Diamond DA40 Diamond Star

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.

DA40 Diamond Star
Role Light aircraft
Manufacturer Diamond Aircraft Industries
First flight 5 November 1997
Status In production
Produced 1997–present
Unit cost
$420,000 DA-40XLT (2013 price)[1]
Developed from Diamond DA20
Diamond Star DA40-TDI diesel powered model
Diamond Star DA40 FP Fixed Pitch variant
Diamond Star DA40-180 instrument panel showing the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit installation
G1000-equipped Diamond DA-40

Design and 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 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 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 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.[2][3]

The DA40 was initially marketed as the DA40-180, powered by a fuel injected Textron Lycoming IO-360 M1A engine.[2][3]

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.

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 knots, burning 9.2 gallons of Avgas per hour. Its maximum takeoff weight is 2,535 lb (1,150 kg).[4]

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 carburettor rather than fuel injection and a more basic interior, but is otherwise similar to the XL.[2][3]

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 first flight of the DA40D was made on 28 Nov. 2002. This model is not certified in the US.[2][3][5]

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.

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.[6]

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.[2][3]

Pilot and passengers board the DA40 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.[7]

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.[8] Capacity is available for up to 1,000 aircraft a year to be produced with certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency in 2008.[9][10] A Chinese flying school has used its CD-135 for 13 hours per day on average.[11]

Past DA40 models were available with either traditional mechanical instruments or an optional Garmin G1000 glass cockpit suite. Current 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.[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 600–1200 feet per minute at 48 kn (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]

Variants
DA40 XLS preparing to taxi
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.[2][3][6]
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.[2][3][5]
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.[2][3]
DA40 NG
Latest model, offered in select markets only (DA40 model is still offered in other markets), powered by an Austro Engine AE 300 170 hp (127 kW) running on JET A-1 fuel. EASA certified April 2010[15][16][17]
T-52A
Military trainer version, 20 acquired in 2009 and used by the 557th Flying Training Squadron at United States Air Force Academy.[18] The type was replaced in 2012 with the Cirrus SR20-based T-53A.[19]
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.[20]
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.[21][22]

Operators

Civil

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

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.[23]

Military
 Australia
 Austria
 Bangladesh
 Bolivia
 Ecuador
 Jamaica
  • Jamaican Defence Force – 4 order.[30][31]
 Singapore
 United States

Specifications (2007 model Diamond DA40 XL Diamond Star)

Data from Diamond Aircraft website[34]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: three passengers
  • Length: 8.1 m (26 ft 7 in)
  • Wingspan: 11.9 m (39 ft 1 in)
  • Height: 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)
  • Wing area: 13.5 m2 (145 sq ft)
  • Airfoil: Wortmann FX 63-137[35]
  • Empty weight: 795 kg (1,753 lb)
  • Gross weight: 1,198 kg (2,641 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming IO-360-M1A 4-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 134 kW (180 hp)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 279 km/h (173 mph, 151 kn) TAS
  • Stall speed: 91 km/h (57 mph, 49 kn) flaps down
  • Range: 1,341 km (833 mi, 724 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 5,000 m (16,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 5.69 m/s (1,120 ft/min)
  • Power/mass: 0.110 kW/kg (0.067 hp/lb)
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See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References
  1. Pope, Stephen (2013). "Diamond Introduces DA40 XLT for 2013". Flying. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
  2. Transport Canada (August 2007). "Type Certificate Data Sheet A-224 Issue 7". Retrieved 11 September 2008.
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (October 2007). "TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET NO. A47CE Revision 9" (PDF). Retrieved 11 September 2008.
  4. "DA40 XL Fact Sheet" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  5. Diamond Aircraft Industries. "DA40 Diamond Star Innovation in Motion". Archived from the original on 12 October 2008. Retrieved 11 September 2008.
  6. Diamond Aircraft Industries. "DA40 Diamond Star XLS and CS". Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2008.
  7. Flying the Diamond Star XLS, Flying, Vol. 135., No. 5, May 2008, p. 64.
  8. "Aviation Week & Space Technology". 14 October 2013: 60. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  9. "News Breaks", Aviation Week & Space Technology, 1 January 2007.
  10. Mark Phelps. "Fear and Loathing for China". Sport Aviation: 100.
  11. Pope, Stephen (2 April 2015). "Diesel Trainer Market Booming in China". Flying. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  12. 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.
  13. Bertorelli, Paul (30 October 2011). "Fun With Parachute Mode". AVweb. Retrieved 31 October 2011.
  14. AVweb staff (20 December 2011). "Aviation Consumer: Cirrus Safety Record Just Average". AVweb. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
  15. EASA (April 2012). "TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET EASA.A.022 Issue 15" (PDF). Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  16. Diamond Aircraft Industries. "DA40 New Generation". Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  17. Diamond Aircraft Industries (April 2010). "Air Flight Manual DA 40 NG" (PDF). Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  18. USAFA (August 2009). "557 FTS Aircraft – T-52A" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
  19. Associated Press (June 2011). "Academy gets 25 new trainer aircraft for $6.1M". Air Force Times. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  20. "Diamond Introduces DA40 XLT". Avweb.com. 9 April 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
  21. Diamond Aircraft Industries. "DA40 Tundra Star – Takes you places". diamond-air.at. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  22. "NBAA: Diamond unveils jet fuel variant of DA40 Tundra". Flightglobal.com. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  23. James Wynbrandt (10 December 2018). "Saudi Academy Orders 60 Diamond Trainers". AIN online.
  24. 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.
  25. 3, BMLVS - Abteilung Kommunikation - Referat. "Neue Schulflugzeuge und Löschfahrzeuge an Truppe übergeben". bundesheer.at. Retrieved 4 May 2018.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. "Trade-Register-1971-2019.rft". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  27. New Basic Trainers for Bolivian Air Force, Air Forces Monthly, September 2010, p. 23
  28. Pope, Stephen (1 November 2011). "Ecuador Air Force Buys DA20s". Flying. Flyingmag.com. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  29. "Ecuador Air Force accepts delivery of Diamond DA20 fleet". Diamond Aircraft. Archived from the original on 25 May 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  30. Jamaica Defence Force buying new helicopters, training aircraft
  31. ncoicinnet. "Diamond DA40 FP". Jdfmil.org. Archived from the original on 2 April 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  32. "Singapore Registered Aircraft Engine Nos - Nov 2017" (PDF). caas.gov.sg. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  33. 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.
  34. Diamond Aircraft Industries. "Diamond DA40 XLS Specs and Options". Archived from the original on 13 October 2008. Retrieved 11 October 2008.
  35. Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
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