Diamond Aircraft has announced a new range of single-engined carbon-fibre aeroplanes based on the DA50 design.
The Austrian manufacturer will produce three different variants of the DA50, with a four-seat DA50-IV, five-seat DA50-V and seven-seat DA50-VII being added to their range.
The new aircraft look to be aimed directly at the fast single market currently dominated by the Cirrus SR22.
A prototype of the five-seat DA50-V made its first public appearance at AERO Friedrichshafen this year, sporting a 260-hp Safran diesel that is expected to drive the DA50-V to 173 KTAS. The prototype has a maximum take-off weight of 1800 kg, which in turn gives it a payload of 570 kg.
“The DA50-V sets the benchmark in luxury, comfort and economy in general aviation," said Diamond CEO and owner Christian Dries. "It’s the perfect aircraft for the demanding pilot who wants to go far without cargo restrictions.”
Diamond Aircraft has said the DA50-V will have "the widest body and highest payload in its class."
Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and a GFC700 autopilot will be standard across the range.
The smaller DA50-IV will be powered by a 230-hp engine, and although Diamond has not made clear the engine for the seven-seat DA50-VII, it is likely to be a turbine motor.
Diamond expects the DA50-IV and DA50-V to be certified in 2018, with the seven-seat version following.
The DA50 concept has been around for a few years, with the original to be powered by an Austro AE300 diesel engine. In January 2015 a turbo-prop DA50-JP7 flew, but the hull design eventually became the basis for the successful DA62 twin.