Diamond Aircraft formally introduced its DA50 SuperStar at EAA AirVenture on Monday, saying it’s intended to fill the niche between the plethora of four-place high-performance singles and the in-development personal jets. The SuperStar will fit three on its rear bench seat, allowing the whole family to fly. “We saw a gap in the market,” said company spokeswoman Heike Larson. “This is different from what’s out there.” With a 52-inch-wide cabin and a full range of creature comforts, including seatback entertainment screens for the backseat passengers, Larson said the SuperStar is aimed at those that want a big, high-performance load hauler. Ice protection and a BRS parachute will be available options. First versions will be powered by a Continental TSIOF-550J engine with FADEC, with a 200-knot cruise (true) and a 900-nm range. The aircraft is projected to cost in the $600,000 range.
The plane was unveiled at a Christmas party in Austria in December and had its first flight in April. Larson said current Diamond owners will get first crack at the first 50 positions, which began selling Monday at $15,000 apiece. They’re refundable up until certification, which is expected in 2009. As the design matures, alternative engines, including diesels, are expected to be introduced. North American CEO Peter Maurer said there’s a 170-hp turbo diesel now under development that might find its way under the cowl and others are being considered.
