Aircraft

Diamond Aircraft has selected a more powerful engine for its single-engine, five-seat D-Jet, offering additional performance and better specific fuel consumption at the expense of a half-year or more slip in initial deliveries.

Originally equipped with the Williams International FJ33-4A-15, the D-Jet will now come as standard with the FJ33-4A-19, an engine with 1,900lb (8.5kN) nominal thrust versus 1,564lb for the FJ33-15.

Williams in 2006 announced that it would develop the FJ33-19 as the powerplant for Cirrus's new single engine jet. The new engine includes "several technological advances that result in better bleed air handling and improved specific fuel consumption," Diamond officials wrote in a 14 March press release announcing the changes.

"Williams International's accelerated development schedule of the FJ33-19 has made it viable to proactively launch D-Jet deliveries with this engine, rather than reactively introducing it at a later date in response to competitive pressures," Diamond added.

Peter Maurer, Diamond Aircraft president, says the FJ33-19 "is the perfect match" for the D-Jet and will offer a "potential performance and utility upgrade path for delivered aircraft that the current engine just doesn't allow".

The downside is that initial deliveries will slip to the second quarter of 2009, as opposed to the previously announced first deliveries this summer.

"We are confident this is the right choice and in the interest of all D-Jet customers, as it ensures one configuration and maximum resale value for all delivered aircraft," adds Maurer.

Diamond says it will deliver the FJ33-19-equipped aircraft to current position holders at the contracted price, thought to be approximately $1.4 million, but the company says it will announce price increases in the near future.