Twin Is Approved For IFR And FIKI Operations
Pilots waiting for a new turbo-diesel DA42 will welcome the news
that Diamond Aircraft has received FAA certification for its DA42
NG airplane, powered by twin 170 hp Austro Engine AE-300
turbo-diesel powerplants. Particularly significant in the
announcement Diamond made Friday is that the certification also
approves IFR and FIKI operations, and 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.
DA42 NG
"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."
If you're interested in an airplane with half the engines,
Diamond has also received EASA VFR/IFR certification for its DA40
NG, powered by Austro Engine's 170 hp AE-300 turbo-diesel
powerplant.
DA40 NG
We are committed to the future of piston powered flight,
specifically by pursuing a socially responsible strategy,”
said Diamond Aircraft CEO Christian Dries at AERO 2010 in
Friedrichshafen, Germany. “Diamond's single and twin engine
NG series aircraft are powered by the most modern piston aircraft
engines in existence, operating on 100% lead-free fuel, and
offering the very lowest exhaust emissions, lowest specific fuel
consumption and lowest noise emissions. Not only are our airplanes
the “greenest”, they also combine Diamond's
industry-leading safety record with exciting performance and
economy. I am very proud that my team has been able to achieve type
certifications of the Austro Engine AE300, the DA42 NG and now the
DA40 NG, all within the last 18 months. These programs have
required extraordinary effort and financial commitment, an
investment that ensures the viability of our product line, well
into the future.”
The DA40 NG joins the previously certified DA42 NG twin to
create the only jet-fuel powered piston fleet. DA40 NGs are already
in production and the company expects initial deliveries will
commence in the very near future.