Reaches 280 KTAS, Climbs To FL250

Aero-News has learned that following the initial flight test series in late April, Diamond’s D-Jet resumed flight testing after installation of its data acquisition system and minor planned modifications to the inlet engine fairings.

In a series of flight tests conducted from June 26th through June 30th, the speed and altitude envelope was progressively expanded from the previously flown 170 kts and 12,000'. The latest flight, flown by pilots Christian Dries and Anthony Brown on June 30th, expanded the cruise speed to 280+ ktas and altitude to the design certification limit of 25,000'.

"We are very pleased to have expanded the envelope in such a short time. The aircraft is a joy to fly, smooth, very stable and with all systems functioning perfectly," said CEO Christian Dries. "The aircraft is doing everything we are expecting of it."

Diamond is preparing the flight test aircraft and full fuselage and interior mock-up for display at DiamondFest on July 15-16, followed by its official introduction to the public at EAA AirVenture 2006 in Oshkosh, WI one week later.

"The more time I spend in it, the more I am convinced that the aircraft will be an absolute sensation," said Dries. "The blend of exceptional comfort with real world performance is sure to appeal to many current piston pilots, as well as established turboprop and light jet owners."

The D-Jet is a five-place luxury personal jet, powered by the FADEC controlled Williams FJ33 turbine and equipped with a Garmin all-glass flightdeck and autopilot.

Diamond also offers the two-place DA20, the four-place single DA40 DiamondStar, and the twin-engine DA42 TwinStar.

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com