One More In The 'Win' Column For Diamond

Diamond Aircraft tells ANN that they have JUST received Transport Canada certification for their fire-breathing Lycoming IO360 powered DA42 L360. The just-issued STC permits production of new aircraft as well as factory retrofit of previously delivered TAE powered DA42-TDI Twin Stars.

The DA42 was initially introduced with TAE Centurion turbo-diesel engines and over 500 aircraft were delivered, in that fashion, since 2005. In that time the DA42 series has become the best selling piston twin. With the Lycoming powered L360 version joining the recently certified DA42 NG, powered by Diamond's proprietary Austro Engine AE300 170 hp turbo-diesel powerplant, Diamond is offering maximum choice to suit personal preferences or mission requirements.

"Obviously Diamond is dedicated to the advancement of GA powerplant technology, specifically the jet-fuel piston engines, however some customers expressed a desire to combine the DA42's proven airframe with familiar and conventional avgas engines. As with our popular DA40, we are pleased that we can now offer the same great DA42 airframe with a choice of engines," said Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft Industries.

"With the frustrations experienced by our customers and ourselves, as a result of the TAE insolvency last year, we took great pains to ensure the retrofitability of existing delivered aircraft and not just the production of new aircraft. We look forward to delivering new DA42 L360s to CAE / Sabena, CAE / Gondia, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, LeTourneau University, Massey University and others, in the very near future, as soon as FAA and other validations are obtained."

The Diamond DA42 L360 offers key advantages relative to its competitors, including:

• Garmin G1000 all-glass avionics suite
• Fuel injection
• TKS ice protection system (optional, with FIKI certification pending)
• Durable and corrosion-free all carbon composite airframe with no life limit
• Superior performance, especially in single engine operations
• Superior fuel efficiency
• PowerFlow tuned exhaust system with low maintenance exhaust heat exchanger cabin heater
• No cowl flaps, for reduced pilot workload
• Turbo-diesel engine compatible engine nacelles, with possible future convertibility to Austro-Engine AE300 engines.

Diamond tells us that they're shipping these critters, as we write this, for $599,500 USD, well equipped.

The new DA42 L360 will be on display, alongside the Austro Engine powered DA42 NG, at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, from July 27 to August 2. Be sure to keep an eye on ANN's coverage of this development as well as an upcoming Aero-TV feature series on the DA42's reemergence in the coming days.

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com/aircraft/da42/