Blog on World of Civil Airplanes : Diamond DA42 Twin Star

DIAMOND 42

Jagriti Srivastava

DA42 Twin Star bio-fuel demonstrator at the 2010 Farnborough Airshow

Role:Light twin-engined utility and trainer aircraft

National origin:Austria

Manufacturer:Diamond Aircraft Industries

First flight:9 December 2002

Introduction:004

Status:in production

Unit cost: US$600,000

Variants: Aeronautics Defense Dominator

DA42 TWIN STAR:

Diamond DA42 Twin Star instrument panel showing the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit installation

Diamond DA42 Twin Star Thielert Centurion 1.7 diesel engine

Diamond DA42 Twin Star showing prominent winglets

The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is a four seat, twin engine, propeller-driven airplane manufactured by Diamond Aircraft Industries. Its airframe is molded largely of composite materials.

The DA42 Twin Star was certified in Europe in 2004 and in the United States in 2005.

The airplane is made of carbon composite material. It is equipped with a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit.

The DA42 Twin Star was the first diesel-powered fixed-wing aircraft to make a non-stop crossing of the North Atlantic, in 12.5 hours, with an average fuel consumption of 5.74 gallons per hour (2.87 gallons per hour per engine).

In June 2010 a DA42 powered by Austro AE300 engines became the first aircraft to be publicly flown on algae-derived jet fuel.

By March 2012 the DA42 had become the major income driver at Diamond Aircraft. Company CEO Christian Dries indicated that the market focus of the company had been changed by the recession of 2008-10 and that the company now derives two-thirds of its revenue from military and government contracts, primarily for manned and unmanned DA42 surveillance aircraft.

Also in March 2012 Diamond aircraft announced they were developing a fly-by-wire version of the DA42, with the aim of reducing the accident rate in light aircraft. The system is expected to eventually include flight envelope protection, turbulence righting and autoland capabilities. The system will also include damage-tolerant by-pass capabilities, allowing flight with jammed or missing controls

POWERPLANTS:

The DA42NG "New Generation" is powered by Diamond's 3rd Generation Austro Turbo Diesel Engine, the Lycoming IO-360 engine is also available as an option. The 168 hp (125 kW) Austro diesel replaces the Thielert Centurion 1.7 and 2.0 engines. It is known for its excellent efficiency, it burns only 3.2 gallons per hour in loiter or 8 gallons per hour at maximum continuous power (92%). It is also available with optional "on top" exhaust mufflers that reduce noise levels to below 59 decibels at 500 feet.

Thielert Aircraft Engines ended its production of the 1.7 L. Centurion engines (designated as TAE 125-01 Centurion 1.7) in favour of a new 2.0 L. (TAE 125-02-99) engine. Diamond began installing this new 2.0 L. engine in early 2007. Although engine displacement increased, it was de-rated to produce the same horsepower (135) and torque (302 ft·lbf.) as the 1.7 L. engine.

In late 2007, Diamond aircraft announced it would begin building and installing its own aerodiesels, through a subsidiary, Austro Engine GmbH, and with other partners that included Mercedes Benz Technologies. The use of Thielert engines on the DA42 came into question due to Thielert filing for insolvency in April 2008.

Due to the insolvency of Thielert and the decisions of the insolvency administrator, including cancelling warranty support and the prorating of time-between-overhaul for the Thielert engines that power the DA42, Diamond announced in July 2008 that production of the DA42 was suspended. At the time production was suspended the DA42 was reported to have 80 percent of the piston twin market.

In March 2009 Diamond achieved EASA certification for the Austro Engine AE 300 and returned the DA42 to production as the DA42 NG. The new engine produces 20% more power, while giving better fuel economy than the Thielert engines and results in a higher gross weight and increased performance. The first Austro-powered DA42 was delivered to a customer in Sweden in April 2009, with the first US customer aircraft expected in mid-2010. The Austro-powered DA42 NG received FAA certification on 9 April 2010.

Special Mission variant built in Austria, modification from standard DA42 and new production.

DA42 L360

Lycoming IO-360 180 hp (134 kW) equipped version using 100LL fuel instead of Jet-A1. This model is intended for the North American flight training market.

DA42 NG

Austro Engine AE 300 170 hp (127 kW) equipped version. EASA certified March 2009; FAA certified April 2010; Transport Canada certified 16 April 2012.

DA42 MPP

UK Ministry of Defence specified DA42 MPP variant for surveillance systems project, converted by DO Systems. Two ordered in June 2008.

Dominator II

Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd developed UAV version of the DA42, designated as the Aeronautics Defense Dominator and first flown in July 2009. Has an endurance of 28 hours with a 900 lb (408 kg) payload and speed of 75-190 knots (140-354 km/h) to a maximum altitude of 30,000 ft (9,144 m).

DA42-VI

Improved DA42 introduced in March 2012 with new propeller and aerodynamic clean-ups to the rudder and engine cowling, resulting in greatly increased cruise speed performance

OPERATORS

Civil operators

The DA42 is mainly operated by flight training schools, and aerial surveillance and mapping operators.

