Diamond Aircraft recently invited a group of potential customers to fly its DART-550 turboprop trainer

Chief Test Pilot Sören Pedersen took them on sorties that included aerobatics, low level manoeuvring, and low speed and circuit flying.

‘The feedback received from the professional test pilots is very positive in all aspects and confirms our plan to provide the military training market with a state-of-the-art basic trainer at an unmatched price,’ reports the Austrian manufacturer.

‘The demonstration proved that the DART-550 outreaches the requirements of the modern training environment in all aspects. Especially when it comes to formation training, the DART-550 outperforms certain competitors due to great visibility combined with simple and precise engine controls.

‘Its flat-rated 550shp General Electric H75-A engine provides the full range of power up to around 18,000ft, which results in a very competitive flight envelope.’

The DART-550 is currently undergoing EASA certification, which is expected in the first quarter of 2021.

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