Diamond Aircraft is to start construction of the first prototype of its D-Jet personal jet as it doubles the size of its composites facility. The Austrian manufacturer has completed the design phase of the aircraft and aims to certificate two versions of the five-seat, single-engined microjet by early 2006.
Construction of an 8,600m2 (92,600ft2) composites facility will begin next month at Wiener Neustadt, outside Vienna. First flight of the D-Jet prototype is due by mid-2004, with deliveries starting by the second quarter of 2006. Diamond has reduced the engine thrust rating from 1,700lb (7.6kN) to 1,400lb and has narrowed the choice of turbofan suppliers to two, with a final decision due by mid-year.
The aircraft will cruise at a maximum altitude of 25,000ft (7,620m), which Diamond managing director Michael Feinig says will enable turboprop pilots to obtain type certification and insurance with less difficulty than for a high-altitude, fully pressurised jet. Diamond has decided to certificate the aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 1,999kg (4,400lb) in European Joint Aviation Authorities countries, with an extra 156kg on the US Federal Aviation Administration certificated model. This takes into account an average passenger weight of 105kg in the USA compared with 85kg in Europe, plus the extra fuel required.
Diamond says the dual certification is necessary to enable aircraft owners in Europe to avoid paying €80 ($84) Eurocontrol en route navigational charges levied on aircraft over 2,000kg.
The aircraft has also undergone other changes since its launch in January. The wingspan has been increased from 10.3m to 11.8m to ensure an approach speed of 61kt (112km/h), which is also designed with the private flyer in mind, says Feinig. The maximum cruise speed of 315kt (585km/h) is unchanged. Diamond says its nine launch customers are to receive their contracts this week and around 300 potential customers will be given formal option contracts for the €830,000 D-Jet by the end of the month.
Source: Flight International
