Strictly speaking it's 160..
Yeah - damn Diamond for lying to us about real performance
Well I would argue Diamond didn't..the engine manufacturer did.
There's a reason as to why they are developing their own engine now.You don't need a PhD to figure that one out.
One of my points being...the IO-550 is a established engine with a track record.
Columbia's got 'em, Mooneys too if I'm not mistaken so with a clean airframe 200+ KTAS should not be overly optimistic.
Given, it will be in the flight levels but that's the case with all of them.
Diamond is a company which has come form virtually nothing (motor gliders under previous ownership) to number 3 selling in the US in under 5 years.
Competing with companies that exist for over half a century and beating them.
Has anybody ever picked up a new Cessna at the factory? Given that one a good look over? Any idea how much they have to reimburse under warranty the first 2 years?
But then again they make their money with the Citation series...not with the little piston plonkers.
Name two manufacturers that came out with a new twin in the last ten years.
The cost of a new Baron is $1.2 million, the cost of a new Seminole is around $700K. New Seneca $800K. Tricked out DA-42.... $600K with everything.
Performance very similar to a Piper Twin Comanche. It will beat it on fuel cost and endurance. Don't see or hear anybody bitching about the Twin Comanche.
Oh hang on... wait a moment...they haven't been build for over 30 years.
Diamond is a very high profile company right now, always in the news... guess what they get most criticism. Give em a break people..
End of rant...
Will get my coat and another beer.......
