Graham Warwick/LONDON, ONTARIO
Diamond Aircraft has begun production of a Teledyne Continental-powered version of its DA20 Katana two seater. The all-composite aircraft incorporates several improvements and can now accommodate an uprated version of the original Rotax 912 engine or the Continental, which is expected to increase the Katana's appeal in the North American market.
The new DA20-C1 is powered by a 95kW (125hp) Continental IO-240, replacing a 60kW Rotax 912 and increasing climb rate and cruise speed. Production of the original Rotax-powered DA20-A1 will end in April, to be superseded by the -C1 and the improved -A2 powered by a 75kW Rotax 912.
Diamond had produced over 330 -A1 Katanas by mid-March. Plans call for 150-200 aircraft to be produced this year. All sales so far have been to flight schools, but the higher performing -C1 is expected to attract private buyers and act as a "stepping stone" to the four seat DA40 now under development, says president Michael Slingoff.
The DA40 is being developed jointly by the German-owned company's subsidiaries in Austria and Canada. The design freeze is scheduled for January 1999, with production beginning by year end. The DA40 is to be assembled in Canada and, if demand is sufficient, also in Austria, he says.
A Rotax-powered proof of concept aircraft is flying in Europe, where a Continental-powered prototype is due to fly in September. The DA40 will be powered initially by a 125-155kW Continental IO-360, but Diamond plans to offer other engines later, including a diesel, Slingoff says.
Source: Flight International
