Austro Engine, Lycoming-Powered Twins Comprise New Offerings

At Oshkosh on Monday, Diamond provided more details on its plans to introduce two successor models for the beleaguered, Thielert-powered DA42 tdi --­ the Austro AE 300-powered DA42 NG, and the DA42 L360 -- a 180 hp per side, normally aspirated, Lycoming IO360 version specifically designed for the North American market.

Equipped with turbo-diesel, 170 hp AE300 engines by Austro Engine GmbH (AEG), the DA42 NG offers 26% more engine power, and promises to outperform its predecessor in take-off performance, climb performance, single-engine performance and, speed. At the same time, the AE 300 offers up to 15% better specific fuel consumption at economy power settings, according to Diamond.

Closely affiliated with Diamond, Austro Engine GmbH was established in 2007 to create a new generation of general aviation powerplants. The company is developing the AE 300 engine with key technology partners, including MB Tech (Mercedes Benz) and Bosch.

Diamond says European certification of the AE 300 is well under way: Diamond aircraft from the DA40, to the DA50 Magnum and DA42 have been flying with Austro engines since early 2008, and engine-level EASA certification is expected in fall 2008. Diamond plans to certify the engine on the DA42 under EASA by late 2008, with FAA certification expected by fall 2009.

The 170 hp AE 300 engine incorporates a number of key advancements over the Thielert engine, including an improved gearbox with a torsional vibration damper instead of a friction clutch, designed to offer gearbox life of 2,4000 hours. A new, four-point engine mount is also featured, as is an improved turbocharger and a FADEC-controlled, but otherwise conventional engine governor.

The Austro engine also sports an integral oil/ coolant heat exchanger, eliminating external oil lines and the need for an external oil cooler.

DA42L Aimed At Flight School Market

With an expected availability of Q1, 2009, the DA42L is specifically focused on the North American market, with an eye towards flight training organizations or owner /operators looking for an affordable "conventional" light twin. The well proven and robust Lycoming power-plant will guarantee years of trouble-free operations, with familiar operation and maintenance requirements, and a fuel burn of as low as 16 gph on both engines combined in flight training environment, or 20 gph at 75% power cruise.

Diamond also notes the DA42-L360 offers an anticipated upgrade path to an Austro Engine down the road to cover all the bases, now and in future... regardless of the availability and price of fuels.

Regardless of engine choice, all new DA42s will also sport a new, more spacious canopy design. Derived from similar changes to the DA40, the new canopy offers increased headroom for taller pilots.

An updated Garmin Avionics suite will also provide pilots with the latest in cockpit safety equipment, including the GFC700 Automatic Flight Control System, WAAS-certified avionics systems, TAWS-B terrain warning, and Garmin's Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT).

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com