Mon, Jun 16, 2008
"Operation Pegasus" Confirms Long-Endurance Capability
For all the recent strife involving Diamond Aircraft's
relationship with insolvent Thielert Aircraft Engines, it's easy
to forget the reason the planemaker opted for the Jet-A-fueled
powerplants for the DA42: fuel efficiency. Last month, "Operation
Pegasus" proved the DA42 Multi-Purpose Platform aircraft has some
very long legs, indeed.
The law-enforcement configuration of the DA42 MPP -- equipped
with a gyro-stabilized daylight and thermal video camera, a SCOTTY
beyond line-of-sight satcom system, and a Wood & Douglas
line-of-sight downlink system -- took off from Vienna’s
Neustadt - Ost (LOAN) airfield at 7:00 am local time May 8. The
crew then patrolled the European Union's former external border
with Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic twice,
before landing back at the point of departure 13 hours and 4
minutes later, at 8:40 pm.
Live video sequences of the border area were regularly
transmitted to a ground station via the satcom system during the
entire flight. There were no problems whatsoever with air-to-ground
and ground-to-air communications. While within range, the
line-of-sight system was also used to transmit a continuous video
stream.
Immediately after landing, the DA42 MPP's tank was filled up
with 63.4 US gallons (240 liters) of jet fuel until reaching its
maximum tank capacity of 76.4 US gallons (290 liters). This proved
the accuracy of the fuel meter and flight management system, which
had indicated a remaining 13 US gallons (50 liters) on board.
Both pilot and operator were very happy with working conditions
on board. "Despite my height of two meters, the comfortable seat
and ergonomical cockpit made me feel quite at home during the
entire 13 hours," said pilot Martin Scherrer, "and the other great
advantages I'd like to mention were the low cabin noise levels and
workload due to the plane's excellent handling capabilities and
fully automatic systems which really helped minimize crew stress
levels."
At a power setting of Minimum Loitering Speed (40%, 76 kts) the
plane could have remained airborne for another two hours. This
means a revolutionary fuel efficiency of approximately 2.43 US
gallons (9.2 liters) an hour per engine.
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