DC fast charge the Diamond Aircraft eDA40 electric plane
The eDA40 electric plane from Diamond Aircraft is the culmination of years of development and experimenting with hybrid and pure electric systems. The Austrian aircraft manufacturer is now preparing to launch an electric variant of their DA40, a single-engine trainer aircraft that has previously received certification.
The Diamond Aircraft eDA40 electric plane connects to DC fast-charging systems, supplied by Electric Power systems, which builds certified systems for Aerospace, Automotive, Defense, and Marine. The eDA40 will become the first electric aircraft to utilize this charging option that is Part 23 approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Europe’s aviation safety agency, EASA.
Diamond Aircraft claims that the final electrified variant of the eDA40 would recharge in around 20 minutes and provide up to 90 minutes of flying time due to its air-cooled Safran Engineus 100 electric motor, which produces a maximum of 130 kW and has an integrated controller.
“With Safran we are having an expert partner for electric propulsion systems aboard,” said CEO of Diamond Aircraft Industries Austria, Liqun Zhang. “The smart motor’s state-of-the-art technology including smart features paired with a well-advanced certification process is the logical choice for our eDA40. We are looking forward to the first flights scheduled for end 2022.”
In its interior, the Diamond Aircraft eDA40 electric plane contains four seats with adjustable backs and lumbar support, as well as adjustable rudder pedals and air conditioning. The all-composite airframe functions as a roll cage. Garmin’s G1000 NXi flight deck is used in the all-glass cockpit and the GFC700 Automatic Flight Control System is offered as an option for safety.
The eDA40 will commence flight testing in the second quarter of 2022. Diamond anticipates motor certification in mid-2023 and basic EASA certification for the aircraft in late 2023 or early 2024.