The Diamond DA20 Katana is a low-wing cantilever monoplane with a castering nose wheel, commonly operated as a low-cost trainer aircraft. Developed by Diamond Aircraft, it was originally produced in Austria as the DV20. The Katana has a European motorglider heritage, so its long wings give a 11:1 glide ratio. Its expansive canopy and rear windows provide exceptional outward visibility, making every flight more immersive.
The DA20 is available with two engines: the 100 hp Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport and the 125 hp fuel-injected Continental IO-240-B32B. The Rotax-powered DA20-A1 cruises at 95 knots indicated airspeed while burning just 3.25 gallons per hour. The DA20-C1 models, named Eclipse and Evolution, are faster. The DA20-A1 is spin-certified, but it cannot be IFR certified because of its lack of lightning protection. The Katana has an excellent safety record, and it is statistically safe, slow, forgiving, reliable, quiet, and cheap.
The DA20 has been trusted by private pilots and flight schools for decades due to its sporty, sleek design and economy. It offers proven structural durability from its composite airframe. A typical well-maintained used DA20 averages $130,000 to $180,000, while a new DA20 costs around $280,000. Overall, pilots find the DA20 perfectly suited to its flight training function; it is also a modern, economical personal aircraft for commuting, time-building, or travel.
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Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.
What is the Diamond DA20 Katana?
The Diamond DV20/DA20 Katana is an Austrian-designed two-seat general aviation light aircraft. It is a low-wing cantilever monoplane. It was developed and manufactured by Diamond Aircraft, and it was originally produced in Austria as the DV20. It is commonly operated as a low-cost two-seat trainer aircraft. The first Diamond aircraft made available to sell in North America was the Diamond DA20-A1 Katana.
The Diamond DA20 Katana is a low-wing cantilever monoplane, commonly operated as a low-cost two-seat trainer aircraft. Produced by Austrian aircraft manufacturer Diamond Aircraft, it is a low-wing two-seat, piston aircraft with a castering nose wheel, unique design elements, and a single engine. This airplane has easy controls and is used as a civil aircraft, a military trainer, and for personal flying.
The first DA20-A1 was powered by a Rotax 912 engine that produced 80 hp. The Rotax-powered DA20-A1 can cruise at 95 knots (109.3 miles per hour) indicated airspeed while burning just 3.25 gallons (12.3 liters) per hour. However, it cannot be IFR certified because of its lack of lightning protection. The DA20-A1 has a fuel tank size of 19.5 American gallons. The DA20-C1 Eclipse is a single-engine, 2-seat aircraft designed for private flying and primary training. The DA20-C1 has a composite airframe for performance and durability, and its fuel tank capacity is about 24 gallons (about 91 liters). The Eclipse has window cleaner for ice, plane instruments, an audio system 1000 intercom, a GPS and radio combined unit, a GTX box, and plane electronics choices. It has sofas and comfortable handles.
The DA20 has a rate of climb of 667 feet per minute (203 meters per minute). The runway needed to get 15.24 meters up is about 1,640.42 feet, or 0.8 kilometers in thin air. The Rotax 912 engine has a TBO of 2,000 hours. A brand-new Rotax 912A is $33,000, a Rotax 912 rebuild is $12,000, and an overhaul expense ranges between $20,000 and $32,000. The Continental IO240 factory overhaul is between $40,000 and $50,000. Noise from the Rotax 912 differs from a Continental aircraft engine, and the Rotax 912 has a louder rating. The DA20 has been further developed into the four-seat Diamond DA40 Diamond Star. The DA20-C1 flying guide limits aerobatic spin, and stalls needs retracted flaps. The DA20-C1 has no ILS system, does not have ability to land without sight, and the GPS is VFR only.
What are the specifications of the DA20 Katana?
The specifications of the DA20 Katana are given in the table below.
| Aspect | DA20i | DA20-C1 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Rotax 912 | Continental |
| Power | 100 hp | 125 hp |
| Propeller | MT constant | Sensenich fix |
| Fuel | AVGAS Mogas | AVGAS 100LL |
| Max speed | 122 kts | 130 kts |
| Stall speed | 45 kts | 45 kts |
| Climb rate | 667 ft/min (203.2 m/min) | 920 ft/min (280.4 m/min) |
| Max range | 703 nm | 525 nm |
| Fuel burn | 2.9 gal/hr (10.98 L/hr) | 5.3 gal/hr (20.1 L/hr) |
| Takeoff roll | 833 ft (254.0 m) | 1,256 ft (383.0 m) |
| Landing roll | 669 ft (204 m) | 661 ft (201.5 m) |
| Ceiling | 13,100 ft (3992.88 m) | 13,100 ft (3992.88 m) |
| Crosswind | 20 kts | 20 kts |
| Empty weight | 1,158 lbs (525.3 kg) | 1,180 lbs (535.2 kg) |
| Useful load | 606 lbs (275 kg) | 584 lbs (265 kg) |
| Max weight | 1,764 lbs (800.1 kg) | 1,764 lbs (800.1 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 22.2 gal (84.0 L) | 24 gal (90.85 L) |
The Diamond DA20 Katana is a low wing two seat, single engine, piston aircraft with a castering nose wheel. The DA20i Katana is powered by a Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine, delivering 100 hp. The DA20-C1 features a fuel-injected Continental IO-240-B32B engine, offering 125 hp. The DA20i uses an MT propeller MTV-21-A/175-05, 2-blade constant speed propeller, and the DA20-C1 has a Sensenich 2 blade fixed pitch propeller. The DA20i uses fuel grades AVGAS 100LL, Mogas (min. RON 95), and Super EN 228. The DA20-C1 uses AVGAS 100LL.
