Diamond Aircraft Industries' legacy: From H36 Dimona glider to DA-20 Katana

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Diamond Aircraft Industries' legacy: From H36 Dimona glider to DA-20 Katana

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Diamond DA20 Katana | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Feb 21, 2025

Diamond Aircraft Industries, a leading general aviation manufacturer, has been recognized for its innovative aircraft designs since its inception in 1981. Founded by Austrian aircraft designer Wolf Hoffmann as Hoffmann Flugzeugbau in Friesach, Carinthia, Austria, the company aimed to modernize general aviation with advanced avionics and manufacturing techniques.

The company's first success was the H36 Dimona glider, made primarily from composite materials. This model set the stage for further advancements and led to the development of more sophisticated aircraft like the Diamond DA20 Katana. The Dimona series, including variants such as the HK36R Super Dimona and others, demonstrated the company's commitment to innovation.

Over time, Hoffmann Flugzeugbau became a subsidiary of Simmering-Graz-Pauker AG and later underwent several ownership changes before being renamed Diamond Aircraft. This transition allowed the company to expand into North America while maintaining its European roots.

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One of Diamond's notable achievements is the DA-20 Katana. Developed in the late 1980s as a next-generation light aircraft with no direct competitors in its class, it conducted its maiden flight in 1991 and received type certification by 1993. Initially produced in Austria, production shifted to London, Ontario, Canada by 1994 to tap into the North American market.

Since then, over 1,000 DA-20 Katanas have been produced. The aircraft remains popular due to its performance specifications: a maximum capacity for one pilot and one passenger, a wingspan of 35 feet eight inches, a typical cruise speed of 138 knots (159 mph), and a range of 547 nautical miles (629 miles).

Various DA-20 Katana variants have been introduced over time. These include models powered by Rotax engines like DV20-A1 and DA20-A1 or Continental engines such as DA20-C1 Katana and DA20-C1 Eclipse. The largest operator is Moncton Flight College in New Brunswick, Canada.

The design features of the DA-20 Katana emphasize lightweight construction using glass and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic materials. It includes advanced Garmin avionics systems with stick-type flight controls instead of traditional yokes.

Overall, Diamond Aircraft continues to innovate within general aviation while maintaining successful production lines like that of the DA-20 Katana.