Diamond DA 42 Twinstar
performance and specifications
DA 42
Twinstar
The Diamond DA-42 Twin Star is
an all new four place carbon fibre construction
light twin powered by jet fuel burning turbo
diesel engines.
Austria's Diamond Aircraft unveiled the DA-42 at
the May 2002 Berlin Airshow. The new aircraft flew
on December 9 2002, leading to European JAA
certification in late 2003 and US FAA
certification and first deliveries in mid 2004.
The Twin Star's design objectives include high
speed cruise at very low throttle settings and
good low speed handling. It is loosely modelled on
Diamond's DA-40 Diamond Star single engine four
place (see separate entry), and features an all
composite airframe with a high aspect ratio wing
with winglets.
The heart of the Twin Star is its two Thielert
Centurion 1.7 (formerly TAE-125) turbo diesel four
cylinder engines, which are designed to run on
either diesel or Jet-A1/jet fuel. Germany based
Thielert's Centurion turbo diesel engine was
certificated in early 2002 and is based on a
Mercedes-Benz automotive design. Diamond expects
the DA-42's two engines will burn just 45 litres
an hour while cruising at a very fast 333km/h
(180kt). Standard fuel capacity is 200 litres,
while optional long range tanks take maximum fuel
capacity to 280 litres.
The engines drive slow turning three blade
constant speed propellers, which combined with the
engines' low noise emissions and the DA-42's fast
climb rate will result in a low ground noise
signature. The engines also feature electronic
fuel management, automatic prop controls and auto
feather.
The Twin Star will feature dual controls and an
optional EFIS glass cockpit with three vertical
format colour LCDs. The basic aircraft will be
equipped with conventional IFR avionics.
Diamond Aircraft says the DA-42
will be suitable for flight training as well as
private and business use.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was the
launch customer with an order for 10, and
Lufthansa ordered 40 for its pilot training
school. Another customer is PureFlight of the UK
which ordered the Twin Star for its fractional
ownership programme
engines
Two 100kW (135hp) Thielert Centurion 1.7 avtur
burning turbo diesel four cylinder piston engines
driving three blade MTV-6A-129 hydraulic constant
speed propellers.
performance
Cruising speed at 95% power at 12,000ft 376km/h
(203kt)
economical cruising speed 334km/h (180kt)
Initial rate of climb 1700ft/min
Max operating altitude 20,000ft
Range at 60% power with standard fuel 1912km
(1061nm), with optional fuel tanks 2677km (1485nm)
weights
Empty 1030kg (2270lb)
max takeoff 1650kg (3673lb)
Payload 620kg (1366lb)
dimensions
Wing span 13,42m (44ft)
length 8.5m (27.8ft)
height 2.6m (8,5ft)
Wing area 16.5 m2 (177.2sq ft)
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