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...).

FMI: www.diamondair.com