Diamond DA40 Diamond Star

Last updated

DA40 Diamond Star
Diamond DA40 (8736184864).jpg
General information
Type Light aircraft
Manufacturer Diamond Aircraft Industries
StatusIn production
Number built2,200 (December 2020)
History
Manufactured1997–present
First flight5 November 1997
Developed from Diamond DA20
Diamond Star DA40-TDI diesel powered model Diamond.da40-tdi.diamondstar.g-jkmf.arp.jpg
Diamond Star DA40-TDI diesel powered model
Diamond Star DA40 FP Fixed Pitch variant DiamondDA40FPN218DS.jpg
Diamond Star DA40 FP Fixed Pitch variant
Diamond Star DA40-180 instrument panel showing the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit installation DiamondDA40StarC-GSPBinstrumentpanel.jpg
Diamond Star DA40-180 instrument panel showing the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit installation
G1000-equipped Diamond DA-40 G-1000 Diamond DA-40 TAC VH-YNH.jpg
G1000-equipped Diamond DA-40

The Diamond DA40 Diamond Star is an Austrian four-seat, single-engine, light aircraft constructed from composite materials. Built in both Austria and Canada, it was developed as a four-seat version of the earlier DA20 by Diamond Aircraft Industries.

Contents

By the end of December 2020, 2,200 DA40s had been delivered, including 500 NG models. [1]

Development

Based on the success of the earlier DV20/DA20 two-seat aircraft, the company designed a four-seat variant, the DA40 Diamond Star. The Rotax 914-powered prototype DA40-V1, registered OE-VPC, first flew on 5 November 1997 and was followed by a second prototype DA40-V2 (registered OE-VPE) which was powered by a Continental IO-240. In 1998 a third prototype DA40-V3 flew powered by a Lycoming IO-360 engine. Four more test aircraft were produced followed by the first production aircraft in 2000. JAR23 certification of the IO-360 production variant was obtained in October 2000. In 2002 the production of the Lycoming-engined variant was moved to Canada and the Austrian factory concentrated on diesel-engined variants. The first flight of the Diesel DA40D was made on 28 November 2002.

In late 2006, the XL and FP models replaced the DA40-180. The FP replaced the fixed pitch propeller version of the 180 and the XL replaced the constant speed propeller version. The major difference between the new models and the 180 is the higher maximum cruise speeds. The DA40-XL is approximately four knots faster than the preceding DA40-180/G1000 with the two-blade Hartzell propeller and the "Speed Gear" option. The XL's speed increase is mostly due to the Powerflow exhaust system.[ clarification needed ]

In the last half of 2007 the company updated the DA40 line by introducing the XLS and CS versions and eliminated the FP model. The XLS is the deluxe version, with the integration of some options into the standard offering including a Powerflow tuned exhaust, WAAS-capable G1000, GDL69 datalink, and TAS traffic alert system. The CS is the budget version, with fewer standard features. [2]

Both CS and XLS versions of the DA40 use the Lycoming IO-360-M1A fuel injected engine. The major difference is the choice of propeller, with the CS using a Hartzell two-blade aluminum constant speed prop and the XLS using an MT composite three-blade unit. [3] [4]

Capacity is available for up to 1,000 aircraft a year to be produced with certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency in 2008. [5] [6]

Past DA40 models were available with either traditional mechanical instruments or an optional Garmin G1000 glass cockpit suite. Current[ when? ] production DA40s are built only with the Garmin G1000 as standard equipment. In April 2008, Diamond introduced the optional availability of Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology on the DA40 XLS. [7]

In October 2021, Diamond Aircraft announced an all-electric training variant, the eDA40, with initial flights scheduled for the second quarter of 2022 and EASA/FAA Part 23 certification expected in 2023. [8] It should fly for 90 minutes, with a fast charge for 20 minutes turnarounds and operating costs 40% lower than piston aircraft. [8]

Design

The DA40 is a four-seat low-wing cantilever monoplane made from composite materials. It has a fixed tricycle landing gear and a T-tail.

