Possibly the prettiest light twin we've seen in a long while (outside of the DeHavilland Rapide or Wing Derringer...), the Diamond Aircraft DA42 is impressing its developers by achieving the excellent performance they predicted while also boasting amazing fuel economy.

Diamond's all new 4 seat, retractable twin, powered by two Thielert Centurion 1.7 Jet A-1/ Diesel fuel burning engines, first flew on December 9, 2002. The DA42 Twin Star's flight test envelope was significantly expanded on February 13th, 2003 with the first gear retraction and flights to 18,000 feet.

With the landing gear retracted and at approximately 15% below maximum gross weight, the climb performance exceeded 2,000 fpm @ 90kts. Cruise climb at 110 kts yielded a climb performance of 1,700 fpm. Less than 8 minutes elapsed during the continuous climb to 12,000 ft. At this altitude, under ISA conditions, a maximum speed of just over 200 kts true airspeed was achieved. Single engine climb rate at 12,000 ft averaged 600 fpm.

Specific preliminary performance and fuel consumption test data:

• 80% power @ 18,000 ft: 201 kts true airspeed; total fuel consumption 11.8 gph
• 75% power @ 10,000 ft: 181 kts true airspeed; total fuel consumption 10.7 gph
• 60% power @ 10,000 ft: 166 kts true airspeed; total fuel consumption 8.0 gph
• 50% power @ 10,000 ft: 147 kts true airspeed; total fuel consumption 6.7 gph
• Max economy (@ 110 ktas): total fuel consumption < 3 gph! 

The no-reserve range with the standard (52 US gal) and optional long range (74 US gal) fuel tanks @ 75% power and 10,000 ft is 880 nm and 1251 nm respectively. The theoretical maximum endurance and range at minimum power settings approach 19 hrs and 2200 nm with the standard tank!

The DA42 Twin Star establishes a new standard in performance and value for the light twin piston market. It offers pilot workload reducing single-lever power controls for each engine, exceptionally low fuel consumption and an all glass cockpit. The new twin also offers familiar Diamond characteristics such as dual control sticks, all composite construction, low stall speed and unparalleled visibility. North American deliveries are projected for mid 2004. With a target price of $360,000 and low operating costs, the Twin Star was designed to not only be suitable for the twin training market, but also "price and safety competitive" with high performance singles. 

FMI: www.diamondair.com