Quantcast

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

Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
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

Air India has announced the resumption of its operations from Bangkok, maintaining its schedule following a devastating earthquake that resulted in significant loss of life.

Apr 4, 2025

Lufthansa has announced the launch of codeshare flights with ITA Airways, expanding travel options across more than 100 European routes.

Apr 4, 2025

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced the addition of six new destinations to its 2025 flight schedule.

Apr 4, 2025

Fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly significant in the aviation sector, affecting economic savings and environmental impacts.

Apr 4, 2025

The Pilatus PC-24, a light business jet from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aviation, is notable for its performance and versatility, combining capabilities often seen in larger aircraft.

Apr 4, 2025

Europe has a rich history in aviation, with several of its airports dating back to the early 20th century, a testament to their long-standing significance in global air travel.

Apr 4, 2025