Airplane Powered By New Continental CD-300 Engine

In April 2019 at AERO Friedrichshafen, Diamond Aircraft announced changes on the DA50 program, including a new engine concept with the 300 hp Continental CD-300 and retractable gear. On Thursday, the airplane flew for the first time.

"The first flight was conducted by the crew as planned and all systems were working as expected," said Sören Pedersen, Head of Flight Test, Diamond Aircraft Austria. "Since all new elements are already well known from other aircraft out of the Diamond aircraft family, the DA50 made a very mature impression from the first lift off on. A first cruise performance test point showed that the expectation could be met easily. The DA50 showed a good agility and an “easy to fly” behavior, meaning that the handling qualities were very satisfying on the first impression."

The all carbon fiber DA50 with an extra-large luxurious cabin and excellent payload will be ideal for single piston pilots needing more seats and space, and for charter operators looking for a low cost alternative.

Diamond Aircraft is aiming for basic certification from EASA for the 5-seat version equipped with CD-300 engine and retractable gear in the summer of 2020.

(Image provided with Diamond Aircraft news release)

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com