Diamond Aircraft certifies DA50-RG, relaunches DA20-C1 Katana

Diamond Aircraft has been busy. Not content with certifying a brand new aircraft – the DA50-RG – to compete with the Cirrus SR22, Diamond also relaunched its two-seat DA20-C1 into the growing and competitive training market.

The DA50-RG is Diamond’s single-engine flagship aircraft and it has just received type certification from EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency).

It is a five-seat aircraft, with retractable undercarriage, powered by a Jet A burning, EASA certified, twin-turbocharger, liquid-cooled six-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.

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.

Top-hinged doors provide access to 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 three-axis GFC700 autopilot. The two-seat DA20 was first launched as long ago as 1992 and there are more than 1,000 in operation around the world, mostly in flight schools, therefore the fleet has accumulated a whopping 7m flight hours. It’s cleared for spin training and also Night VFR.

That’s a Garmin G500TXi EFIS in the DA20’s panel

Stunning DA50RG is just certified

Two variants have been on sale in recent years, the DA20i Katana fitted with a Rotax engine, and the DA20-C1 with a 125hp Continental IO-240 engine. The latest version has a Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit and new avionics.

Luxurious cabin of the DA50

Revised DA20-C1 Katana uses 125hp IO-240G