Diamond DA-42 Twin Star

The Diamond DA-42 Twin Star is an all new four place carbonfibre 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.

The backbone of this section is from the The International Directory of Civil Aircraft by Gerard Frawley and used with permission. To get your own copy of the book click here.