Diamond Twins Reborn

Isabel Goyer

Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 11:06 AM ET

Verified

Diamond DA42 [Credit: Robert Goyer]

Key Takeaways:

Diamond has launched two new versions of its DA42 twin, the DA42 NG with its new Austro turbodiesel engines and the DA42 L360 with conventional Lycoming avgas engines.
These new models were developed as a response to significant reliability and financial issues experienced by owners of the original Thielert-powered DA42s.
The DA42 NG offers advanced FADEC-controlled diesel power, superior fuel efficiency, and high-altitude performance, primarily aimed at personal transportation.
The DA42 L360 provides a more traditional, higher-power avgas option with excellent flight characteristics, making it particularly well-suited for flight training.

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Diamond is selling a pair of brand new twins based on the company’s innovative DA42 design. The Austro diesel-powered DA42 NG is certified in Europe (EASA), with U.S. certification coming soon, and the Lycoming-powered DA42 L360 has just earned the FAA’s OK.

I had the chance to fly both airplanes recently at Diamond’s North American headquarters in London, Ontario, Canada, and the airplanes are both clear improvements in numerous ways over the original Thielert-powered twin that Diamond launched in the United States in 2005.