Diamond DA52 takes first flight

Diamond Aircraft has announced the successful first flight of its carbon composite built, twin-engine DA52.

Diamond said its new flagship seven-seater reached an altitude of 12,000ft in less than nine minutes and a cruising speed of 190kt during the hour long flight. Diamond chairman Christian Dries called the aircraft “the best prototype aircraft I have ever made a maiden flight with” and predicted it would reach faster speeds in later test flights. The cruising speed of 190kt “was the limit of the authorised envelope, but we may see a lot more,” he said.