A PACKED schedule of flight tests immediately followed Diamond's successful maiden flight of its all-new personal jet, the D-JET, on 18 April.
Within days the aircraft racked up additional flight to expand the speed envelope and handling characteristics. Diamond Chief Exec, Christian Dries, of the Austrian family which owns the company, personally flew the D-JET on one 53-minute flight.
The prototype aircraft was built and flown from Diamond's North American base at London International Airport, near Ontario, Canada. The first 66-minute flight evaluated 19 test points, according to the factory.

After takeoff and climb to 12,000ft, the flaps and landing gear were extended and retracted. Test speeds ranged from slow flight at 1.1 Vs to 160kt. Engine and systems operational tests were also successfully performed. A normal landing was performed with a 5kt crosswind.

"We are absolutely delighted with this flight", said Mr Dries, who flew the chase aircraft." The test flight went exactly as planned. Our crew did a fabulous job and we are very grateful for the support received from Williams, Garmin, Parker, Argotech and our other partners."

The 5-seat D-JET is powered by a Williams FJ33-4 turbine and equipped with a Garmin G1000 flight deck. The D-JET was first announced in 2003 when Diamond suggested it would have its first flight the following year and be certified by 2006. Those timings have obviously slipped and certification is now expected for 2008. The D-JET's spec includes a Ballistic Recovery Parachute System similar to that used by Cirrus on its existing piston-engine aircraft.

After his own stint in the pilot's seat, Mr Dries said: "I was particularly impressed by the feeling of space, security and solidity. The simplicity of operation, from engine start through takeoff, flight and landing was very obvious and reflects my vision of what a personal jet should be.
"The Williams engine performed flawlessly and in combination with the high L/D [Lift to Drag] wing design, produces higher takeoff performance than the thrust to weight ratio might suggest."

 DIAMOND D-JET
PERFORMANCE
Cruise speed 315kt
Max range 1351nm

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Williams FJ33-4 fanjet producing 1400lb thrust
Wingspan 11.0mt
Seats 5
Empty weight 1175kg
Max takeoff weight 2300kg
Useful load 1125kg
Fuel capacity 792 litres

PRICE
Around $1 million.

MANUFACTURER
Diamond Aircraft Industries
London International Airport,
Ontario, Canada

W: www.diamond-air.at