There are also some
improvements to the way the turbo
intake is ducted and the intercooler
exhaust has been improved to
improve flow. Even the exhaust
pipes have now been angled slightly
rearward as they exit the cowling.
Like the DA42-NG, the engine
is totally Full Authority Digital
Engine Control (FADEC),
controlled solely through a singlelever control and an engine master
switch. This helps to make the
centre console a little slimmer than
other twins thereby increasing the
space for occupants.A better profile
Less obvious though are the many
small aerodynamic improvements.
The under side of the wing nowhas streamlined fairings over the
flap and aileron pushrod ends to
reduce those small amounts of
profile drag, and the designers have
made extensive use of flush fasteners
on the engine cowls.
The rudder has been redesigned
to reduce drag, and in the process
has not only achieved this, but also
has increased rudder effectiveness,
lowering the single-engined
minimum control speed by just
over 5 knots.
The wing can also be fitted with
optional TKS de-icing systems
which Diamond Aircraft claims
increases the performance and
aerodynamic qualities, resulting in
less drag and improved lift, but I
suspect that is especially the case in
cold European conditions.A sweet ride
Creature comforts inside haven’t
been ignored either.
The seats now incorporate the
latest in leather seating technology
from BMW with leather
upholstery that resists damage
from UV rays. The seats are also
a little wider than previously used
and now feature adjustable recline
and lumbar support.
Optional air conditioning thatrequires an extra alternator is also
available, however ample air vents are
present for all occupants should you
wish to retain normal ventilation.
This new model uses new linings
like the carpets that not only save
weight, but also are more functional
and all go towards improving the
appeal of the cabin.
The cabin layout is basically
similar to the previous L360 and NG
models. The cabin still incorporates
a high crash-worthy composite
structure that resists impact forces
in the unlikely event that the
aircraft structure should suffer
serious damage in an accident. This
structure protects the occupants in
a similar way to that used in modern
Formula 1 racing cars.
In the test aircraft, the rudder
pedals were manually adjusted, but
an electrical adjustment is available
as an option, similar to the DA40
single-engine Diamonds I have
reviewed in the past.
In typical European style, all
the controls are laid out in a logical
and ergonomic layout with the two
standard Garmin G1000 displays
dominating the panel. Standby
instruments are neatly lined up
across the top of the panel. The
whole layout is the same from one
Diamond model to another, which
enhances the progression of pilots
from one model to the next in a
training organization.Up and about
The day I flew the Dash 6 started
a little overcast, so we decided“I had accidentally done a de-rated
take-off like in large airliners today!”
42 Flight Test
AUSTRALIAN FLYING January - February 2015TOP: “From the go-round, make missed approach heading 200, climb to
2500.” In the overshoot from runway 28 ILS Richmond. The G1000 flight
director is set for the missed approach.
TOP RIGHT: With the auto-feather and increased propeller performance,
single-engine climb performance is dramatically improved.
ABOVE: The differences in the engine nacelles between the Dash 6 (left)
and the NG are obvious when placed side-by-side.