D-JET Coming To OSH With Something New

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The aerodynamic configuration of Diamond’s D-JET has been frozen with the inclusion of one specific change that Diamond says it will show Thursday when prototype 003 arrives for static display at AirVenture’s Phillips 66 Plaza. According to Diamond, that one detail “has a positive effect on the stall speed and roll control, but also the overall aesthetics.” D-JET prototypes have so far amassed nearly 700 hours of testing. In the air, testing has expanded the aircraft’s speed envelope to 346 KTAS. More work has been done on the ground, and production is on the horizon.

Diamond’s recent air work has focused on verifying that the jet’s handling, stability and control fit the confines of the FAR 23 Flight requirements, throughout the weight and balance envelope. Testing has checked basic systems and configurations and tuned control forces. On the ground, a full-scale test article has gone through more than 30,000 pressure cycles. Structural and landing gear tests have been performed along with composite material qualification testing. Diamond is now preparing for production of the next prototype, S/N 004. Once that aircraft is in the air, Diamond will work toward Type Certification and initial deliveries, currently scheduled for late 2014.

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