The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded Diamond’s new DA42 NG Twinstar its type certificate, opening the way for European sales and setting in motion the next step: FAA certification. The new DA42—dubbed the NG for “next generation”—features Diamond’s 170-horsepower AE-300 Austro Engine. Diamond began manufacturing its own engines after its previous engine supplier, Thielert Aircraft Engines (TAE), went bankrupt last year.
“We are delighted to be able to resume volume deliveries of the DA42 less than 11 months after the insolvency of TAE,” said Christian Dries, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Industries. “The DA42 NG is better in every respect with much improved performance, increased gross weight, even better fuel efficiency.”
The DA42 NG comes equipped with Garmin’s GFC 700 autopilot and will be able to accept Garmin’s new synthetic vision system (SVS).
The first DA42 NGs will be delivered almost immediately. There are 40 airframes already in various stages of production, Diamond said.
“We will shortly be announcing the details of an all-inclusive maintenance program that will insure a superior level of support as we work to extend the TBO of the engine from 1,000 to 2,000 hours,” Dreis said. “In parallel, we are pursuing validation of the certification in all other markets as quickly as possible.”
