Diamond Eclipse DA20 C1

Diamond Aircraft Industries

Founded in 1981 by Austrian designer Wolf Hoffmann, Diamond Aircraft Industries started as Hoffmann Flugzeugbau, gaining recognition with the HK36 Dimona motor glider – a leading model in its class in Europe. The company underwent several changes, including a name change to Hoffman Aircraft Limited in 1985 and the certification of the DV20 Katana in North America in 1993. In the early 2000s, it introduced the DA42 Twin Star, a diesel-engine aircraft, and rebranded as Diamond Aircraft Industries in 1998.

In the 2010s, Diamond faced financial challenges but received support from the Canadian government and was acquired by Wanfeng Aviation in 2017, maintaining its headquarters in Austria. The company has a workplace culture that includes an aviation-themed dining area for employees.

Currently, Diamond Aircraft employs over 1,500 people globally and offers a range of certified piston aircraft, from the two-seat DA20 to the seven-seat DA62. The company provides flight training solutions, including Single Engine (DA40 NG, DA40 XLT) and Multi Engine (DA42-VI) trainers, as well as the upcoming DART aerobatic trainer. Additionally, Diamond is developing the eDA40, an all-electric training aircraft.

The aircraft utilizes proprietary lead-free jet fuel piston engines and incorporates advanced technology for performance, efficiency, and safety. With over 5,500 planes in operation worldwide, Diamond Aircraft focuses on sustainable and innovative designs in general aviation.

Introducing Diamond Eclipse C1 For Military Use

Introduced in 2003, the Diamond C1 Eclipse features a sleek composite airframe that enhances its lightweight structure and fuel efficiency. Powered by a robust 100-horsepower engine, the C1 Eclipse achieves impressive climb rates and cruise speeds, making it well-suited for flight training and personal use. Its spacious cockpit prioritizes comfort, offering excellent visibility and ergonomic seating for 2 people.

Aiming to meet the increasing demand for affordable, high-performance aircraft, the C1 Eclipse appeals to both flight schools and private owners. Its competitive pricing and operational efficiency position it as a formidable contender in the general aviation sector.

The DA20-C1 is a utility and trainer aircraft developed by Diamond Aircraft Industries, specifically designed for military and civilian flight training. Development began in 1998, and the aircraft has been in service with the US Air Force since 2002, training Air Education Training Command cadets.

The Ecuadorian Air Force received six DA20-C1 aircraft in March 2012 as part of a contract for 12 units, which included on-site support and training. These aircraft are utilized at the Cosme Rennella training academy in Salinas, Ecuador.

The DA20-C1 features a composite construction for a damage-tolerant airframe, enabling operation in high-density altitude conditions while maintaining lower acquisition and operating costs. It is powered by a TCM IO-240-B3B engine, providing a cruise speed of 255 km/h and a range of 1,013 km. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics options, including the Garmin G500 glass cockpit.

With a length of 7.16 m, the DA20-C1 is designed for efficient training, offering a spacious cockpit and various safety features. Its performance specifications include a climb rate of 5.08 m/s and specific take-off and landing distances, making it suitable for diverse training environments.

Country of Origin: Austria

Diamond Eclipse DA20 C1 Statistics

The following include the estimated statistics of a Diamond Eclipse DA20 C1.

Maximum Speed: 130 knots
Maximum Range: 547 nm
Maximum Occupants: 2
Range Of Years Manufactured: 1998-2024
Total Aircraft Build: Over 1,000
Current Operational Aircraft: About 800
Useful Load: 550 lbs.
Average Sale Value: $200,000
Average Days On Market For Sale: 90
VREF Demand Rating: Join VREF Online

Operational Resources

Insurance

Diamond Eclipse DA20 C1 Details

Interior

The Diamond Eclipse DA20 C1 interior accommodates a total of 2 passengers and is similar to that of a fighter jet featuring a canopy, bucket seats, and 4-point inertia reel safety harnesses. The ergonomically designed cockpit ensures exceptional visibility and is also equipped with Garmin G500 avionics.

