Aircraft
Turbine-powered Diamond DA50 Makes First Flight
Two years after the aircraft concept was unveiled, a Ukrainian-built turboprop powered the maiden sortie.
The turbine version of the Diamond Aircraft DA50 made its first flight on January 19 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. At the controls were Diamond CEO Christian Dries and head of flight-testing Ingmar Mayerbuch. (Photo: Diamond Aircraft)
The turbine version of the Diamond Aircraft DA50 made its first flight on January 19 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. At the controls were Diamond CEO Christian Dries and head of flight-testing Ingmar Mayerbuch. (Photo: Diamond Aircraft)

The turbine version of the Diamond Aircraft DA50 single made its first flight on January 19 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. At the controls were Diamond CEO Christian Dries and head of flight-testing Ingmar Mayerbuch. Dubbed the DA50-JP7, the seven-seat airplane is powered by a dual-Fadec 465-shp Motor Sich AI450S turboprop. Another Ukrainian company, Ivchenko Progress, contributed to the design, and Austro Engine—a Diamond group company—will be involved in certification. The AI450S burns 20 percent less fuel than other suitable engines and is particularly fuel-efficient at medium altitudes, according to Diamond.


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