The DA40 has officially appeared in only three versions, the DA 40, DA 40D and DA 40F, as documented on its type certificates. The various model names that the aircraft has been sold under are marketing names and are not officially recognized by the authorities that have certified the aircraft. [3] [4]

The DA40 was initially marketed as the DA40-180, powered by a fuel injected Textron Lycoming IO-360 M1A engine. [3] [4]

The DA40-XL has a constant speed propeller and is powered by a 180 hp (130 kW) Lycoming IO-360-M1A fuel injected engine. It has a maximum cruise speed of 147 kn (272 km/h; 169 mph), burning 9.2 gallons of Avgas per hour. Its maximum takeoff weight is 2,535 lb (1,150 kg). [9]

The DA40-F (marketed as the "FP") has a fixed pitch propeller, a 180 hp (130 kW) Lycoming O-360-A4M engine, which has a carburetor rather than fuel injection and a more basic interior, but is otherwise similar to the XL. [3] [4]

The DA40-TDI uses a Thielert "Centurion" 135 hp (101 kW) diesel engine and burns diesel or jet fuel. It has a constant speed propeller and FADEC (single lever) engine control. The Diesel DA40D is not certified in the US. [3] [4] [10]

Efforts to increase the DA40's cruising speed centered on the propeller and wheel spats. The wheel fairing streamlining was improved, a three-blade scimitar-type constant speed propeller was incorporated and the Powerflow exhaust system from the XL was retained. The canopy contour was also revised, with the sides being more vertical before curving into the roof, which provides more shoulder and head room.

Boarding the DA40 is via the leading edge of the wing, an unusual feature among low-wing aircraft. The aircraft's nosewheel is free-castoring and directional control while taxiing is by mainwheel differential braking. [11]

DA40s are produced at Diamond's aircraft factories in Wiener Neustadt, Austria and in London, Ontario, Canada. A joint venture has also been set up in China with Shandong Bin Ao Aircraft Industries for production of the DA40 TDI (Diesel) in Shandong Province. [12]

Operational history

The DA40 has accumulated a very low accident record, particularly with regard to stall and spin accidents. Its overall and fatal accident rates are one-eighth that of the general aviation fleet and include no stall-related accidents. The level of safe operation is attributed to its high aspect ratio wing, low wing loading and benign flight characteristics. The aircraft can be trimmed full nose up, engine set to idle and it will descend at 600–1,200 feet per minute (180–370 m/min) at 48 kn (55 mph; 89 km/h) hands-off, a lower rate of descent than the competitor Cirrus SR22 can achieve with its airframe ballistic parachute deployed. [13]

In a 2011 analysis by Aviation Consumer magazine, the DA40 was shown to have had a fatal accident rate of 0.35/100,000 hours, the lowest in US general aviation and considerably better than the market leading Cirrus SR20 and SR22, which that year had a combined fatal accident rate of 1.6/100,000, despite its full aircraft parachute system. By comparison, the Cessna 172 had a fatal accident rate of 0.45/100,000 hours. [14]

A Chinese flying school has used its CD-135 for 13 hours per day on average. [15]

Variants

DA40 XLS preparing to taxi DA40XLS.jpg
DA40 XLS preparing to taxi
T-52A of the USAF Academy Diamond T-52A.jpg
T-52A of the USAF Academy
DA40
Initial model, powered by a Textron Lycoming IO-360 M1A 180 hp (135 kW) engine and a MT Propellers MTV-12-B/180-17. Maximum gross weight is 1150 kg (2535 lb) or 1200 kg (2646 lb) with modifications installed. In increasingly refined versions marketed as the DA40-180, XL, CS and XLS. [3] [4] [2]
DA40 D
Diesel model, powered by a Thielert TAE 125-01 (Centurion 1.7) or TAE 125-02-99 (Centurion 2.0) engine of 135 hp (101 kW) and MT Propellers MTV-6-A/187-129. Maximum gross weight is 1150 kg (2535 lb). Marketed primarily in Europe, although certified in Canada and Australia as well, as the DA40 TDI. [3] [4] [10]
DA40 F
Fixed pitch propeller model, powered by Textron Lycoming O-360-A4M and a Sensenich 6EM8S10-0-63 or a MT-Propeller MT 188R135-4G propeller. Maximum gross weight is 1150 kg (2535 lb). Marketed as the DA40 FP. This model is no longer offered. [3] [4]
DA40 NG
Latest model, offered in select markets only (DA40 model is still offered in other markets), powered by an Austro Engine AE 300 165.6 hp (123.5 kW) running on JET A-1 fuel. EASA certified April 2010. By December 2020, 500 NG models had been produced. [1] [16] [17] [18] [19]
T-52A
Military trainer version, 20 acquired in 2009 and used by the 557th Flying Training Squadron at United States Air Force Academy. [20] The type was replaced in 2012 with the Cirrus SR20-based T-53A. [21]
DA40 XLT
Version introduced in April 2013 with an upgraded interior, including sun-resistant deluxe leather seats, improved lumbar contours, sun visors, more cup holders and improved storage for hand-held devices. [22]
DA40 Tundra Star
Version with strengthened landing gear, larger tires for operation from unimproved surfaces and a 168 hp (125 kW) Austro AE300 diesel engine that burns jet fuel. [23] [24]
eDA40
All-electric training variant, announced in October 2021, initially targeting a 2022 first flight and a 2023 certification, with 90 minute endurance. [8] Charging can be accomplished in 20 minutes but certification could slip to early 2024, and the 90-minute endurance goal could be reached only as battery technology allows. [25] The first flight actually occurred on 20 July 2023. The company expects it to be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric aircraft. [26]