Military operators

Ghana

Ghana Air Force - 2 DA42M surveillance aircraft and 1 DA42 training aircraft

Niger

Niger Air Force - 2 DA42M surveillance aircraft

Thailand

Royal Thai Air Force - 6 on order. Delivery in mid 2009.

Switzerland

Swiss Army - 1 - Delivery in end of 2012 .

Ukraine

Border Guard Service operates three DA42 planes for border patrol missions. One aircraft was lost and its crew killed in a 2012 accident in Zakarpattia.

United Kingdom

Royal Air Force - 2 DA-42MPP operated in 2008 and 2009 in surveillance role.

[edit]Specifications (DA42 Twin Star)

Data from Type Certificate Data Sheet

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Crew: 1 pilot

Capacity: 3 passengers

Length: 8.56 m (28 ft 1 in)

Wingspan: 13.42 m (44 ft 0 in)

Height: 2.49 m (8 ft 2 in)

Wing area: 16.29 m2 (175 ft2)

Empty weight: 1251 kg (2761 lb)

Gross weight: 1700 kg (3748 lb)

Powerplant: 2 × Austro turbocharged diesel engine, 125 kW (168 hp) each

PERFORMANCE:

Maximum speed: 356 km/h (222 mph)

Range: 1693 km (1055 miles)

Service ceiling: 5486 m (18,000 ft)

Rate of climb: 6.5 m/s (1280 ft/min)

WHY DIAMOND. A Family Business. A Global Company.

Developing and building a family of aircraft takes a long-term commitment and an unwavering vision - it's not for the faint of heart. Diamond not only has the vision and resources, but an owner who embodies the spirit of innovation.

With the passion of an accomplished pilot, and the vision of a successful entrepreneur, Christian Dries has led Diamond Aircraft's growth from building only a single motorglider to offering general aviation's most innovative and diverse family of personal and business aircraft. The growth of the Diamond Aircraft family exemplifies his personal commitment to delivering aircraft that pilots want.

DIAMOND AIRCRAFT.

A HISTORY:

Over a Quarter Century of Innovation

When the Dries family acquired HOAC, Diamond's predecessor, in 1991, they joined the aviation pioneers who came before them. Their goal for Diamond Aircraft was elegant in its simplicity: use the H36 fun-to-fly motorglider and its innovative use of composite materials as the foundation for a modern family of aircraft that wouldn't be bound by the past, but instead would set new standards for innovation, styling, performance and safety for the future.

1981 Hoffmann Flugzeugbau is founded in Friesach, Austria, to produce the newly certified H36 Dimona motorglider.

1985 Hoffmann Aircraft Ltd., now a 100% subsidiary of Simmering-Graz-Pauker AG moves to Vienna and introduces the Dimona Mk II.

1987 Production facilities are established at the Wiener Neustadt airport, just south of Vienna. The airport has a long history, dating back to before the first world war.

1991 The Dries family acquires 100% control of the company, now named HOAC AG. Immediately, development of the HK36R Rotax 912 powered motorglider and its derivative, the DV20 "Katana", are started.

1992 With a view to supplying the US market with its new technology training aircraft, a full production facility is established in London, Ontario. The company is named Dimona Aircraft.

1993 The Austrian built DV 20 Katana is certified. The first, DV20, OE-CPU goes on demo tour in the US and Canada.

1995 The first Canadian built production DA20-A1 is delivered to Central Missouri State University and serial production is ramped up.

The DA20-A1 Katana receives the prestigious Flying Magazine Eagle Award, for best light aircraft.

1996 The company is named Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc.

HOAC introduces 4 new versions of the HK36 motorglider: taildragger or tricycle gear, either with the Rotax 912 or turbo 914 engine.

1997 The 4 seater DA40 program is announced at the AERO EXPO in Friedrichshafen. The first experimental aircraft are powered by Rotax 914 and TCM IO-240 engines, a testament to the efficient airframes! The Lycoming IO360 is selected for the production version.

The Rotax powered Katana, after production of 500 units, is replaced with the all new TCM IO240 powered DA20-C1, featuring improved performance, useful load and comfort.

Diamond opens its new Diamond Flight Center, including training facilities and the Katana Kafé restaurant, at the London Airport.

1998 HOAC is renamed Diamond Aircraft GmbH, to align with the North American operation.

Diamond Austria acquires the Wiener Neustadt - East Airport (LOAN).

1999 The Wiener Neustadt airport and company facilities undergo significant expansion, with the addition of new taxiways, runway lighting, NDB approach, construction of a new administration building, pilot shop, restaurant, and maintenance facilities.

The DA20-100, a factory refurbished and reengined (Rotax 912S-100hp) Katana, is introduced and proves very popular, particularly in Europe.

Diamond opens a factory sales, service and flight training center in Egelsbach (Frankfurt).

