A SPECIAL version of the Diamond DA40 developed for the US market will be available in Europe next year.

Diamond Aircraft UK's Henrik Burkal told LOOP: "The DA40XL is in its early stage at the moment, but will be introduced later when all the components are certified by EASA."
 
The DA40 XL is powered by the 180hp avgas Lycoming engine fitted with a new MT composite 'Scimitar' 3-blade propeller. Diamond claims it delivers better performance than both Cessna's 182 and Cirrus's SR20 with a max speed of almost 160kt, and a fuel burn of 38 litres per hour at a cruise speed of 150kt.

The DA40 XL is 'fully loaded' with options as standard. It comes with a comprehensive avionics/nav package including Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, GFC 700 inetgrated flight control system, digital autopilot and flight director, active traffic advisory system, satellite weather downlink (US-only for now), Mode S transponder and terrain awareness.

The aircraft in the US has an aftermarket Powerflow exhaust, AmSafe airbag seatbelts, leather upholstery and electrically adjustable rudder pedals. Redesigned winglets are claimed to improve efficiency.
W: www.diamond-air.at