WIENER NEUSTADT, Austria - A DA50 powered by a turbine engine made its first flight on January 19, 2015 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria with Christian Dries, CEO Diamond Aircraft, as test pilot, along with Ingmar Mayerbuch, Head of Flight Test. This concept was first introduced at general aviation show AERO Friedrichshafen in April 2013.
After the flight Dries said the turbine-powered aircraft "almost flies like a rocket."
The single turboprop with room for up to seven passengers is designated DA50-JP7 (JP for Jet Prop). The airplane will be manufactured in two different versions. The Tundra variant with big wheels and rugged landing gear can be used on uneven strips and rough terrain. The second version is targeting training and private customers requiring high performance. The DA50-JP7 is is suited for operations in harsh climates with temperatures ranging from minus 50°C to plus 50°C.
The 465 hp AI-450S turbine engine is built by Ukrainian company Motor Sich JSC in collaboration with Ivchenko Progress. It has been newly designed especially for fixed-winged aircraft. The AI-450S has a 20 percent lower fuel burn than similar turbine engines. It is particularly fuel-efficient at medium altitudes. With dual electronic controls and a mechanical back-up system (Dual FADEC) it is very easy to operate. The engine starts at the push of a button. After certification (expected mid to end of 2016) the DA50-JP7 will be built at Diamond Aircraft headquarters in Wiener Neustadt. Austro Engine is also involved in certification work, maintenance and overhaul of the turbine engines.
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