Operators

Civil

The aircraft is popular with flying schools and is operated by private individuals and companies.

T-52A N681BA RIAT Bthebest.JPG
T-52A

At the December 2018 MEBAA show, the Saudi Arabian National Company of Aviation-CAE Inc. Training Centre in Dammam ordered 60 single-engine DA40 NG and twin-engine DA42-VI, to be delivered over five years, with Garmin G1000 NXi glass panels and diesel engines. [27]

Military

Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Flag of Austria.svg  Austria
Flag of Bangladesh.svg  Bangladesh
Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia
Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador
Flag of Indonesia.svg  Indonesia
Flag of Jamaica.svg  Jamaica
Flag of Singapore.svg  Singapore
Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States

Specifications (2007 model Diamond DA40 XL Diamond Star)

Data from Diamond Aircraft website [40]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Piper PA-28 Cherokee</span> Family of light single engine aircraft

The Piper PA-28 Cherokee is a family of two-seat or four-seat light aircraft built by Piper Aircraft and designed for flight training, air taxi and personal use. The PA-28 family of aircraft comprises all-metal, unpressurized, single piston-engined airplanes with low-mounted wings and tricycle landing gear. They have a single door on the right side, which is entered by stepping on the wing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cessna 172</span> Propeller driven single engine aircraft

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is an American four-seat, single-engine, high wing, fixed-wing aircraft made by the Cessna Aircraft Company. First flown in 1955, more 172s have been built than any other aircraft. It was developed from the 1948 Cessna 170 but with tricycle landing gear rather than conventional landing gear. The Skyhawk name was originally used for a trim package, but was later applied to all standard-production 172 aircraft, while some upgraded versions were marketed as the Cutlass, Powermatic, and Hawk XP. The aircraft was also produced under license in France by Reims Aviation, which marketed upgraded versions as the Reims Rocket.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thielert Centurion</span> Series of Diesel cycle aircraft engines for general aviation

The Thielert Centurion is a series of diesel cycle aircraft engines for general aviation originally built by Thielert, which was bought by Aviation Industry Corporation of China's Tecnify Motors subsidiary and is currently marketed by Continental Motors. They are based on heavily modified Mercedes-Benz automotive engines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cessna 182 Skylane</span> American light aircraft

The Cessna 182 Skylane is an American four-seat, single-engined light airplane built by Cessna of Wichita, Kansas. It has the option of adding two child seats in the baggage area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beechcraft Musketeer</span> Family of light single engine aircraft

The Beechcraft Musketeer is a family of single-engined, low-wing, light aircraft that was produced by Beechcraft. The line includes the Model 19 Musketeer Sport, the Model 23 Musketeer, Custom and Sundowner, the Model 23-24 Musketeer Super III, the retractable gear Model 24R Sierra and the military CT-134 Musketeer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lycoming O-360</span> Flat-four piston aircraft engine family by Lycoming

The Lycoming O-360 is a family of four-cylinder, direct-drive, horizontally opposed, air-cooled, piston aircraft engines. Engines in the O-360 series produce between 145 and 225 horsepower, with the basic O-360 producing 180 horsepower.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamond DA20 Katana</span> Austrian light aircraft

The Diamond DV20/DA20 Katana is an Austrian-designed two-seat general aviation light aircraft. Developed and manufactured by Diamond Aircraft, it was originally produced in Austria as the DV20.

