On November 22, 2002, the JAA- JAR 23 type certification of the DA40 TDI Diamond Star was completed by Diamond Aircraft Industries and Austro Control, the Austrian Airworthiness Authority, setting another milestone in General Aviation's history.
The future belongs to Jet-A1 and Diesel fuel
As far as General Aviation in Europe is concerned, the future belongs to Jet-A1 and Diesel fuel. In view of AVGAS prices of more than 1.60 Euro per liter and an average consumption of 40 liters per hour for a 4-seat aircraft with an conventional engine, this is now a reality.
Imagine you can be flying a 4-seater and paying only 8 Euro per hour for fuel. At altitudes up to 16,400 feet you can travel conveniently, using only 20 liters of fuel - not expensive AVGAS, but inexpensive Jet-A1 or regular automotive Diesel fuel. You will be accompanied by a pleasant engine sound and a smoothness that is offered only by modern automotive technology, but aircraft quality standards.
Within one year the Diamond engineers have achieved what was called 'impossible' before. With the innovative, light Turbo-Diesel engine Centurion 1.7, made by the Thielert Aircraft Engine Company in Germany, and the appropriately modified and advanced DA40 Diamond Star, the first production aircraft worldwide with a Diesel engine in this category was created. In the meantime, Diamond Aircraft Industries has already become the largest manufacturer of single engine composite aircraft and the only manufacturer of twin engine composite aircraft for the entire world of General Aviation. The advantages of the new engine:
| Due to the excellent aerodynamic characteristics of the DA40 it is possible to fly at a cruising speed of 100 kts at only 40% power (10.3 liters/hr). Traditional aircraft reach this speed only at a power setting of approximately 65%, and at a significantly higher fuel consumption. |
| Significantly lower fuel consumption (17 instead of 35 liters per hour in case of the DA40 TDI). |
| By far smaller fuel consumption (17 instead of 35 litres per hr. with the DA40 TDI) |
| TBR (Time Between Replacement) 2.400 hours with a pro rata guarantee (engine will not be overhauled, but replaced by a factory-new engine). The cost of replacement as opposed to overhaul is approx. the same however much more expedient. This will reduce the downtime of the aircraft. |
| Use of a more inexpensive fuel (either jet fuel, or, coming soon: automotive Diesel fuel). |
Significantly increased range of the aircraft without any increase of the fuel capacity, thus conserving the useful load. |
For further information:
Michael Feinig
Managing director
Telephone: +43-2622-26700-30
Fax: +43-2622-26780
E-Mail: <link>m.feinig@diamond-air.at