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

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.