Foreword from John Armstrong, Founder of LifeStyle Aviation.
When we went to Austria over two years ago to pick up the very US bound DA42-VI, Christian Dries proudly showed us his latest creation, the Diamond DA40 Tundra, a diesel DA40 pimped for the outback and rugged terrain. I snapped this picture of Christian to demonstration how the extended gear and large tires changed the stance of the DA40. It was like a “lift kit” on a tricked out pickup truck. With my grassroots flying background in taildraggers I was instantly intrigued. I wondered how the combination of the smooth diesel with the slow flight flying qualities of the DA40 and the rugged landing gear would all mesh together. Christian saw my interest and instantly offered for me to fly the Diamond DA40 Tundra.
Diamond DA40 Tundra Aircraft
The first thing that strikes you as you walk up to the Diamond DA40 Tundra is the height of the plane on the extended gear and large tires. The step had to be extended to make its use possible. The red anodized wheels are a nice touch that make the look quite sporty. Once in the cockpit it’s like all current DA40’s with the exception of course that its an Austro powered unit so it means only one lever for the engine control and that the only starting procedure technique that is needed is the ability to turn a key and it instantly comes to life like a purring kitten.
I ta
xied out at Wiener Neustadt and skipped using the pavement at all during this flight. I lined up in the grass and put the brakes on and added full throttle. The Austro is very responsive and we were on the roll quickly once I released the brakes. The grass was a bit rough and uneven and the gear made the ride like a Cadillac on a Sunday drive…remarkably smooth. I will say that the roll was not on par with a Husky or such craft but with the vortex generators on the wings of the Tundra we were off in a very respectable distance. The plane accelerates in the climb due to the turbo diesel torque and climb angles are very impressive. The quiet smoothness of the engine is something that pilots used to flying typical air cooled gas engined planes with “just have to get used to”.
The Diamond DA40 Tundra handles like the fine DA40 it is in all the various maneuvers albeit with slower speeds due to the added drag of the uber gear. We headed in for some landings to see what the feel would be. Again using the grass only I thoroughly enjoyed doing touch and goes in this cool plane. The combination of the large tires and the shock absorbing gear made for a unique off pavement feel like nothing I’ve experienced before. I’m used to feeling the ruts and terrain. This was more like rolling a marshmallow on a meadow. Very cool. With good technique it is remarkable how short one can land a DA40 and the Tundra of course excels in this category. At the time we flew the plane there are no direct plans to introduce it to the US market and I was sad because I knew there are lots of regions of the country that would adore the combination of modern rugged versatility and performance. Well I’m sad no more because as of now we are able to offer our clients this unique aircraft. Come and get your Tundra!
Diamond DA40 Tundra Now Available in North America!
The freedom of backcountry flying is one of the most rewarding and pleasurable flying pursuits. Diamond is opening up new possibilities with the 4 seat DA40 TUNDRA. The spacious 4 seat cabin with folding rear seat backs, large forward opening canopy and huge rear door, offers the optimum in loading flexibility. Fly fishing rods, guns, tents, skis, snowshoes, even mountain bikes, and plenty more gear, all fit the DA40 easily. The Diamond DA40 TUNDRA blends rugged back country versatility with excellent cross country speed, comfort and ultra low fuel consumption.
The rugged all composite airframe offers excellent resistance to bumps and scrapes and stands up well in any environment. Reinforced landing gear attachments, standard Beringer wheels wearing meaty 22 inch 8.50 x 6 mains, and a special long stroke hydraulic damper, controlling the extra heavy duty extended nose gear strut, soak up rough terrain with ease.
Backcountry flying is about the views and few aircraft match the panoramic vistas that the DA40’s one piece forward opening canopy and forward seating position provide. Best of all, with seats for four, you can now share your passion for the outdoors with family and friends.
The Diamond DA40 TUNDRA is powered by the very special Austro AE300 jet-fuel piston engine. It starts easily under all conditions, hot and cold alike, sips less than four gph of jet-fuel at loiter speeds, and offers sprightly climbs thanks to turbocharging that maintains full power to 14,000’. The single power lever and redundant digital engine control offer ultimate reliability and ease of operation. High crosswind capability, centre stick and precise handling make the DA40 a joy to y into challenging terrain.
Diamond DA40 Tundra Aircraft
GARMIN’s G1000 with GFC700 autopilot with Electronic Stability and Protection and Synthetic Vision Technology offer superior situational awareness, convenience and safety, regardless how far you venture from the beaten track.
The DA40 TUNDRA – beauty and beast in one and a new way to explore.
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Request pricing, specs, options and availability for the Tundra.
Contact Sales by phone: 406-FLY-1NOW / 406-359-1669
Diamond DA40 Tundra Aircraft
About Diamond:
Diamond produces a full range of high quality certi ed all composite aircraft including the 2 seat DA20, the 4 seat DA40, 4 seat twin engine DA42 and 7 seat twin engine DA62. Diamond uses proprietary lead-free jet fuel piston engines, made by Austro Engine GmbH of Austria, for the DA40, DA42 and DA62. Diamond applies modern technologies to achieve high fuel efficiency, low noise, excellent performance and safety. Diamond aircraft are own by private pilots and professional fight training operators and institutions worldwide.
About LifeStyle:
Lifestyle Aviation (LifeStyleAviation.com) is a US based aviation marketing organization that is in the business of helping people achieve and enjoy an “Aviation LifeStyle” through modern personal aircraft. The organization is comprised of several components:
Diamond DA40 Tundra Aircraft
LifeStyle Aviation offers a wide range of quality, modern aircraft from Diamond, Piper, Mooney, Cessna, Cirrus and more via its listing site LifeStyleAircraft.com. In addition, LifeStyle Aviation is a leading Diamond Regional Distribution Center (DRDC) offering a full range of new and used Diamond Aircraft including entry level DA20 and DA40’s and high performance Jet-fuel burning DA42-VI’s and the all new DA62 7 place 200kt twin diesel aircraft.
The LifeStyle Aviation Network includes flight centers, aircraft brokers, industry affiliates and international partners to create a productive, pooled source for buying and selling modern aircraft, learning to fly, accessing shared ownership programs and transitioning from entry level aircraft into advance high performance planes.
DiamondShare.com – LifeStyle Aviation is also the creator of the unique DiamondShare program (DiamondShare.com) that provides attractive shared “member access” to modern aircraft while completely changing aircraft ownership economics.