Diamond Aircraft's D-JET light jet program back on

Diamond Aircraft's D-JET light jet program is back on the cards after stalling for months due to a lack of funding.

The Austrian manufacturer, building the five-seat single-engine jet out of its London, Ontario factory in Canada, had been struggling to find finance for the project and was forced to lay off some 200 engineering and technical staff recently as a result.

However, Diamond has just obtained commitment for what it says is a significant investment exclusively dedicated to the D-JET development program and is now continuing progress towards certification. Details of the funding haven’t been released as yet as the arrangement is still being finalised, but Diamond says the project will be up and running again shortly.

“This investment will enable Diamond to recall furloughed engineering and technical staff, resume flight test operations and proceed towards building the next test aircraft, subject to finalisation of closing arrangements,” the manufacturer says. “This investment marks a turning point and we are most enthusiastic about our opportunity to refocus on completion of the D-JET.”

Having recently completed piston engine development programs for the DA40 NG and DA42 NG, Diamond’s Austrian operations will now also provide engineering and technical staff to support the completion of the D-JET program in the shortest possible time. And they’ll need the extra hands, as many of those 200 furloughed have since joined other companies.

Diamond will now resume flight-testing on the aerodynamically conforming test aircraft, the third in the program, with a fourth test aircraft expected to fly within 12 months.

When the D-JET eventually reaches the market, it’s expected to have a max cruise speed of 315KTAS, a range of 1350 nautical miles and a certified ceiling of 25,000 feet. It’s powered by a Williams FJ33-5A turbofan and will feature a three-panel Garmin G1000 glass cockpit up front. At this stage the aircraft is expected to cost in the vicinity of US$2 million.

To watch a video preview of the D-JET click here.