Diamond Aircraft unveiled the DA-42 Twin Star, a twin-engined derivative of its diesel-powered DA-40TDI four-seater, at the show.
Meanwhile, Thielert, manufacturer of the DA-42's TAE-125 turbocharged diesel, is close to launching the higher-powered TAE-310.
The Twin Star will have a 1,910km (1,060nm) range at a 200kt (375km/h) cruising speed at 10,000ft (3,300m), compared to 155kt for the DA-40TDI and 150kt for the avgas-burning DA-40-180. Thielert claims fuel consumption of less than 29.6litre/h (7.8 USgal/h) at this altitude, when operating at 60% power.
Unlike the DA-40, the 90kW (125hp) Thielert TAE-125 - certificated last month by the European Joint Aviation Authorities - will be the only DA-42 engine option. The €359,800 ($315,600) aircraft will make its first flight in mid-July and Diamond estimates certification will take a year.
The company aims to produce 80 DA-42s a year from 2005. It may move DA-40 production to a new factory in Aklam in north-eastern Germany and dedicate its Vienna headquarters to the new aircraft, says Diamond managing director Michael Feinig.
Lufthansa flying school Inter-cockpit has ordered 35 DA-40TDIs and signed a letter of intent for 15 DA-42s.
Meanwhile, Thielert is to launch the 230kW (310hp) TAE-310 V8 diesel engine in the USA, with a major general aviation manufacturer launch customer. Chief executive Frank Thielert says forecasts from its US distributor Superior Air Parts estimate a US market for more than 1,500 engines a year.
Flying schools are the main target, says Thielert, who says the combination of diesel's lower price and the engine's 40% lower fuel consumption reduces operating costs to half those of a similar avgas piston. The TAE-310 will only be available to original equipment manufacturers.
Source: Flight International