Max cruise speed is 122 kts TAS (226 km/h) for the DA20i and 130 kts TAS (240 km/h) for the DA20-C1. Stall speed in landing configuration is 45 kts CAS (83 km/h). The DA20i climbs at 203.3 m/min (667 ft/min), and the DA20-C1 climbs at 253.0 m/min (830 ft/min). Max range at 8,000 ft (2,438 m), LRC power at no reserve is 703 nm (1,302 km) for the DA20i and 525 nm (973 km) for the DA20-C1. Fuel consumption at max range is 2.9 US gal/h (11.1 l/h) for the DA20i and 5.1 US gal/h (19.3 l/h) for the DA20-C1.
Empty weight is 1,158 lbs (525 kg) for the DA20i and 1,180 lbs (535 kg) for the DA20-C1. Max useful load is 606 lbs (275 kg) for the DA20i and 584 lbs (265 kg) for the DA20-C1. Max take-off mass is 1,764 lbs (800 kg). Usable fuel capacity is 22.2 US gal (84 l) on the DA20i and 24 US gal (91 l) on the DA20-C1. Length is 7.16 m (23 ft 6 in), wingspan is 10.87 m (35 ft 7 in), and height is 2.18 m (7 ft 2 in). Take-off ground roll (MSL) is 833 ft (254 m) for the DA20i and 1,256 ft (383 m) for the DA20-C1, landing ground roll is 669 ft (204 m) and 661 ft (201 m). Max operating altitude is 13,100 ft (4,000 m), and max demonstrated crosswind is 20 kts (37 km/h). The DA20i Katana has a glide ratio of 11:1.
What is the performance of the DA20 Katana?
The performance of the DA20 Katana is given in the table below.
| Aspect | DA20i | DA20-C1 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Cruise | 226 km/h (140.4 mph) | 240 km/h (149.13 mph) |
| Stall Speed | 45 kn | 45 kn |
| Range | 547 nmi | 525 nmi |
| Service Ceiling | 4,000 m (2.485 miles) | 4,000 m (2.49 mi) |
| Climb Rate | 667 ft/min (203.2 m/min) | 1,000 ft/min (304.8 m/min) |
| Takeoff Roll | 254 m (833.33 ft) | 383 m (1,256.56 ft) |
| Landing Roll | 204 m (669.29 ft) | 201 m (660.1 ft) |
| Crosswind | 20 kts | 20 kts |
| Fuel Burn | 2.9 US gal/h | 5.3 US gal/h |
Max cruise speed is 130 kts TAS. The DA20 cruises around 115 to 125 knots in economy settings. It has a best cruise of 103 KIAS. At 75% power, its cruise speed is 138 ktas. The DA20-A1 cruises at 117 ktas using a 75% power setting. Rate of climb is 680 fpm. Rate of climb at sea level is 1,000 ft/min (304.8 m/min). The service ceiling is 13,120 ft (4,000 m). Takeoff distance is 1,120 ft (341 m). Takeoff distance over a 50-foot obstacle is 1,640 ft (500 m). Landing distance is 661 ft (201.5 m). Landing distance over a 50-foot obstacle is 1,360 ft (414.5 m).
Max range is 703 nm with no reserve. With 30-minute reserve, range is 547 nm. The DA20 burns roughly 4.5 to 5.5 gallons per hour (17.0 to 20.8 liters per hour). Its fuel consumption at 75% power is 5.5 gal/hr (20.8 L/hr). The best range is 450 NM. Stall speed at landing configuration is 45 kts CAS. Max demonstrated crosswind is 20 kts. Its glide ratio is 11:1. The DA20-A1 has a glide ratio of 14:1.
How much does a DA20 Katana cost?
A new DA20 will cost around $279,000. Retail prices on the DA20-C1s range between $125,000 (stripped Evolution) and $170,000 (loaded-with-avionics Eclipse). The DA20i Katana, a 2026 version, has a list of $418,430. Purchasing a used DA20 will cost from $65,000 on the lowest end to $200,000 on the highest end. A typical well-maintained used DA20 averages $130,000-$180,000. You can buy an 80 hp Rotax-powered DA20-A1 for between $35,000 and $50,000, while newer versions with engines up to 125 hp approach $100,000.
Flight time, proximity to mandatory maintenance, and time left before fixing the motor affect asking price. A complete motor fix costs $20,000 to $30,000. The year of build and electronics improvements affect the asking price. Rotax motors cut over $20 per hour in gas money because Rotax uses mogas and cannot use high-octane airplane fuel, while Lycoming uses lead fuel. However, Rotax engines have limited fix choices and need servicing.
