Tue, May 29, 2018
Turboprop-Powered Aircraft Intended As A Military Trainer
A new variant of the Diamond Aircraft DART series completed its first flight earlier this month, performing a basic flight program including a couple of low approaches, system checks, landing gear operation at different speeds as well as short field take off demonstration.
The DART-550 is powered by a General Electric GE H75-100 turboprop engine with 550hp featuring electronic engine and propeller control (EEPC) system, a five blade, full feather MT propeller and features Martin Baker MK16 ejection seats and Garmin G3000 integrated avionics systems.
The expected maximum speed is 247KTAS with a MTOM of 5,291 lbs and an empty mass (fully equipped) of 3,527 lbs. Maximum endurance at loiter speed of the DART-550 will be 8 hours plus reserve at MTOM.
The aerobatic trainer will be available in different variants differing in engine power ratings, seat configuration and/or avionics options for diverse customer needs.
"From the very beginning, Diamond Aircraft knew that the DART series will be something unmatched on the market and will eliminate old generation trainer from the market for a very long period of time," said Markus Fischer, Sales Director of the DART series. "The DART-550 is the next massive push into being the only aircraft manufacturer in offering the full range for basic flight training, reaching its peak with this soon fully EASA certified DART-550 aerobatic trainer. Having the opportunity to include state of the art glass cockpit technology, world’s number one ejection seat brand, using General Electric turbine know-how - embedded in a full carbon fiber airframe will make it very difficult for DART’s competition when performance and commercial arguments become a critical decision making factor.”
The DART-550 will be presented at Farnborough Airshow in UK from July 16th until July 22nd, 2018 on the Static Display.
(Image provided with Diamond Aircraft news release)
More News
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The T-6 Racing Association The T-6 Racing Association is all about T-6‘s and racing. Our mission is to bring great racing to our fans in Reno and other venues wher>[...]
Also: Electra Aero, AMO-CBP v Smugglers, Naval King Airs, Boeing Deal To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and h>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]