Flyf15 From United States, joined May 1999, 6101 posts, RR: 15 Posted (6 years 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 1198 times:
Well, I'm sitting here browsing through Diamond's webpage (http://www.diamondair.com) and I started looking at the specs on the DA-42 TwinStar. Reading through these specs I was quite suprised, it doesn't seem possible. Especially 180ktas buring 9gph total and the useful load.
The performance of the 270 hp TwinStar sets new standards in this class. Projected performance offers over 1400 mile range, 180 ktas cruise at 9 gph total, 203 ktas at 12 gph total at 12,000 ft, useful load of over 900 lbs plus full fuel, and a sea level climb rate of over 1700 fpm. Single engine performance will redefine the safety margins in this class. With a projected base IFR price under US$360,000, and low operating costs, the TwinStar offers a realistic and safer alternative to high performance singles.
Optional equipment will include a glass cockpit, oxygen system and anti/de-icing.
Unless I'm seriously misunderstanding some fundamental twin/GA knowledge, is this thing going to be a revolution in light GA twins or are we experiencing a company being very enthusiastic and exaggerating about its airplane's capability? Whats the secret to this thing?
USAFHummer From United States, joined May 2000, 10685 posts, RR: 56 Reply 1, posted (6 years 3 weeks ago) and read 1171 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
Hmm...could be the next Eclipse 500...too many promises that cant be fufilled...if its performance is tested and proves those promises to be true, then Diamond has just one upped the light twin market big time...
Greg
Chief A.net college football stadium self-pic guru
Jetguy From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 2, posted (6 years 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 1069 times:
If those claims prove to be true it will be a very welcomed addition to the fleet. However, as a general rule those in the advertising department have a tendency to be very "optimistic" when it comes to performance specifications - especially single engine performance. I got a big kick out of the phrase "Single engine performance will redefine the safety margins in this class." The single-engine performance of the 300 hp class light twins is abysmal (read non-existent) so if it can do anything but fly you directly to the crash site in the event of an engine failure it's lived up to its promises.
The 1400-mile range is bogus. Who would really be able to sit in one of those things for 7+45? I can hardly stand doing that in a bizjet and we can get up and walk around and go back to the potty. Four hours is more than enough for most people.
Gee, I hate to sound so pessimistic, but I'll believe it when I see it. Actually, I kind of like the looks of the thing – it reminds me of bit of the old British built Beagle. If they can pull it off and if the numbers hold they’ll sell a boatload of them and I’d probably try and figure out how to get one myself. I hope they are able to do it.
Shaun3000 From United States, joined Mar 2002, 445 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (6 years 2 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 835 times:
It also flies on JetA/Diesel (basically the same thing) which is a very efficient fuel. And considering how light theplane is and the fuel it will burn, I don't have much trouble believing those estimates, though they may still be a little optimistic.
Sllevin From United States, joined Jan 2002, 3376 posts, RR: 6 Reply 6, posted (6 years 2 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 845 times:
I'm confident it will hit the numbers (after all, it *is* flying); just look at the numbers for the already-certificated DA40 single, and, of course, the stock Katana. Also looks at the performance of Cirrus' SR-20/22 and the Lancair Columbia.
Composite, modern aircraft are just significantly faster than the aluminum aircraft designed in the 50s and 60s (which means all the current Piper and Cessna offerings).
Now, if they'd offer a slightly higher-powered version so that it would offer the same payload but have TKS anti-icing gear on it....that would be the ultimate.
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