Diamond Aircraft, of London, Ontario is playing a key role in continuing the longest running aviation dynasty in the world.
The company is building the composite airframes for the Dornier Seastar, a twin-engine push/pull turboprop flying boat. Dornier is the oldest continuously operating aircraft builder in the world and a flying boat specialist.
The aircraft will hold up to 12 passengers and two pilots and cruises at more than 200 mph. It uses two Canadian-built PT6 engines.
Peter Maurer, CEO of Diamond in London, said the aircraft is a lot bigger than its own designs but his staff have the experience and expertise to build it.
“It is a sophisticated and substantial aircraft…,” he said. “While the large fuselage and one-piece wing are bigger than the typical Diamond components, our production of similarly sized structures for the D-JET program and other contracts gives us the experience and ability to complete this challenging task.”
The airframes and one-piece wing will be built in London and shipped to Germany for final assembly. The first one should be ready by summer of 2016.
The aircraft sell for about $6 million.