Diamond D-Jet

The single-engine jet that aimed to democratize personal jet travel

Overview

Diamond Austria 2010–Onward $1.4 million

The Diamond D-Jet was a proposed single-engine very light jet developed to offer affordable jet ownership. Designed with composite construction and a small turbofan engine, it targeted private pilots transitioning from piston aircraft. The program ultimately did not reach production.

Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Williams FJ33-4A-19
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
1,564 lbf · 7 kN
Avionics
Garmin G1000
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
4
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
—
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
—
Baggage volume
71 ft³  ·  2.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
9,700 lb  ·  4,400 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
2,250 lb  ·  1,000 kg
Fuel capacity
Max cruise speed
315 kt  ·  362 mph  ·  583 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
—
Fuel burn
12.20 nm/gal  ·  5.97 km/L
Ceiling
—
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
2,300 ft  ·  700 m
Landing distance
2,050 ft  ·  620 m
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Operational Context

Diamond D-Jet — proposed single-engine very light jet

The D-Jet program was announced in the mid-2000s during a surge of interest in very light jets. Diamond Aircraft designed the aircraft with a composite fuselage, side-by-side seating, and a single Williams FJ33 turbofan mounted above the fuselage. The prototype first flew in 2008 as development progressed toward certification.

The aircraft was intended to cruise at approximately 315 knots (585 km/h) with a maximum takeoff weight projected around 5,000 pounds (2,270 kg). Cabin seating was planned for up to five occupants depending on configuration. Range targets were roughly 1,000 nautical miles (1,850 km).

Financial challenges and changing market conditions led to suspension of the program before certification. Although the D-Jet did not enter service, it reflected a broader effort to expand jet access to owner-pilots. The project remains a notable chapter in the very light jet segment.