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Screen shots by IRIS Simulation |
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The DA40 Diamond Star XLS is a light, single-engine, four-seat aircraft manufactured by Diamond Craft Industries of Austria. Made entirely of composite materials, it is visibly aerodynamic and modern with sleek forms and bubble canopy. Its cockpit features the Garmin 1000 glass display and control sticks in the seats instead of yokes. Officially launched in 1997, the DA40 is based on the DA20 and has a longer fuselage, a longer wingspan, and seating for four instead of two.
The following specifications are taken from the Diamond Aircraft website:
IRIS Flight Simulation Software has created almost 20 aircraft models for Microsoft Flight Simulator, mostly military. The enterprise was formed in 2005 "under the guidance of David Brice, who was previously owner and operator of the successful freeware and commercial flight simulation developer, DSB Design for over 5 years," according to its website. "We aim to provide users with competitively priced value for money flight simulation products for their enjoyment, whilst at the same time pushing our own development talents and recruiting new modelers, artists and flight simulation hobbyists from around the world to ensure we keep our products fresh and up to date with the latest in technology."
IRIS touts the following features of its Diamond Star XLS:
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EXAMPLES OF PAINT SCHEMES |
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G-CEZE |
British Royal Air Force |
U.S. Air Force Academy |
V-HDRB |
| Screen shots by Bill Stack | |||
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PURCHASE FEATURES |
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Instant download from the Pilot Shop |
YES | |
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Installation program |
YES | |
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License key required |
YES | |
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Copyright Acknowledgment Required |
YES | |
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Uninstall program included |
NO | |
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Manual included |
YES | |
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Instructions included |
YES | |
| SPECIAL FEATURES | |
Canopies Open |
Canopy Open |
Wheels Covered |
Wheels Uncovered |
Two-Blade Propeller |
Three-Blade Propeller |
| Screen shots by Bill Stack | |
This aircraft model is visually accurate inside and out compared with the photos I found on the Internet. Overall shapes, contours, proportions, and details such as propeller blades, landing gear, flaps, cockpit, and instrument panel all appear true to reality.
As in the real aircraft, the cockpit features the Garmin 1000 glass instrument panel and control sticks mounted in the seats. The instrument panel representation is quite realistic compared with photos on the Diamond Aircraft website. All gauges, dials, buttons, switches, and controls are easy to read.
Traditional mechanical instruments bear the IRIS Sims logo.
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COCKPIT & PANELS |
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| Screen shots by Bill Stack | ||
The IRIS DA40 Diamond Star XLS flies as would be expected of a small, light, aerodynamic aircraft. It takes off, climbs, levels, turns, descends, and lands easily. It must be flown according to performance data in the manual, however, such as the specified manifold pressure and propeller RPMs. Attention must be paid to the tables and the aircraft instruments as the aircraft climbs and descends through the altitudes.
The aircraft rotates at 66 KIAS as specified in the manual when the engine and propeller are set as specified. The takeoff checklist calls for full throttle and 2,400 revolutions per minute. To achieve both of these conditions simultaneously, the propeller must be trimmed back to about 75 percent.
When the propeller pitch is set for 2,200 RPM and the throttle is set for 16 to 19 inches of manifold pressure, as specified in the manual, the aircraft will climb at 73 KIAS as specified in the manual. It will be pitched up 8 to 10 degrees and climb at 700 to 900 feet per minute. These figures change as the aircraft climbs through the altitudes.
No ceiling is specified in the manual or the details window of the aircraft-selection menu. A performance table in the manual goes as high as 17,000 feet. I set the autopilot to 20,000 feet and 500 feet per minute climb rate, and the aircraft willingly complied up to 18,000 feet, where it stalled.
No cruise speed is specified in the manual. It cruised at 100 KIAS at 5,000 feet above mean sea level and at 96 at 10,000 MSL when the engine gauges were set as recommended.
Torque is evident throughout this aircraft's flight, as it continually banks toward the left. Constant back pressure, frequent corrections, or autopilot are required to keep the aircraft flying straight. I found no rudder trim in the cockpit or mentioned in the manual, and the usual keyboard commands for rudder trim didn't work. When I left it flying straight while taking notes, it flew numerous circles directly over one another.
Stall speeds are so low that pilot inattention or direct effort are required to stall it.
Landing is easy as long as the recommended airspeeds and configurations are followed. Overcoming the significant torque during this precise phase takes some practice, however.
Flight simmers who like to simulate flight properly will find the manual very useful.
| DIAMOND STAR IN FLIGHT | ||
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| Screen shots by Bill Stack | ||
The installation program installs all needed files into the Microsoft Flight Simulator X folder.
The "custom sound pack" makes the Diamond Star sound like a light general-aviation aircraft.
Aircraft performance data and checklists are included in a manual but not in the simulator's kneeboard. I find kneeboards easier to use, but simmers can print the checklist pages and keep them nearby for quick reference.
The aircraft relies solely on a 3D virtual cockpit.
IRIS Simulations restricts requests for information to a "support ticket system." It does not respond to questions emailed to the address available in the Technical Support section of the Flight Sim Pilot Shop page where their DA40 Diamond Star XLS is sold.
"The support mailbox is no longer manned and no reply will be forthcoming," is the auto-responder message I received. Users must go to the IRIS website and submit their questions through a form. Replies are promised within 48 hours. I received no reply to my inquiry after one week, however.
| NIGHT EFFECTS | ||
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Screen shots by Bill Stack |
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A 37-page manual in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format describes plenty about how to use this product and fly this aircraft.
| MANUAL PAGES | ||
Manual Cover |
Page 10 |
Page 32 |
The realistic cockpit with its functioning controls make using this aircraft very easy and realistic.
The movable canopies that move separately with their own levers are a nice touch. They are operated by clicking the mouse on the red handles on the side panels of the front left and rear left seats. Once the cursor changes from an arrow to a hand, the handles can be "pulled" and the canopies can be opened. The virtual cockpit viewpoint must be in a precise location for the cursor to show a hand instead of an arrow, however. I was able to get the rear canopy open only once regardless of how much I moved the viewpoint around the virtual cockpit.
A paint kit is included for those simmers who wish to customize their aircraft.
Information about the DA40 Diamond Star can be found at these websites, among others:
IRIS Simulation's DA40 Diamond Star is a good-looking airplane with realistic performance characteristics. Careful attention to accuracy in appearance and modeling are apparent. It's easy to learn and fun to fly. Simmers who like to fly properly will find the excellent manual very useful because the aircraft requires close pilot attention to engine performance characteristics. The manual is well organized and easy to follow.
Bill Stack
Learn More About IRIS Sims' DA40 Diamond Star
Other aircraft from IRIS
Bill Stack is author of several books about flight simulation, a regular author in flight-sim magazines, and a contributor to Flight Sim Com. His website is www.topskills.com
Reviews Of Other Iris Aircraft:
Christen Eagle
F-14 Tomcat
F-20 Tigershark
E.A.P.
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