The DA20-C1 Eclipse, an improved and enhanced version of the DA20-C1, enters production.

2000 The IFR certified DA40-180 Diamond Star is certified and enters production.

The HK36TTC-ECO, a specialized aerial camera platform enters service.

2001 The DA40-180 receives FAA type certification and production for the North American market starts in London, Ontario.

Diamond Austria flies the world's first modern production GA diesel powered aircraft, the DA40-TDI.

2002 Diamond DA20-C1 selected for USAF Introductory Flight Training Program.

The DA42-TDI project is announced at the Berlin International Airshow in May. Company CEO, Christian Dries makes the first test flight on December 9th.

The DA40-TDI turbo diesel powered Diamond Star receives European certification.

2003 The D-JET single engine personal jet project is announced.

The DA42 wins the Flight International "Aerospace Industries Award".

2004 Diamond Austria's facility expand with the addition of the state of the art 100,000 sq ft Diamond Composites facility.

The DA42, equipped with the Garmin G1000, receives European certification and serial production is started.

The Garmin G1000 is certified for the DA40-180.

The company's DA42 demonstrator crosses the Atlantic nonstop, direct from St. John's, Newfoundland to Porto, Portugal, with a total fuel burn of only 72 gallons of jet fuel.

DA20 and DA40 receive Chinese CAAC certification and first G1000 equipped DA40's are delivered to PanAm Beijing.

2005 Diamond announces a Chinese joint venture to produce the DA40 Diamond Star for the Chinese market.

The DA40-180 receives Aero-News.net "Best Certified Aircraft of 2005" award.

The DA42 receives FAA certification and first US delivery is made.

2006 DA20-C1s selected for new USAF training program.

D-JET completes first flights.

First Diamond Brilliance Center opens in Naples, FL.

Aviation Consumer names DA42 Airplane of the Year.

D-JET wins Popular Science Best of What's New Award.

2007 DA42 Receives Flying Magzine Editors' Choice Award.

Diamond Flight Center program launched.

DA50 Super Star makes first flight.

DA40 XLS/CS Launch at AOPA Expo.

2008 Diamond DA40 selected for the United States Air Force Academy Powered Flight Program.

Diamond is launch partner for Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology.

Synthetic Vision Technology is offered on the DA40.

2009 Turbo diesel Austro Engine AE 300 certified.

DA42 L360, twin Lycoming-powered aircraft, certified.

DA42 NG, twin Austro Engines powered aircraft, certified.

DA42 L360 selected Aero-News Network 2009 Plane of the Year.

DA42 L360 and DA42 NG selected Flying magazine 2009 Editors' Choice award.

2010 DA40 NG certified.

2011 DA36 E-Star, a hybrid electric aircraft, conducts first flight.

2012 DA52 completes first flight.

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP:

Diamond's Firsts

Visionary leadership, coupled with a keen passion for flying, means innovation is ingrained in everything we do. Expanding the bounds of what was thought possible before, Diamond is proud of our long list of aviation firsts.

The Garmin G1000 glass cockpitSynthetic Vision Technology in a general aviation aircraftDA42 diesel piston twinFive-seat modern composite aircraftThe Personal Light JetAustro Engine AE300 engine offering low fuel burn, independence from leaded fuel and low noise emissionDA42 NG flight with pure biofuel made from algaeDA36 E-Star, world's first serial hybrid electric aircraft

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY:

Industry-Leading Safety Record.

In Safety, Results Do MatterJudge for Yourself - Explore Safety Data and StatisticsHow We Make Safety HappenDiamond Aviation Insurance Program

In Safety, Results Do Matter

At Diamond, we are proud of all the safety features we build into our aircraft - and invite you to explore them here. What really matters, though, are results - actual safety statistics showing how aircraft perform in the real-life flying environment.

While some of our competitors need to do a lot of massaging of data to come up with just one acceptable safety statistic - for instance, by looking only at one particularly good year, by choosing a larger denominator (e.g., all N-registered aircraft) but then only counting accidents in one geography (e.g., the US) - we invite you to get the full picture of all relevant safety statistics, because we know that our record can stand up even to the most analytical scrutiny.

Explore the areas in this section to see numerous safety analyses to gain the confidence that Diamond owners already have: Diamonds are extremely safe aircraft - with a compelling safety record you can share with your spouse and other passengers to get them as excited about your aircraft choice as you are.

FUEL EFFICIENCY:

These days, with car gas at over $4/gallon, and 100LL at over $5/gallon, everybody is suddenly aware of the value of fuel economy. For Diamond, this is old news: with our European heritage, and high fuel prices in Europe, building fuel efficient aircraft has always been a cornerstone of our strategy.

All of our aircraft are best in class in their fuel efficiency, saving you money whenever you fly, and adding to the economic case for buying a Diamond.

Fuel Economy - Statute Miles Per Gallon (mpg)

Monthly Fuel Costs

Regards,