Diamond Aircraft have announced the addition of the retractable-gear single-engine DA-50 RG to their lineup.
The 5-seat DA-50 RG features a wide cabin and generous front seats, with a 60/40 three seat second row that will be familiar from their DA-62, accessible through gull-wing doors. Pilots and passengers alike can expect exceptional leg, shoulder and head room.
Interior styling and exterior paint will be available in several styles, with options including dual controls, oxygen system, air conditioning, a TKS anti-icing system and Garmin GCU 476 keypad or built-in tablet mounts.
While Diamond Aircraft have had success with their smaller DA-40 single and their twin-engine lineup of DA-42 and now the larger DA-62, the GA-50 program has suffered a few false starts. Versions were originally designed with a choice of gasoline or Jet-A piston engines, with one variant even designed for a turboprop power plant.
Having been back to the drawing board, Diamond are now confident that the DA-50 RG is the definitive model, as Liqun Zhang, CEO Diamond Aircraft Austria, explained.
“We are convinced that our all-new DA50 RG will be the new star on the piston single market for private pilots needing more seats and space and charter operators looking for a low-cost alternative,” he said.
The DA-50 RG will be equipped with Continental’s CD-300 Jet-A engine. The liquid-cooled CD-300 has 6 cylinders in a ‘V’ configuration and features dual-redundant FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) which allows single power lever operation similar to a jet engine. It has a time between replacement of 1200 hours, which Continental expect to extend to 2000 hours.
“The luxurious and modern carbon fiber constructed DA50 RG paired with the 300 horsepower Jet-A engine is redefining the expectations for GA aircraft,” said Robert Stoppek, President & CEO of Continental Aerospace Technologies™. “Congratulations to Diamond Aircraft for introducing this fuel-efficient engine and up-to-date airplane that perfectly fits the renowned Diamond jet-fuel aircraft portfolio.”
The DA50 RG comes as standard with a Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck and 3-axis GFC700 AFCS (Automated Flight Control System) offering great control and situational awareness, while reducing pilot workload.
Diamond Aircraft say that the all carbon composite airframe features advanced aerodynamics that will improve both efficiency and performance, while the passive safety features will enhance occupant safety.
Other refinements include specially designed hinged double slotted flaps, for high lift and superior slow speed behaviour, as well as other drag-reduction features.
Diamond Aircraft say they expect EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification as early as Summer 2020 and first deliveries in Q1 of 2021. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification is expected to follow at the end of that year.