Diamond DA50 Magnum, Austria

Diamond Aircraft's DA50 Magnum is the company's latest offering in the single-engine piston category. The three-door, four-seater aircraft boasts superior safety, spacious interiors and innovative comfort features. Its maximum take-off weight is 3,262lb.

The plane was originally scheduled to be delivered in late 2009 but this has now been postponed until mid-2010. The aircraft successfully completed a test flight on 14 May 2008 at Diamond's plant in Wiener Neustadt, Austria.

Magnum features

Magnum has been designed to provide low fuel burn, acceptable cruise speeds, and comfortable cruise and operating environments. The engine can achieve speeds above 150kt and burns only 9gal an hour at maximum power and 6-7gal an hour at cruise setting.

These features are important where factors such as AVGAS availability and cost are considered. The aircraft is also an attractive option for environmentally conscious pilots that want to fly long distances without restrictions on payload.

The aircraft can be equipped with entertainment features such as LCD displays, with optional additional LCD displays being able to be installed at the back of the seats. Passengers can also listen to XM satellite radio or play music from their MP3 players.

Ventilation is provided through four huge eyeballs as well as overhead vents. An easy-to-use air-conditioning system provides comfort during hot weather conditions.

In low-light conditions, the aircraft provides overhead lights for book and chart reading. The panel lights are made electroluminescent and the panel is etched with backlight aluminium. This ensures that overhead switches and breakers are recognisable during night.

The rear baggage area and the folding rear seats provide space for carrying different loads.

DA50 cabin

Magnum's 52in cabin is surrounded by panoramic windows providing its passengers with the best view. Passengers can easily get in and out of the aircraft through its three large doors.

In addition, the right-hand control stick has been removed to add more space to its interiors. It is also expected to increase the comfort level of the co-pilot.

Aircraft construction

The DA50 Magnum is made of durable, low-drag composites and features carbon-fibre accents. Being made of composites, the aircraft is low in weight and high in interior room space and comfort.

The aircraft is also less susceptible to damages caused by hangar rash due to its unlimited-life airframe.

Magnum avionics

The cockpit is equipped with one G1000 primary flight display (PFD) system. An additional G1000 multifunction display (MFD) system is also part of the cockpit. In addition, the aircraft is fitted with a standard synthetic vision system.

The aircraft can also be equipped with optional features such as the GFC 700autopilot system. Other optional equipment includes traffic warning and weather systems. In addition, the aircraft can be fitted with digital en route chart systems.

Piston engine

The engine is supplied by Austro Engine, a sister company to Diamond Aircraft. Austro builds piston and turboprop engines for light and unmanned aircraft.

Austro has provided a 170hp turbo-diesel power plant AE 300 jet A1 piston engine for the aircraft. The unique feature of the engine is its FADEC single-lever operation, which lowers the pilot's workload.

DA50 safety

Magnum is equipped with a protected fuel system and a safety belt system inclusive of an airbag. It has a framework that is fail safe as well as damage tolerant.

The cockpit can withstand up to 26g and includes an integrated oxygen system enabling operation in high altitudes. Optional features include TKS de-icing system and parachute system.

Variants

Diamond Aircraft introduced the DA50 in 2006. After receiving extensive feedback about the aircraft from its customers, the company has decided to advance from the saturated single-engine high-performance market to the lightly pressurised high-performance market.

The company, therefore, decided to offer the DA50 in two variants – the DA50 SuperStar and the DA50 Magnum.

The SuperStar features five seats and a pressurised cabin. The cabin enables pilots to benefit from the aircraft's 25,000ft ceiling and turbo power in high altitudes. Along with this, it is also equipped with a 350hp, turbo-charged engine.

The decision to offer two variants was taken due to the increase in fuel prices and decline in single-engine high-performance sales between 2007 and 2008.

The company expects that pilots flying single-engine high-performance aircraft would be interested in trading up to the SuperStar to take advantage of pressurisation and a fifth seat. The SuperStar comes with its own separate baggage door for easy access.

With the inclusion of pressurisation programme, certification for the SuperStar has been scheduled for late 2010.