Diamond Aircraft Receives FAA Certification On Its DA42 NG Aircraft

Diamond Aircraft Receives FAA Certification On Its DA42 NG Aircraft <

NEWSROOM


Diamond Aircraft Receives FAA Certification On Its DA42 NG Aircraft By Bill Goldston

		April 9, 2010 - Diamond Aircraft announced it has received FAA certification on its DA42 NG airplane, powered by twin 170 hp Austro Engine AE-300 turbo-diesel powerplants. Particularly significant is that this certification also approves IFR and FIKI (known ice) operations. Of special interest to existing DA42 owners, the approval also includes conversion of TAE powered DA42s to the NG configuration, including optional installation of the Garmin GFC 700 autopilot. “We are following through on our commitment to existing and future US based customers by offering a new turbo-diesel propulsion solution for the DA42,” said Christian Dries, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Industries.

“The DA42 NG is better in every respect than the original DA42 TDI, with much improved performance, increased gross weight, even better fuel efficiency, Garmin GFC 700 autopilot and Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology. With Diamond now offering FAA certified Lycoming and Austro Engine powered versions of the DA42, our customers have a wide range of options to match their requirements and preferences.” “Quite frankly, we couldn't predict if and when TAE would emerge from bankruptcy protection and therefore it was in our customer's best interests that we pursued TAE independent alternative solutions to support maximum value of previously delivered aircraft. Today, customers have the choice of staying with the TAE engines or converting to either Lycoming or Austro Engines.” “We are currently in the process of establishing the service and support infrastructure for the NG in North America and will shortly be announcing the details of an all-inclusive maintenance program that will ensure a superior level of support for DA42 NG owners.” With well over 500 delivered aircraft operating worldwide, the DA42 is the best selling light twin engine piston aircraft – popular with private pilots as well as flight training organizations. With its all-carbon airframe, known ice certification, Garmin G1000 integrated avionics deck and single lever jet-fuel powered turbo-diesel engines, the DA42 NG is the undisputed technology leader in general aviation.

The DA42 NG, along with Diamond's complete piston line-up, and the latest design D-JET mockup will be on display at the Diamond exhibit at Sun 'N Fun, Lakeland, Florida, April 13-18.

Diamond Aircraft Industries is an Austrian-based manufacturer of general aviation aircraft and motor gliders. The company was founded in Friesach, Austria, in 1981, under the name Hoffmann Flugzeugbau to produce the H36 all-composite motor glider. Becoming Hoffman Aircraft Limited in 1985, the company moved its headquarters to Vienna, Austria and introduced the MkII model.

In 1987, the aerodrome at Wiener Neustadt, Austria, became the new home for the company. In 1991 the parent company was renamed HOAC AG and purchased by the Dries Family. In the same year, Diamond started development of the HK36R and Rotax 912 powered motorglider, which were the precursors to the DV20 Katana (Diamond's first production series GA single-engine aircraft).

In 1992, to supply the North American market more directly, the company opened a second manufacturing facility in London, Ontario, Canada. This operated under the name Dimona Aircraft until it was changed to Diamond Aircraft in 1994.

Grab this Headline Animator