After extensive research and numerous flight test hours on electric and hybrid electric platforms, Diamond Aircraft is positioned to offer an all-electric solution to the General Aviation market – the long awaited eDA40.

This aircraft is a carbon responsible solution, which according to Diamond, offers “a significant reduction to our already low emissions and noise signature; Diamond’s aircraft are a sustainable electric solution for the General Aviation market of tomorrow.”

In creating an eco-conscious and cost effective option for the training market, the eDA40, a derivative of the existing and certified DA40 platform, will be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric aircraft. The eDA40’s system is simple but practical: It plugs directly into DC fast-charging systems and it won’t be a long stop either. Diamond says the final version of the eDA40 will recharge in about 20 minutes and offer up to 90 minutes of flight time.

Operating costs are expected to be reduced by up to 40% compared to traditional piston aircraft.

Initial flights of the eDA40 are scheduled for early 2023, with certification expected at the end of 2023/beginning of 2024. Diamond says that the eDA40 is designed to be an excellent electric circuit trainer and is based on an industry leading training model, the DA40.

The battery module will be equipped with a DC fast charging system, capable of turning around a depleted aircraft in under 20 minutes.

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a leading provider of high-power, scalable powertrains that are certifiable for electrified aviation. EPS develops energy storage systems, DC fast-charging stations, and electric propulsion products for aerospace, defence, automotive, marine, and industrial traction industries. EPS has numerous battery systems currently powering customer flight demonstrator vehicles (e.g., NASA X-57 and Bell Nexus).

The eDA40 all-electric training aircraft will be powered by an ENGINeUS™ electric smart motor by Safran Electrical & Power. The ENGINeUS™ product line includes a broad range of electric motors with power outputs from single digit to 500 kW.  The eDA40 will be fitted with an air-cooled Safran Engineus 100 electric motor, with an integrated controller, that creates a maximum of 130 kW at take-off power. The certification of the electric motor is planned for mid-2023.

Inside the eDA40 is seating for four with adjustable seat backs and lumbar support, electrically adjustable rudder pedals and electric air conditioning. The all-glass cockpit uses Garmin’s G1000 NXi flight deck and offers an optional GFC700 Automatic Flight Control System for safety, while the all-composite airframe doubles as a roll cage in the event of a mishap.

Apparently flight schools in Europe are excited about ‘a well-known company, with a history of delivering quality aircraft’ for the aircraft training industry.

The Austrian company has a number of sustainable bragging rights, including the world’s first hybrid-electric, multi-engine configuration, which it unveiled in 2018.