Diamond DA40 Diamond Star
Diamond Aircraft · Austria · first flew 1997 · light aircraft
The Diamond DA40 Diamond Star is a four-seat composite low-wing single noted for its sleek glider-like lines and strong safety record.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.06 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Slender composite glider-like wing
- Bubble canopy
- Low wing single
Identify it by the long, slender composite wing, sliding bubble canopy and slim fuselage tapering to a conventional tail. The clean low-wing layout gives it an almost motor-glider appearance.
Specifications
- The Diamond DA40 Diamond Star has a length of 8.06 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.94 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 280 km/h (174 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 (4 seats).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1997 and entering production in 2000, the Austrian-designed DA40 built on the earlier two-seat DA20. Its all-composite airframe, long-span wing and bubble canopy gave it efficient cruise and benign handling.
Variants
The Lycoming-powered DA40 was joined by the diesel DA40 TDI and the modern DA40 NG with a Austro jet-fuel engine. Glass-cockpit Garmin G1000 avionics became a hallmark of later models.
Where you'll see it
In the UK the DA40 is widely used by flight schools and clubs as a modern training and touring aircraft, often flying from regional airfields. Its economical diesel variants are valued for cost-effective hour-building.
Related aircraft
- Diamond DA42 Twin Star
- DA20 Katana
- D-JET
- Diamond DA62
- Aero AT-3
- Beriev Be-103
- DR 500 President
- Eagle Aircraft Eagle 150
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