Diamond polishes future plans
Diamond Aircraft founder and CEO Christian Dries yesterday revealed plans to develop a fully aerobatic, tandem two-seat military trainer version of the D-J
Diamond plans to build a follow-on to the DA42 that has fly-by-wire controls and two 270-hp diesel engines.
Diamond plans to build a follow-on to the DA42 that has fly-by-wire controls and two 270-hp diesel engines.

Diamond Aircraft founder and CEO Christian Dries yesterday revealed plans to develop a fully aerobatic, tandem two-seat military trainer version of the D-Jet that he said will have ejection seats and sell for less than $3 million. 

Engineers will start on a prototype immediately after the D-Jet’s certification, now expected to occur by the end of next year. Dries said Diamond has held discussions with ejection seat maker Martin-Baker about the project and estimated it would take about a year to produce the prototype. Diamond is also searching for a partner on this project, he added.