Diamond Aircraft Industries, formerly known as Hoffmann Flugzeugbau, was founded by an Austrian aircraft designer Wolf Hoffmann in 1981. His dream was to create major aircraft manufacturers for the general aviation industry. Hoffmann also had the unusual idea of bringing in fresh, quality food on-site to his Austrian aircraft plant. This is why you’ll find fine dining experiences like the Katana Kafé on the field at London International Airport. Diners can enjoy imported wine, aviation-themed cocktails, and expertly crafted culinary dishes while watching airplanes take flight.
Diamond caught the attention of the aviation industry after producing its first aircraft, a motor glider known as the HK36 Dimona. It was a massive commercial success and would set the tone for future aircraft production.
In 1985, the company changed its name to Hoffman Aircraft Limited, now a part of Simmering-Graz-Pauker AG with headquarters in Vienna. By this time, the H36 was in production and rose to impressive levels of success. Eventually, the H36 became the biggest-selling motor glider in Europe.
In 1993, the DV20 Katana received certification in North America and Canada. The first of its kind was manufactured in Canada and was delivered in 1995, just two years later. By the early 2000s, Diamond produced its first twin diesel engine aircraft, the Diamond DA42 Twin Star.
In 1998, after several changes in ownership, the company took on the name Diamond Aircraft Industries. By 2003, Diamond diversified its capabilities in creating the lightweight Diamond D-Jet. This five-seat single-engine jet aircraft reached the very light jet market, further widening Diamond’s portfolio of aircraft. However, Diamond struggled to maintain its revenue stream by the start of the 2010s and needed help. In response, the Canadian government contributed funds to keep the company afloat. In early 2013, the company was forced to lay off many of its employees. By the end of 2017, the Chinese-owned company, Wanfeng Aviation, completely bought out the Austrian-born company. Yet, the headquarters still remain in Austria.
Diamond & Diesel
Underneath the cowling of a DA40, the four-cylinder Austro AE300 turbo diesel engine is a stock Mercedes OM640 diesel engine. The German luxury automaker made more than a million of these engine units for their small A and B class of cars. Because of the diesel engines used, you can expect better fuel efficiency, endurance, and a quieter engine compared to its gas-run counterparts.
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Country of Origin: Austria
Diamond Star DA40 180
The following are the statistics of the Diamond Star DA40 180.
Diamond Star DA40 180 Statistics
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147 kts Maximum Speed |
570 nm Maximum Range |
4 Maximum Occupants |
2000–Present Range Of Years Manufactured |
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2,200 Total Aircraft Build |
Unknown Current Operational Aircraft |
915 lbs Useful Load |
$188,429–$430,000 Average Sale Value |
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VREF Demand Rating AA |
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Operational Resources
Operations Manual
Maintenance Document
Local Resources
Manufacturer
Insurance
Diamond Star DA40 180 Details
Below you can find descriptions for the Diamond Star DA40 180.
Diamond Star DA40 180
Interior
You can choose from nine different standard exterior styles and a selection of premium interior materials. If you do choose to customize the interior of your DA40, you can browse luxurious options like premium leather, adjustable pilot seatbacks, lumbar support, adjustable rudder pedals, air conditioning adjustments, and more.
Within its glass cockpit, the DA40 comes equipped with a fully integrated G1000 NXi flight deck, which offers the latest features with an optional ultra-precise GFC700 Automatic Flight Control System. Other equipment includes Traffic Advisories, Synthetic Vision Technology, Satellite WX, and entertainment. Performance-wise, you have a choice between a 168 hp turbocharged AE300 jet fuel engine or Lycoming IO360M1A AVGAS engine.
Exterior
The DA40 features a three-blade MT hydraulic constant speed propeller and tricycle landing gear. Additionally, the DA40 has long wings, a smaller fuselage, and control sticks rather than panel-blocking yokes.
Avionics
The Diamond Star DA40 180 may or may not contain the following avionics:
Diamond Star DA40 180
- Garmin G1000
- Digital Audio Control System
- Dual Integrated Radio Modules That Provide WAAS-Capable IFR GPS
- VHF Navigation With ILS
- VHF Communication With 16-watt Transceivers
- 8.33-kHz Channel Spacing
- Mode-S Transponder
- Solid-State Attitude And Heading Reference System
- Digital Air Data Computer
- Optional Weather And Terrain Data
- Interface To The Bendix/King KAP 140 2-Axis Autopilot
Specifications
Diamond Star DA40 180
- Configuration: Single Engine, Piston, Fixed
- Max Seats: 4
- Max Take-Off Weight: 2,535 lbs.
- Range: 713 nm
- Take Off Run: 1,027 ft.
- Take Off (50 ft.): 1,375 ft.
- Wing Span: 39 ft. 2 in.
- Length: 26 ft. 5 in.
- Height: 6 ft. 6 in.
Diamond Star DA40 180 Models
DA40
The Diamond DA40 first received its certification in 1997. Flight International gave it positive reviews and said the DA40 could outperform many similar aircraft. At the time, the Cessna 172 was the most popular single-engine aircraft, so the competition was strong. The Diamond DA40 initial model is powered by a Textron Lycoming IO-360 M1A 180 hp engine and MT Propellers MTV-12-B/180-17. It has a maximum gross weight of 1150 kg that can be increased with installed modifications to reach 1,200 kg.
