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Avionics

Diamond DA50 RG

Gary Bond
Verified

Edited By:

Omar Filipovic

On The Cover: That’s the Diamond DA50 RG, a Continental CD-300-
powered five-placer that could make for a good step-up, go-places retrac. It’s not the fastest piston single nor the cheapest and at $1.15 million list, the cost is one of the DA50 RG’s biggest knocks. It doesn’t have the biggest useful load nor the best fuel economy, but what it does, it does fantastically well. Its lightweight yet strong and low-drag carbon/epoxy airframe climbs to altitude quickly and then cruises at a reasonably fast speed safely and in climate-controlled comfort. To see if the DA50 RG could make for an easy transition, we strapped in for the flight trial on page 4.

Stemming from their sailplane heritage, Diamonds are we’ll known for slender graceful T-tails and long efficient wings. And like my cute little Diamond Katana that I earned my private certificate in nearly 25 years ago, Diamond’s latest DA50 RG is many things visually. 

But unlike the Katana trainer, the muscular and aggressively styled DA50 RG is far from cute. This airplane growls muscle car ramp appeal—from its chiseled cowl to its gull wing doors and massive control surfaces. 

Gary Bond

Contributor Gary Bond is a composites expert and Technical Fellow for Pratt & Whitney and owns a Grumman Tiger.