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Diamond DA42 Twin Star

2004 MODERN AIRCRAFT DRONE TECHNOLOGY

The History of the Diamond DA42 Twin Star

The DA42 "Twin Star" is a light twin-engine VIP trainer designed, developed and produced by the Austrian company Diamond Aircraft Industries. The first flight in prototype form was recorded on December 9, 2002, and the design officially entered service in 2004. It is still in production (since 2002) with over 600 completed. The DA42 is the company's first entry into the multi-engine aircraft market, succeeding the single-engine DA40 model in 1997.

It was approved in Europe in April 2004 and in the United States in 2005.

The aircraft features a robust, easy-to-service carbon fiber composite airframe and a streamlined aerodynamic design that both reduces weight and improves airflow efficiency for improved performance in its class. The nose section is flat and broad, and the entire hull shape includes a pronounced taper aft of the nacelle section.

The tail has vertical rudder extensions on both its belly and topline, providing more surface area without adding too much drag. In the tried-and-true multi-hop T arrangement, the rear wing is completed by a split horizontal plane. Wing The main aircraft is located low on the side of the fuselage and has upturned "winglets" (another measure of fuel efficiency) at the tips of them.

Each nacelle features tight fairings, a streamlined design and is integrated into the lines of each main-wing aircraft. A typical wheeled tricycle landing gear is used for ground running (nose bone and two main legs, both retractable).

It has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 4,407 pounds and a maximum zero fuel weight (MZFW) of 4,045 pounds. Standard curb weight is 3,109 pounds. Dimensions include a barrel length of 28.1 feet, a wingspan of 44.6 feet and a height of 8.2 feet.

The cockpit has a panoramic view to provide the best view for the pilot and passengers. The window area is large and elegantly curved to maximize visibility of the nose and wings of the fuselage. Boarding and exiting the aircraft is accomplished via a front hinged, swinging cabin door and a large rear access door that opens upwards. The cabin includes folding seats and luggage storage. There is additional storage space in the nose area.

The cabin design can be adapted to the client and his client. The cockpit is equipped with Garmin G1000 series avionics equipped with GFC7000 3-axis automatic flight control system. Seat for four (2x2) including pilot (can carry three passengers). The DA42 is in many ways a "luxury car in the sky".

The first models were powered by a Thielert TAE 125-01 "Centurion" diesel engine, but the engine manufacturer's financial problems forced Diamond to opt for the Austro AR300 line in 2009 (DA42 production actually ended as early as July 2008 , because of the Tillert problem). As a result, the performance of the new model is powered by 2 Austro AE300 turbocharged jet fuel piston engines driving a three-blade MT hydraulic constant speed, low noise propeller unit in a conventional puller fashion. A single throttle controls the combined power of both engines, making it easier for the operator. If desired, each unit can also be digitally controlled via a single-switch suspension (FADEC arrangement). Fuel capacity reached 79.4 USG.

Performance specs include a top speed of 221 mph, a range of up to 1,052 miles and a service ceiling of up to 18,000 feet. The climb rate is 1,280 feet per minute.

Optional components and systems for the DA42 include electric air conditioning, an anti-icing system and a double top. The cockpit can be expanded with a variety of custom additions, including the Avidyne TAS 605 traffic advisory system, Garmin GDL69A Satlink-XM weather and radio unit, and Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) unit.

While the DA42 series has entered many flight schools and professional departments, it is also favored by a handful of military operators worldwide. These include the Argentine Army, the Ghanaian Air Force, the Jamaican Defense Forces, the Niger Air Force, the Russian Federal Security Service, the Swiss Military, the Royal Thai Air Force, the Turkmen Air Force, the Ukrainian Border Patrol, and the Royal Air Force and the Venezuelan Air Force at this time (2018).

There are few variants in the DA42 series other than the original DA42. The DA42M is labeled as a "special mission" platform, while the DA42NG is for AE 300 series engines with 170 hp (per unit). The DA42 L360 features 180 hp Lycoming IO-360 engines that use 100 LL fuel instead of the typical Jet-A1. The DA42MPP is a multipurpose design housing surveillance and mapping equipment for special services and military sectors. The DA42 MPP "Centaur OPA" is a modified DA42 by Aurora Flight Sciences for manned or unmanned operations.

The DA-42-VI, an improved version of the DA42, went live in March 2012. Much has been done to simplify the original to improve cruising speed and performance.

The Aero Defense "Dominator" is an offshoot of the DA42, an improved Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platform developed by Israeli industry for military and special services. This entry is described in detail elsewhere on this site.