Christian Dries: 'This Aircraft ... Almost Flies Like A Rocket'

A DA50 powered by a turbine engine made its first flight on January 19 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Christian Dries, CEO Diamond Aircraft, acted as test pilot, along with Ingmar Mayerbuch, Head of Flight Test. After the flight, Dries said “This aircraft with this turbine engine almost flies like a rocket.”

The concept for the airplane was first introduced AERO Friedrichshafen in April 2013. The single turboprop “DA50-JP7” (JP for Jet Prop) will be manufactured in two different versions. The Tundra variant with big wheels and rugged landing gear that will be targeted to pilots and companies who need to operate from uneven strips and rough terrain; and a version developed training and private owners requiring high performance. Diamond says the DA50-JP7 is perfectly suited for operations in harsh climates with temperatures ranging from minus 50°C to plus 50°C.

The 465 hp AI-450S turbine engine is built by Ukrainian company Motor Sich JSC in collaboration with Ivchenko Progress. It has been newly designed especially for fixed-winged aircraft. The manufacturers say the AI-450S has a 20% lower fuel burn than similar turbine engines. It is particularly fuel-efficient at medium altitudes. With dual electronic controls and a mechanical back-up system (Dual FADEC) it is very easy to operate. The engine starts at the push of a button.
 
Certification is expected mid to end of 2016. The DA50-JP7 will be built at Diamond Aircraft headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Austro Engine is as well involved in certification work, maintenance and overhaul of the turbine engines.

(Images provided by Diamond Aircraft)

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com