In collaboration with Austro Engine GmbH and Diamond Aircraft Industries, whom both have their Headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, Mercedes Benz Technology (MB-Tech) in Germany and other distinguished partners, a 170 HP Turbo Diesel Engine with a maximum torque of 570Nm has made its initial test flight in a DA40 Diamond Star. Christian Dries, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Industries and Sören Pedersen, Managing Test Pilot at DAI carried out the maiden flight together. They were both enthralled. The engine showed high performance while also being economical. Through consequential implementation of MB Tech developed combustion technology, in comparison to 'normal' engines, we succeeded in lowering the overall fuel consumption, employing identical performance, by 20%. These results make this engine a very attractive option for unmanned aircraft (UAVs).

As the worlds' biggest manufacturer of aircraft with diesel engines, it was obvious that Diamond Aircraft Industries would strive to perfect a tried and tested new generation of JetA1 engines for the general aviation.