Diamond Aircraft Industries is a manufacturer of general aviation aircraft and motor gliders, based in Wiener Neustadt, Lower Austria, Austria. It has been a subsidiary of the Chinese company Wanfeng Aviation since 2017. It is the third largest manufacturer of aircraft for the general aviation sector, and has operational facilities in both Lower Austria and Ontario, Canada, as well as further production lines operated as joint ventures in other nations, such as China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aircraft diesel engine</span> Aircraft engine operating on the Diesel principle

The aircraft diesel engine or aero diesel is a diesel-powered aircraft engine. They were used in airships and tried in aircraft in the late 1920s and 1930s, but were never widely adopted until recently. Their main advantages are their excellent specific fuel consumption, the reduced flammability and somewhat higher density of their fuel, but these have been outweighed by a combination of inherent disadvantages compared to gasoline-fueled or turboprop engines. The ever-rising cost of avgas and doubts about its future availability have spurred a resurgence in aircraft diesel engine production in the early 2010s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamond DA42 Twin Star</span> Four seat, twin engine, propeller-driven airplane

The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is a four seat, twin engine, propeller-driven airplane developed and manufactured in Austria and Canada by Diamond Aircraft Industries, an Austrian subsidiary of China-based Wanfeng Aviation. It was Diamond's first twin engine design, as well as the first new European twin-engine aircraft in its category to be developed in over 25 years. In 2004, the DA42 became the first diesel-powered fixed-wing aircraft to perform a non-stop crossing of the North Atlantic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamond DA50</span> Austrian light aircraft

The Diamond DA50 is a five seat, single-engine, composite aircraft designed and built by Diamond Aircraft Industries. First shown in 2006, it made its maiden flight on 4 April 2007. The project has been proposed to be powered by several different engines, but was certified on 9 September 2020 with the Continental CD-300 diesel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockwell Commander 112</span> Type of aircraft

The Rockwell Commander 112 is an American four-seat single-engined general aviation aircraft designed and built by North American Rockwell starting in 1972. In 1976, they introduced the turbocharged version 112TC and mounting a larger engine with other minor improvements they introduced the Rockwell Commander 114. A total of approximately 1,300 examples of all models were produced before the production line shut down in 1980. In 1981, the type certificate owner was Gulfstream Aerospace, but that company had no interest in single-engine piston production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lycoming IO-390</span> Four-cylinder aircraft engine

The Lycoming IO-390 engine is a horizontally opposed, four-cylinder aircraft engine, manufactured by Lycoming Engines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SOCATA TB family</span> General aviation aircraft family by Socata

The Socata TB is a series of light single-engine piston aircraft developed and manufactured by French aircraft company SOCATA. The letters TB within the designation stand for Tarbes, the French city where the aircraft series is manufactured. The TB series planes have come to be known as the "Caribbean Planes" due to the island naming convention adopted for the various models, though they are not often seen flown in that region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flight Design C4</span> German light aircraft

The Flight Design C4 is a German four seat, high-wing, single engine light aircraft under development by Flight Design of Leinfelden-Echterdingen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tecnam P2010</span> Italian light aircraft

The Tecnam 2010 is a four-seat, high wing, single engine light aircraft of mixed metal and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer construction. Designed and built in Italy, it was first presented in public in April 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamond DA62</span> Type of aircraft

The Diamond DA62 is a five- to seven-seat, twin-engine light aircraft produced by Diamond Aircraft Industries and first announced in March 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CubCrafters CC19 XCub</span> American light aircraft

The CubCrafters CC19 XCub is an American light aircraft, designed and produced by Cub Crafters of Yakima, Washington, introduced in June 2016. The aircraft is supplied complete and ready-to-fly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CubCrafters CC18-180 Top Cub</span> American light aircraft based on the Piper PA-18 Super Cub

The CubCrafters CC18-180 Top Cub is an American light aircraft designed and produced by CubCrafters of Yakima, Washington, introduced in 2004. The aircraft is type certified and supplied complete and ready-to-fly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vulcanair V1.0</span> Italian light aircraft

The Vulcanair V1.0 is an Italian light aircraft, designed and produced by Vulcanair of Casoria, introduced at the AERO Friedrichshafen show in 2014. The aircraft is type certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency and the US Federal Aviation Administration and is supplied complete and ready-to-fly.

