Following initial flight-testing in late April, the Diamond D-Jet single-engine very light jet resumed flight testing after installation of its data acquisition system and minor modifications to the engine inlet fairings. In a series of flight tests conducted in late June, the speed and altitude envelopes were progressively expanded from 170 knots and 12,000 feet to more than 280 knots and 25,000 feet.

“We are pleased to have expanded the envelope in such a short time. The aircraft is… smooth and stable and all systems [are] functioning perfectly,” said Diamond CEO Christian Dries.

At press time, Diamond was preparing the flight-test aircraft and full fuselage and interior mockup for display at last month’s DiamondFest and EAA Airventure 2006. Certification of the five-seat, circa-$1 million D-Jet is planned for late next year.