 Nov. /01 Diamond Aircraft flies diesel equipped DA40 London, Ontario Diamond Aircraft flew a Diamond Star DA40 with the Thielert TA-125 Diesel engine on November 28, 2001 from their Austrian factory at Wiener Neustadt. This is a bold step in Diamond's continuing effort to explore the latest technologies. The DA40-TDI offers single-lever power control, reducing the workload for the pilot; much lower fuel consumption (4.5 gallons versus 9.2 gallons per hour); use of a significantly lower priced fuel; and much greater range without any increase in fuel tank capacity. The plans for the DA40-TDI are to certify the aircraft for the European market due to the wider price differential between AvGas and the fuels suitable for the diesel engine found in Europe versus North America. The current Lycoming IO360-powered DA40-180 will be the only model offered in North America for the foreseeable future. "We will continue to evaluate the North American market and offer the diesel powered aircraft when the market is ready for this new technology, and when we have accumulated satisfactory operating experience," said Diamond Aircraft President Peter Maurer. Certification of the DA40-TDI is projected for the middle of 2002, subject to the timely certification of the engine. For further information, call Diamond Aircraft at  |
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