Wed, Feb 19, 2003
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.
More News
Airbus Racer Demonstrator Makes Inaugural Flight Airbus Helicopters' ambitious Racer demonstrator has achieved its inaugural flight as part of the Clean Sky 2 initiative, a corners>[...]
A little Bit Quieter, Said Testers, But in the End it's Still a DA40 Diamond Aircraft recently completed a little pilot project with Lufthansa Aviation Training, putting a pair of >[...]
Line Up And Wait (LUAW) Used by ATC to inform a pilot to taxi onto the departure runway to line up and wait. It is not authorization for takeoff. It is used when takeoff clearance >[...]
Contributing To The Accident Was The Pilot’s Use Of Methamphetamine... Analysis: The pilot departed on a local flight to perform low-altitude maneuvers in a nearby desert val>[...]
From 2015 (YouTube Version): Overcoming Obstacles To Achieve Their Dreams… At EAA AirVenture 2015, FedEx arrived with one of their Airbus freight-hauling aircraft and placed>[...]
Airbus Racer Helicopter Demonstrator First Flight Part of Clean Sky 2 Initiative
See All