10 September 2020
Diamond has – at last! – a single-engine flagship aircraft to go head to head with rival manufacturer Cirrus. It’s the Diamond DA50 RG which has just received type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The DA50 RG is a five-seat aircraft, with retractable undercarriage, and powered by a 300hp Continental V6 turbodiesel.
European deliveries are expected to start in the first quarter of 2021, and FAA certification in the US is also being pursued with a target of the end of 2021.
Although the DA50 RG is squarely aimed at the market for the Cirrus SR22, Diamond has taken a very different approach. Not only does the DA50 RG have retractable gear but the all-carbon fibre airframe has 13.41m (44ft) wingspan with double slotted flaps for high lift and improved slow speed flying.
The propulsion is also completely different with the Jet A burning, EASA certified, twin-turbocharger, liquid-cooled 6-cylinder 300hp Continental CD-300. The V6 engine has car-like Common Rail Direct Injection, with a dual redundant FADEC (full authority digital engine control) system, integrated gearbox and propeller governor.
“The pilot benefits from tremendously eased engine operations, unique high-altitude performance, globally available jet fuel and remarkably low fuel consumption of just 9usg/hr (34.1 litres/hr) at maximum range,” says Diamond’s release.
Cabin of the 5-seat DA50 RG. Photos: Diamond Aircraft
Opening the top hinged doors reveals a luxury car-like cabin with genuine leather seats, a 60/40 split folding three seat second row bench, premium materials in several styles and colours, middle armrest, overhead LED interior lighting and many optional features.
The panel is equipped with Garmin’s G1000 NXi with dual displays and standard 3-axis GFC700 autopilot.
Garmin’s G1000 NXi fills the panel of the Diamond DA 50 RG
“We are extremely proud to have received EASA type certification for our single engine flagship, the DA50 RG. The Diamond Aircraft team has done a tremendous job to make this possible,” said Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO at Diamond Aircraft Austria.
“With the DA50 RG we are introducing an innovative 21st-century retract single that we are convinced the market is missing.
“Bringing the aircraft to the market is a great accomplishment that we are very pleased to celebrate with our Diamond Aircraft Family and the aviation community all over the world. We are looking forward to welcoming many proud DA50 RG pilots over the coming months and years.”
Diamond’s just certified DA50 RG is powered by Continental’s biggest turbodiesel, the CD-300 V6
Fast Facts
Engine Continental CD-300 turbocharged, FADEC controlled jet fuel engine with 300hp max/270hp mac continuous
Fuel Jet-A1
Max speed 335km/h TAS/181kt TAS
Max range incl 30 min reserve 1,389km/750nm
Fuel burn at max range power setting 34.1litres/hr, 9usg/hr
Max. operating altitude 6,096m/20,000ft
Seats 5
Empty mass 1,440kg/3,175 lb
Useful load 559kg/ 1,232 lb
Max take off weight 1,999kg/ 4,407 lb
Fuel capacity 189lt/ 50usg
