Diamond DA20
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Diamond DA20 is a two-seat tricycle gear general aviation airplane designed for flight training. In addition to its role as a primary trainer, it enjoys a degree of popularity among pilot-owners.
There are two basic models of the DA20. The A1 Katana, based on the DV20 Katana, is powered by a Rotax 912 engine rated for 80 or 100 hp (60 or 75 kW) and has a constant-speed propeller. The C1 Eclipse/Evolution, designed partially in response to negative feelings towards Rotax engines in the United States, is powered by a Continental IO-240 engine rated for 125 hp (93 kW) and has a fixed-pitch propeller. Both models have composite airframes constructed of glass- and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic.
The DA20 has a similar mission to the Cessna 150, but there are many differences between the two airplanes. The DA20 has better performance, control sticks (as opposed to yokes), composite construction, a canopy, low wings, a single fuel tank, a T-tail, and a castering nosewheel.
Although the DA20 is available with instrumentation and avionics suitable for flight under instrument flight rules (IFR), the plastic airframe lacks the wire-mesh required to survive a lightning strike, and thus does not qualify for IFR certification. The DA20 is certified in the utility category, and it is permissible to intentionally spin it.
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[edit] Handling and Comfort
Because the nosewheel of the DA20 is not linked to the rudder pedals, turns while taxiing must be made with differential braking. However, rudder effectiveness quickly becomes sufficient for control during the takeoff roll.
The glide ratio of the DA20-C1 is an impressive 11:1. (For comparison, the Cessna 150 has a glide ratio of 7:1.) This can pose a challenge during landing if a no-flap landing is necessary, but can be greatly lessened with a moderate slip and is a significant advantage in the event of an engine failure.
The bubble canopy results in a superb, helicopter-like view, although pilots from warmer climates report that the cockpit becomes a greenhouse in hot weather. Small windows on either side of the canopy can be opened on the ground and in flight to increase airflow through the cockpit. Furthermore, the canopy design lets in excess amounts of sunlight during early morning and late evening flights due to the low sun.
Many pilots report that the recumbent seats in the DA20 are too reclined and that they lead to backaches after sitting for several hours. The seats are not adjustable. The seats in the C1 variant have a less obtuse angle, but still cannot be adjusted. Both models are available with cloth or leather seats.
[edit] History
The DA20 is a relatively young design. The first DA20 was an A1 produced in Canada in 1994. It was the first Diamond aircraft available for sale in North America. Production of the C1 began four years later in 1998, also in Canada. In 2004, Diamond received Chinese certification for the DA20. (The DA20 has always been certified in the United States, Canada, and JAA member states.) The DA20 is still in production.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University provides primary flight training for the United States Air Force Academy in DA20-C1 "Falcons" which were specially ordered with slightly smaller fuel tanks and primary flight instruments on the right side of the aircraft. Embry-Riddle currently operates a fleet of 18 DA20s at the Academy.
Doss Aviation, after being awarded a contract for US Air Force ROTC primary flight training in Pueblo, CO, has ordered 42 DA20s.
[edit] Specifications (DA20-C1)
[edit] General characteristics
- Crew: one pilot
- Capacity: one passenger
- Length: 7.16 m (23 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan: 10.87 m (35 ft 8 in)
- Height: 2.18 m (7 ft 2 in)
- Wing area: 11.61 m² (125 ft²)
- Empty: 529 kg (1,166 lb)
- Maximum useful load: 271 kg (597 lb) in the United States; 221 kg (487 lb) elsewhere
- Maximum takeoff: 800 kg (1,754 lb) in the United States; 750 kg (1,653 lb) elsewhere
- Powerplant: 1 x TCM IO-240-B injection, 93 kW (125 hp)
[edit] Performance
- Never Exceed speed: 164 knots (304 km/h, 189 mph)
- Cruise speed @ 75%: 138 knots (256 km/h, 159 mph) / 5.5 gal/hr
- Stall speed: 47 knots (86 km/h, 54 mph) clean, 38 knots (70 km/h, 44 mph) full flaps
- Range: 410 nm (759 km, 472 miles)
- Service ceiling: 13,120 ft.
- Rate of climb: 5.08 m/s (1,000 fpm)
- Wing loading: 64.6 kg/m² (13.2 lb/ft²)
- Power/mass: 124 W/kg (0.0756 hp/lb)
- Range, 30 min reserve: 547nm (1003 km, 623 mi)
[edit] External links
- Diamond Aircraft Industries
- Diamond Aircraft Pilots and Owners Organization
- Katana Review by Philip Greenspun