Exterior

The Diamond DA20-C1 is a two-seat light aircraft renowned for its composite airframe, which enhances both performance and durability. Its exterior showcases a tricycle gear configuration, featuring fixed aluminum main landing gear paired with robust steel nose gear. The aircraft’s design emphasizes a smooth, rivet-free surface, finished with a polyurethane topcoat and epoxy primer for added protection. The DA20-C1 is equipped with HID landing lights, LED position lights, and strobe lights, ensuring optimal illumination during operations. Additionally, the aircraft boasts a canopy that can be fitted with optional wheel fairings – further enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Avionics

The Diamond Eclipse C1 may or may not contain the following avionics:

GARMIN G500 glass cockpit
GTN635 GPS/COM
GTX 345 Mode S Transponder (ADS-B In and Out)
PS Engineering PM 1000 intercom
UMA engine instrumentation
Standby Instruments (Air Speed Indicator & Altimeter)
406 Mhz ELT

Optional Avionic Equipment

Garmin GMA340 (Replaces PM1000)
Garmin GTN650 GPS/COM/NAV (Replaces GTN635)
Garmin GTR225 VHF COM
Avidyne TAS600 Traffic Advisory System
Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT)
Stand-by Attitude Indicator

Specifications

Exterior Height: 13 ft. 11 in.
Wing Span: 43 ft. 6 in.
Length: 48 ft. 5 in.
External Baggage: 25 cu ft.
Max Takeoff Weight: 16,100 lbs.
Max Landing Weight: 15,700 lbs.
Empty Weight: 10,050 lbs.
Max Payload: 2,085 lbs.
Normal Range: 1,180 nm
Max Range: 1,519 nm
Balanced Field Length: 4,600 ft.
Landing Distance: 5,083 ft.
Rate of Climb: 3,770 fpm
Max Speed: 458 kts
Normal Cruise: 449 kts

Diamond Eclipse C1 Models

DV20-A1 Katana

The DA20 Katana is a 2-seater motor glider first flown in 1991. Acquired by Wanfeng Aviation in 2017, it features a Rotax 912 engine and all-composite construction, showcasing innovation in light aircraft design. The DA20-A1 Canadian-built DV20 Katana is equipped with a Rotax 912 engine and was introduced in 1995.

DA20-100 Katana 100

The Diamond DA20-100 Katana is a factory-refurbished, 2-seat low-wing aircraft powered by a 100-horsepower Rotax 912S engine. Introduced in 1999, it’s known for its success in flight training and is a favorite among private pilots.

DA20-C1 Katana & Katana Eclipse

The name “Katana” was used in marketing and some 1998 year model planes. Powered by a 125-horsepower Continental IO-240 engine, this aircraft accommodates the extra 70 pounds of the IO-240, moving its battery to behind the baggage bay. Previous Katanas had simple hinged flaps, but at the higher maximum weight, more sophisticated slotted flaps were added to bring the stall speed to the JAR-VLA-specified 45 knots.

DA20-C1 Evolution

The DA20-C1 Evolution is a cost-effective trainer aircraft for flight schools, featuring a simplified design without rear windows. Powered by a 125-horsepower Continental IO-240-B engine, it offers a basic avionics package and less interior trim compared to the C1 Eclipse, making it an ideal choice for training.

DA20-C1 Eclipse

The Diamond DA20-C1 Eclipse is a single-engine, 2-seat aircraft designed for private flying and primary training. Powered by a 125-horsepower Continental IO-240-B engine, it features advanced Garmin G500TXi avionics, rear windows for visibility, and a low-maintenance exterior, and is certified for Night VFR with a heater/defrost system.

DA20-C1 Falcon

The DA20-C1 Falcon is a military trainer variant for the U.S. Air Force, featuring a cockpit layout that positions flight instruments in front of the right seat. Powered by a 125-horsepower Continental engine, this aircraft allows student pilots to train in a fighter-like configuration.

Related VREF Resources

Exploring In-Depth Diamond Aircraft Model Inventory?

[Begin Aircraft Appraisal Process]

Introducing Diamond Eclipse C1 For Military Use

Diamond Eclipse DA20 C1 Statistics