Tue, Apr 13, 2004
Fixed Pitch Diamond May Have BIG Market With Flight
Schools and Bargain Flyers
Diamond is showing its
new Diamond Star DA40-FP this week. This fixed pitch version of the
popular DA40-180 Diamond Star addresses the specific requirements
of high utilization operators. Diamond is currently conducting
target customer focus group sessions to evaluate and finetune the
FP. Several flight schools are participating in this process to
establish and prioritize their needs and preferences. The FP has
been designed specifically to lower both acquisition and operating
cost, minimize inspection and maintenance times and maximize
dispatch reliability.
The cost savings are in the form of specification changes
related mainly to the powerplant. Whereas the current DA40 Diamond
Star features the fuel injected Lycoming IO360 M1A 180 hp engine,
hydraulic prop governor and a constant speed propeller, the Diamond
Star FP is powered by the carburated Lycoming O360A4D 180 hp
engine, driving a fixed pitch metal Sensenich propellor.
In addition to a significant reduction in purchase price, these
changes also have a welcome impact on overhaul costs. The overhaul
costs of the O360 are approximately $5,000 lower than those of the
fuel injected IO360 engine and elimination of the governor and
constant speed prop overhauls, further reduce operating costs.
Diamond has also introduced many other modifications, including a
high capacity sealed plenum engine cooling system, as well as
improved access to all regular powerplant and airframe maintenance
items.
The efficient aerodynamic design of the all composite Diamond
Star results in minimal performance reduction vs the constant speed
DA40. The sea level climb performance exceeds 900 fpm, the speed
exceeds 140 knots and the DA40's short take-off distances have
increased by only approximately 12%. The high efficiency means that
it is possible to operate with reduced power settings, thereby
decreasing fuel consumption and realizing further operating cost
savings.
The DA40-180FP will be offered with all currently available
avionics configurations, including the recently introduced glass
cockpits. With the FP joining the current 2 seat DA20-C1, the IFR 4
seat DA40-180 and the soon to be certified twin engine DA42 Twin
Star, Diamond offers the most comprehensive and versatile family of
modern airplanes. Although conceived primarily for commercial
flight training operations and smaller flight schools, Diamond
expects the "40FP" to also attract significant interest from
private individuals, especially those wanting to place their
aircraft on leaseback.
Certification is scheduled for late 2004, with a base price of
$179,900.
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