pistons.
With unparalleled economy/performance, Diamond's new twin diesel
"Fast-Glass" is finally exciting pilots over a market segment
that has been devoid of innovation for well over a decade.
Normally a bit disinclined to boast, Diamond is
finally crowing about a design that is part of the one of the most
aggressive and innovative product lines seen since the late 1970s.
Diamond claims that the DA42 was born as a result
of NASA's AGATE (Advanced General Aviation Transport
Experiment) initiative, put forth in 1985. The purpose of AGATE was
to foster development and significant advances in three
main areas, specifically airframe, avionics and propulsion
technology that would make flying safer, simpler and more
accessible to a wider group of people. Although recent years have
seen announcements of several aircraft that incorporate some of
these three elements, the DA42 is the very first certified general
aviation propeller driven aircraft to integrate all three.
With its advanced aerodynamic and crashworthy carbon fiber
composite airframe, the fully integrated Garmin G1000 glass cockpit
and the revolutionary turbocharged Jet fuel TAE Centurion
compression ignition piston engine, Diamond claims that the Twin
Star is the undisputed piston engine technology leader. This
combination of advanced technologies offer twin engine safety and
performance at single engine acquisition and operating cost.
The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is scheduled for initial EASA
certification next month. The company hopes to complete FAA
certification by November 2004. Diamond says deliveries will start
immediately after certification and production have actually
started already in Diamond’s Austrian facility. To meet the
current order backlog and demand, the DA42 will also be assembled
in Diamond’s London Ontario plant, starting next year. The
DA42 is patterned after the popular DA40 Diamond Star but has a
bigger cabin, thanks to the relocation of the forward cabin
bulkhead and the wing center section.
Diamond's DA 42 order book is a full one. Customers number an
impressive 267, as of March 30, 2004, and comprise entities that
have not only signed sales contracts but have placed deposits on
this unique offering.
The Twin Star features advanced aerodynamic and crash worthy
carbon fiber composite airframe, the fully integrated Garmin G1000
glass cockpit and a turbocharged jet fuel TAE Centurion 1.7
compression ignition piston engine.
If the cabin is a little bigger, so is the price tag--but not as
much as some of the competing SINGLES that currently populate the
GA market. The original 2002 price of $360,000 has been increased
to $398,000 (for 2004 deliveries), reflecting the inclusion of the
Garmin G1000, Bendix/King KAP 140 autopilot, premium interior and
extended baggage compartment as standard items. The price for new
orders is $439,000. Optional equipment includes a TKS anti-ice
system, a built-in oxygen system and air conditioning.
Specialized training for the DA42 is included for all
purchasers. Training will include DA42 specific airframe and
powerplant familiarization, "FITS" (FAA Industry Training
Standards) compliant DA42 specific Garmin G1000 training and
comprehensive one-on-one flight familiarization training.
The DA42 Twin Star will make its North American debut at
EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh (WI) this July, and ANN expects
to have a flight report to you shortly before then (we can't
wait...).