Austria's Diamond Aircraft has begun flight testing its production configuration DA40-180 Diamond Star, four-seat piston single, for which it already has more than 200 orders. Four pre-production prototypes have already been flown from its Wiener Neustadt base.
During the two-month programme the all-composite, Textron Lycoming IO-360-powered aircraft will perform 10,000 landings and about 1,500 flight hours, gearing up for European Joint Aviation Regulation JAR 23 certification in December and first deliveries early next year.
The Diamond Star, which offers a range of 1,480km (800nm) and a cruise speed of 140kt (75km/h) at 75% power, will join the company's light aircraft line-up, including its $120,000 two-seat DV-20 Katana trainer, manufactured and assembled by Diamond's sister company in Ontario, Canada, which was recently acquired by Australian business man Peter Chambers.
"We will build the Diamond Star in Austria initially, aimed at training schools and private flyers in Europe. Shortly after we receive Federal Aviation Administration [FAR 23] certification, planned for late next year, we will start production in Canada, targeting North American customers," says Diamond vice-president sales, Michael Feinig.
Source: Flight International
