DIAMOND'S brand new DA50 Super Star has had its first flight.

On 4 April, the single-engine aircraft DA50 Super Star with an MTOW of 1660kg (3670lb) flew for the very first time in Wiener Neustadt, Austria.

Christian Dries, CEO and owner of Diamond Aircraft flew the aircraft as pilot in command. Also on board was Soeren Pedersen, Director of Sales, as chief test pilot.

The Diamond DA50 Super Star is equipped with a Teledyne Continental TSIOF-550J engine. The twin turbo 350hp engine is FADEC controlled.

Dries said he is proud that Diamond's Manfred Zipper and his team made the DA50 Super Star a reality in less than 11 months from idea to maiden flight.

"The DA50 Super Star will become a big hit with 350hp big-bore and with variations of turbo-charged engines," said Mr Dries.

"I have a team that is unmatched in general aviation manufacturing. I know that they design and build the safest aircraft in the world.

"On 5 April, the aircraft will be handed over to the flight test department. We expect production to start not later than January 2008."

W: www.diamond-air.at