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.

FMI: www.diamondair.com