References

  1. 1 2 O'Connor, Kate (30 December 2020). "Diamond Rolls Out 500th DA40 NG". AVweb. Archived from the original on 1 January 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  2. 1 2 Diamond Aircraft Industries. "DA40 Diamond Star XLS and CS". diamondaircraft.com. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2008.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Transport Canada (24 June 2020). "Type Certificate Data Sheet A-224 Issue 10". Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Federal Aviation Administration (14 July 2021). "TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET NO. A47CE Revision 16". Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  5. ↑ "News Breaks", Aviation Week & Space Technology , 1 January 2007.
  6. ↑ Mark Phelps. "Fear and Loathing for China". Sport Aviation: 100.
  7. ↑ Diamond Aircraft (April 2008). "Diamond Aircraft introduces Synthetic Vision on DA40 Diamond Stars". Archived from the original on 21 January 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2008.
  8. 1 2 3 "Diamond Aircraft announces future All-Electric Trainer and partnership with Electric Power Systems" (Press release). Diamond Aircraft. 12 October 2021.
  9. ↑ "DA40 XL Fact Sheet" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  10. 1 2 "DA40 Diamond Star Innovation in Motion". Diamond Aircraft Industries. Archived from the original on 12 October 2008. Retrieved 11 September 2008.
  11. ↑ Flying the Diamond Star XLS, Flying, Vol. 135., No. 5, May 2008, p. 64.
  12. ↑ "Aviation Week & Space Technology". 14 October 2013: 60.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  13. ↑ Bertorelli, Paul (30 October 2011). "Fun With Parachute Mode". AVweb. Retrieved 31 October 2011.
  14. ↑ "Aviation Consumer: Cirrus Safety Record Just Average". AVweb. 20 December 2011. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
  15. ↑ Pope, Stephen (2 April 2015). "Diesel Trainer Market Booming in China". Flying . Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  16. ↑ EASA (5 April 2016). "Type Certificate Data Sheet for Noise EASA.A.022 Issue 13" (PDF). easa.europa.eu. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  17. ↑ EASA (22 April 2021). "Type Certificate Data Sheet EASA.IM.A.022" (PDF). easa.europa.eu. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  18. ↑ "DA40 New Generation". Diamond Aircraft Industries. Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  19. ↑ "Air Flight Manual DA 40 NG" (PDF). Diamond Aircraft Industries. April 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  20. ↑ USAFA (August 2009). "557 FTS Aircraft – T-52A" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
  21. ↑ "Academy gets 25 new trainer aircraft for $6.1M". Air Force Times . Associated Press. June 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  22. ↑ "Diamond Introduces DA40 XLT". Avweb.com. 9 April 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
  23. ↑ "DA40 Tundra Star – Takes you places". Diamond Aircraft Industries. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  24. ↑ "NBAA: Diamond unveils jet fuel variant of DA40 Tundra". Flightglobal.com. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  25. ↑ Niles, Russ (28 April 2022). "Diamond Predicting 20-Minute Charge For Electric eDA40". AVweb. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  26. ↑ Phelps, Mark (27 July 2023). "Diamond Aircraft's All-Electric eDA40 Completes First Flight". AVweb. Archived from the original on 28 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  27. ↑ James Wynbrandt (10 December 2018). "Saudi Academy Orders 60 Diamond Trainers". AIN online.
  28. ↑ Waldron, Greg (1 March 2019). "AVALON: Canberra leases eight DA40 NGs for cadets". FlightGlobal. Melbourne. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  29. ↑ "Neue Schulflugzeuge und Löschfahrzeuge an Truppe übergeben". bundesheer.at. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  30. ↑ "Trade-Register-1971-2019.rft". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  31. ↑ New Basic Trainers for Bolivian Air Force, Air Forces Monthly, September 2010, p. 23
  32. ↑ Pope, Stephen (1 November 2011). "Ecuador Air Force Buys DA20s". Flying . Flyingmag.com. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  33. ↑ "Ecuador Air Force accepts delivery of Diamond DA20 fleet". Diamond Aircraft. Archived from the original on 25 May 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  34. ↑ "Ini Dia, Penampakan C295 Berseragam Polisi Udara". airspace-review.com (in Indonesian). 1 June 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  35. ↑ "Indonesian Airforce Impressions Part 8 / 10". dutchaviationsupport.com. 2008. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  36. ↑ Jamaica Defence Force buying new helicopters, training aircraft
  37. ↑ ncoicinnet. "Diamond DA40 FP". Jdfmil.org. Archived from the original on 2 April 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  38. ↑ "Singapore Registered Aircraft Engine Nos – Nov 2017" (PDF). caas.gov.sg. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  39. ↑ Doss Aviation (December 2008). "Diamond DA40 Selected For USAF Academy Powered Flight Program". Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 15 April 2009.
  40. ↑ "Diamond DA40 XLS Specs and Options". Diamond Aircraft Industries. Archived from the original on 13 October 2008. Retrieved 11 October 2008.
  41. ↑ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.