Diamond Aircraft Industries
Diamond Aircraft Industries is an Austrian-based manufacturer of general aviation aircraft and motor gliders.
History
The company was founded in Friesach, Austria, in 1981, under the name Hoffmann Flugzeugbau to produce the H36 all-composite motor glider. Becoming Hoffman Aircraft Limited in 1985, the company moves its headquarters to Vienna, Austria and introduces the MkII model. In 1987, the airport at Wiener Neustadt, Austria (the oldest in Europe), becomes the new home for the company. In 1991 the parent company is renamed HOAC AG and purchased by the Dries Family. In the same year, Diamond starts development of the HK36R and Rotax 912 powered motorglider, which are the precursors to the DV20 Katana (Diamond's first production series GA single-engine aircraft).
In 1992, in order to have more ready access to supply the North American market, the company opens a second manufacturing facility in London, Ontario, Canada. This facility operates under the name Dimona Aircraft until it is changed to Diamond Aircraft in 1996.
The Austrian-built DV20 Katana is certified in 1993, and the first Canadian-built model is delivered in 1995 It receives the Flight Magazine Eagle Award, for best light aircraft in the same year. 1997 marks the delivery of the 500th DV20 and the introduction of the DA20-C1, which has improved performance and load capabilities. The DA20-C1 Eclipse (an improved version of the DA20-C1) enters production.
Aircraft and Simulators Produced
- H36 motor glider
- DV20
- DA20-A1 Katana
- DA20-C1 Evolution & Eclipse
- DA40 Diamond Star
- DA42 Twin Star
- DA50 Super Star
- D-Jet
- Diamond D-SIM-20
- Diamond D-SIM-40
- Diamond D-SIM-42
- Diamond D-SIM-JET
External links
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