First Flight For Diamond eDA40 Diamond Aircraft has announced that its eDA40, the all-electric version of the DA40, has made its first flight. Since it is a single-engine aircraft, it is powered by Safran's EngineUS 100 Electric engine. Certification is targeted for 2024. The first flight is significant kicking-off the rigorous flight-test program that will eventually lead to certification under EASA and FAA Part 23 rules by early 2024.
This two-seater electric version of the DA40 is expected to head towards the trainer market and allow for flights up to 90 minutes. Recharge times though are carded to be 20 minutes from a low battery level. Class-leading avionics by Garmin's G1000 NXi will be in the cockpit and for companies and schools that will operate this model, it promises to draw-down operational costs by 40 percent compared to similar sized piston aircraft. "We are very much looking forward to offering an exceptional sustainable aircraft for the flight training market of tomorrow," said Diamond Aircraft Austria CEO Liqun Zhang. For more information: Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH N. A. Otto-Strasse 5 2700 Wiener Neustadt www.diamondaircraft.com ***
