In 1981 Wolf Hoffmann founded Diamond Aircraft, which was known as Hoffmann Flugzeugbau. The company quickly established production of its first aircraft, an engine glider known initially as the HK36 Dimona. This aircraft proved to be a commercial success, leading to improved models and other types of aircraft derived from it.
After several changes in ownership and naming, the company was renamed Diamond Aircraft Industries in 1998. At this point Diamond was producing a number of light aircraft including the Dimona, Diamond DA20 and Diamond DA40 in development.
In 2004 Diamond introduced its first multi-engined aircraft, the Diamond DA42 Twin Star. The Twin Star was popular with civil and government operators. Demand for the latter model led to the development of the Dominator, a long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (MALE) (UAV) used for aerial surveillance tasks.
In 2012, Diamond made the first flight of the DA62, an aircraft propelled by two Austro AE330 four-cylinder in-line, internal combustion engines with a displacement of 1991 cm³ and equipped with a turbo-compressor. The engine can be fueled with both kerosene and diesel, in Brazil it is approved only for JET A-1 kerosene. The diesel is the S-10, but further tests are needed.
The consumption figures and maintenance costs impress those who are not familiar with the DA62, this is derived from the high efficiency of the aircraft. It is possible to cruise at 178 kts of TAS consuming only 44 liters per hour of JET A1. You spend less flying the DA-62 compared to other single-engine planes, and even some car models.
The plane's avionics and systems are exemplary. Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC) means the engine automatically starts in any condition, there are also power controls and engine overrun protection, protecting the engine from further problems. The Garmin G1000 avionics series includes flight envelope protection – Dubbed Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP).
According to Diamond, the DA62 can fly at a top speed of 379 km/h (cruising 325 km/h) and reach an altitude of 20000 feet (6000 meters). With full fuel tanks, the aircraft can travel 2380 km, or remain flying for up to nine and a half hours.
The structure of the fuselage of the aircraft is all built in carbon fiber and the bottom is reinforced with Kevlar, having the safety of a formula with protection against shocks of up to + 26G before any structural deformation begins to occur.
The fuselage has 7 seats (in a 2/3/2 seat configuration), with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 2300 kg as standard variant, in a concept that is deliberately based on a “airborne mini van”. Additionally, an optional variant comes with five seats (in a 2/3 seat configuration) but with a larger luggage space at the rear of the cabin.
The fuel line, unlike other planes, does not use aluminum piping, which in case of a fall breaks easily causing fuel leakage, the DA62 uses only high pressure fuel lines, braided in flexible stainless steel, which moves with the structure during deformation and has much higher strength and breaking strength. They weigh and cost significantly more, but their sturdiness to prevent fuel leaks is worth it.
The fuel tanks are not on the wings, they are two separate aluminum tanks. Obviously this weighs and costs more than simply filling the wing structure with fuel, but it is another safety feature that the plane provides.
All these items made the DA62 earn high safety ratings, and Diamond is the only conventional aircraft manufacturer that performs the Crash Test.
The DA62 is not pressurized but has a certified ceiling of 20000 feet when used with the personal oxygen system.
Top speed is obtained at 14000 feet (best cruising altitude), with maximum continuous power (95%) and true airspeed (TAS) of 198 kts.
Maximum range is 2380 kilometers, with a total fuel capacity (Jet A-1 or similar) of 326L/85 USgal. Diamond has advanced its plans to increase the fuel capacity of the DA62 to 120 USgal by using a full tank design in the wing, as opposed to the aluminum tanks located inside the wings.
The basic empty weight of the DA62 is 1570 kg. The maximum take-off weight is 2300 kg, which means a payload of 730 kg.
In Brazil, Aeromot is Diamond's Authorized Service Center, and is also one of those responsible for the commercial development and maintenance of the aircraft.