DA40 D
This variation is a diesel model powered by a Thielert TAE 125-01 (Centurion 1.7) or TAE 125-02-99 (Centurion 2.0) engine of 135 hp. Additionally, this aircraft has MT Propellers MTV-6-A/187-129, and the maximum gross weight remained the same from its predecessor at 1150 kg. Certified in Canada and Australia, the DA40 D was mainly marketed to European buyers.
DA40 FP
The 2006 DA40 F has a fixed-pitch propeller and is powered by Textron Lycoming O-360-A4M and a Sensenich 6EM8S10-0-63 or an MT-Propeller MT 188R135-4G propeller. Its maximum gross weight is 1150 kg and was marketed as the DA40 FP. However, this particular model is no longer in production.
DA40 NG
The 2014 and still produced model, the DA40 NG, is fitted with an Austro Engine AE 300 165.6 hp running on JET A-1 fuel. This particular modified model is offered in select markets. It is the sister product of the gasoline-powered DA40 XLT, and (by December of 2020) 500 NG models were produced.
T-52A
This variation is a military trainer version, used by the 557th Flying Training Squadron at the United States Air Force Academy. A total of 20 of these aircraft were acquired in 2009. Eventually, the academy replaced this variation in 2012 with the Cirrus SR20-based T-53A.
DA40 XLT
Introduced in 2013, this version features an upgraded interior such as sun-resistant deluxe leather seats, sun visors, improved lumbar contours, extra cup holders, and improved storage for hand-held devices.
DA40 Tundra Star
The Tundra Star version has strong landing gear, larger tires for operation from unimproved surfaces, and a 168 hp Austro AE300 diesel engine that burns jet fuel.
eDA40
This variation is all-electric. First announced in October 2021, its debut flight target is set for 2022 with a 2023 certification.
Top Diamond Star DA40 180 Questions
How Much Does A Diamond Star DA40 180 Cost?
Buying a new DA40 NG at its base price is around $430,000. This amount does not include flight membership costs and other external fees. However, you may be able to find a pre-owned DA40 for about $188,429.
How Fast Is A Diamond Star DA40 180?
The DA40 can cruise up to 147 knots on 9.5 gallons per hour of fuel through its 4-cylinder, 180 horsepower, fuel-injected, Lycoming engine with a constant speed prop.
Is A Diamond Star DA40 180 Easy To Fly?
Performance, of course, depends on the model you choose. Otherwise, pilots like flying the DA40 because its interior cabin is minimal but still comfortable and is also fairly quiet. Many pilots notice a difference between flying a diesel-fueled versus gas-fueled DA40. Flying with diesel slightly improves both economy and speed. It also has a large canopy, which provides great visibility. It can get warm inside the cockpit on hotter days, but the electric AC system solves this problem easily to keep the pilots comfortable. Furthermore, the newest model offers the latest Garmin G1000 NXi avionics system. This offers faster processing and a crisper display, further adding to the allure of pilots.
Is Diamond Aircraft Industries Chinese-Owned?
Yes. After acquiring 60% of its Canada division, Wanfeng Aviation eventually took over all shares of Diamond Aircraft Industries. Former CEO of Diamond Aircraft, Christian Dries, needed a partner to ensure the long-term success of the Diamond brand and its production. Even after 25 years of leading Diamond Aircraft Industries, Dries needed to expand Diamond’s network and increase global sales.
After discussing Diamond’s options with Bin Chen, Chairman of Wanfeng Aviation Industry and President of the Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, Dries was confident their values and long-term strategy for Diamond aligned.
In the fall of 2021, the DA50 RG made its journey from Austria to China, landing at Zhuhai Airport. This huge milestone also marked the start of China’s AirShow 2021 in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
Does The Diamond Star DA40 180 Have A Parachute?
Yes. The DA40 can be trimmed full nose up with the engine set to idle as it descends at 600 to 1,200 feet per minute at 48 kts in parachute mode. This aircraft is known to descend slower than its competitor, the Cirrus SR22.
What’s The Safety Record Of The DA40 180?
The DA40 is a safe aircraft and arguably safer than the SR22. A 2011 analysis by Aviation Consumer magazine gave the DA40 a fatal accident rate of 0.35/100,000 hours. This is the lowest rating in U.S. general aviation and gives pilots and passengers peace of mind.
What Type Of Engine Is In The DA40?
The DA40 is equipped with a Lycoming O-360. This particular engine is part of a family of piston aircraft known for its four-cylinder, direct-drive, horizontally opposed, and air-cooled features. You can expect anywhere between 145 and 225 horsepower within the O-360 series of engines.
How Many Fuel Pumps Are In The DA40?
The DA40 has 43 fuel pumps.
Who Is The CEO Of Diamond Aircraft Industries?
Diamond’s CEO is Liqun (Frank) Zhang. His previous professional experience as Global Strategy and Business Development Director for a technology company in Canada paved his way to CEO for Diamond Aircraft Industries. Zhang has a Ph.D. in Economics from Nanjing University and attended Johns Hopkins University at its Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Study.
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