Diamond ready to launch its own diesel engine

Diamond ready to launch its own diesel engine

By Alton K. Marsh

Diamond Aircraft will announce specific plans by the end of May for the diesel engine it has developed under a consortium of three companies. It will replace the Thielert engine made by a company now in bankruptcy.

The engine was first flown a year ago and was reported in AOPA ePilot. It could be certificated as early as July, but only in Europe. First the aircraft that will use the new diesel must be modified for its higher horsepower, and that will take time. After that, certification can begin. There is a strong possibility it can be certified in Europe this year, but FAA certification will take most of 2008.

Diamond and its partner companies have worked on the engine for more than a year. The Thielert diesel engine is now on hundreds of Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft and DA40 single-engine aircraft.

Thielert Aircraft Engines is now in bankruptcy, but will continue operations at least through June.

May 13, 2008