Quantcast

Diamond Aircraft's journey: From gliders to advanced general aviation planes

Diamond Aircraft's journey: From gliders to advanced general aviation planes
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Diamond Aircraft Industries, founded by Austrian aviation engineer Wolf Hoffmann in 1981, has become a renowned name in the general aviation sector. Initially known as Hoffmann Flugzeugbau, the company introduced its first aircraft, the H36 Dimona, a two-seat all-composite glider that became Europe's best-selling motor-glider.

Following the release of the HK36 Dimona, Diamond Aircraft shifted focus to light general aviation aircraft with the development of the DV20 Katana, later marketed as the DA20 in North America. The Dries Family's involvement in the 1990s helped expand Diamond's presence in North America after securing its place in Europe.

In the late 1990s, rebranding to Diamond Aircraft aligned with its growing North American market. In subsequent years, new aircraft models were developed, including the twin-engine Diamond DA42 Twin Star. These aircraft serve various roles such as training and owner-operator use.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The HK36 Dimona remains a notable model from Hoffmann's original design. Since its introduction in 1980 and continuous production thereafter, over 900 units have been produced. This lightweight glider is built entirely from fiberglass materials and features foldable wings for storage.

Another significant model is the Diamond DA20. First flown as a prototype in 1991 and released to market by 1993 under its initial name DV20 Katana before being rebranded for North America. Over 1,000 units have been built since then. The DA20 serves primarily as a two-seater trainer aircraft powered by a Continental IO-240 piston engine.

Developed from the DA20's success is the Diamond DA40 Star which accommodates up to four passengers while maintaining many of its predecessor’s features like tricycle landing gear and low-wing configuration. Introduced officially in early 2000s after starting development mid-1990s; more than 2,250 units have been sold.

Finally comes their first twin-engine craft -the Diamond DA42 Twin Star introduced back during early millennium era post maiden flight conducted December '02 . Certified uniquely within European skies marking quarter-century milestone on continent; close thousand these crafted today powered via dual Austro Engine E4 motors yielding collective horsepower upwards near three-fifty mark each unit sports composite material airframe retractable landing gear distinct T-tail feature among others

Organizations Included in this History
More News

UPS has operated one of the longest direct air cargo routes in the United States since 2018, connecting Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky with Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest version of the 737 family, designed to compete with the Airbus A321neo.

Aug 2, 2025

Russian airline Aeroflot reported significant flight disruptions on Monday, July 28, due to a failure in its information systems.

Aug 2, 2025

After more than four years, American Airlines will reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route starting October 6.

Aug 2, 2025

The Airbus A321XLR, which entered service in late 2024, is now the longest-range narrowbody aircraft available.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 are the only commercial jetliners with a partial or full second passenger deck, and both have left a significant mark on aviation history.

Aug 2, 2025