"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.

FMI: www.diamond-sensing.com