Diamond DA42 / Twin Star

Diamond’s DA42 Twin Star (now referred to only as the DA42 because of a lawsuit by Aérospatiale) is an all-composite four-seater with twin turbocharged diesel engines that can operate on automotive diesel or Jet A1 fuel. At takeoff the engines develop full power at a quiet 2,300 rpm, and feature automatic prop (FADEC) control and autofeather. The Twin Star was designed to incorporate the Garmin G1000 all class cockpit from the beginning, and trailing landing gear give the twin a smooth transition to landing and taxi. Optional equipment available for the DA42 include oxygen, anti/de-ice and air conditioning.

The first flew on 9 December 2002.

2007 Diamond DA42 Twin Star
Engines: Thielert TAE Centurion 1.7, 135 hp@SL to 10,000 feet
TBO hrs.: 1000/2400
Fuel type: Diesel/Jet A1
Propeller type: MT 3-blade
Landing gear type: Tri./Retr.
Max ramp weight (lbs.): 3935
Gross weight (lbs.): 3935
Landing weight (lbs.): 3935
Empty weight, std. (lbs.): 2761
Useful load, std. (lbs.): 1174
Payload, full std. fuel (lbs.): 839
Useful fuel (gals.): 50
Oil capacity (qts.): 8
Wingspan: 44 ft.
Overall length: 28 ft. 1 in.
Height: 8 ft. 2 in.
Wing area (sq. ft.):177.2
Wing loading (lbs./sq. ft.): 22.2
Power loading (lbs./hp.): 14.6
Seating capacity: 4
Cabin doors: 2
Cabin width (in.): 46
Cabin height (in.): 50
Cruise speed (kts.):  80% power: 172   
Max range (w/ reserve) (nm):  60% power: 1129  
Fuel consumption (USgph):  80% power: 12.5
Turbo critical altitude (ft.): 8000
Vso (kts.): 56
Best rate of climb, SL (fpm): 1280
Service ceiling (ft.): 18,000    
Takeoff ground roll (ft.): 1130
Takeoff over 50-ft. obstacle (ft.):1730
Landing ground roll (ft.): 1069
Landing over 50-ft. obstacle (ft.): 1877  

DA42-L360
Engine 2x Lycoming I0-360 counter rotating, 180 hp
Propellers 2x MT 3-blade constant speed full-feathering propeller (counter-rotating)
Airworthiness category Normal
Length 28 ft 1 in
Height 8 ft 2 in
Wing span 44 ft
Maximum take-off weight 3,935 lbs
Useful load 1,180
Fuel capacity, total / usable 79 gal / 76 gal
Fuel 100 LL Avgas
Take-off distance, 50-foot obstacle 1,500 ft
Landing distance, 50-foot obstacle 1,877 ft
Rate of climb, sea level 2,000 fpm
Maximum demonstrated operating altitude: 18,000 ft
Maximum single-engine ceiling (standard day): 7,500 ft +
Maximum cruise speed: 180+ ktas
Economy cruise speed at 55% power: 140 ktas
Maximum landing gear extension speed: 195 kias
Maximum demonstrated crosswind: 20 kts
Range, 55% power (30 min reserve): 700 nm

DA42-NG
Engine 2x Austro Engine AE 300 turbocharged, common-rail injected 2.0 liter diesel engine with EECDU single-lever control
Horsepower 170 hp
Propellers 2x MT MTV-6-R-C-F / CF187-129 3-blade Constant Speed
Airworthiness category Normal
Length 28 ft 1 in
Height 8 ft 2in
Wing span 44 ft
Wing area 175.3 sq ft
Seats 4
Empty weight 3,119 lbs
Maximum take-off weight (MTOW) 4,189 lbs
Useful load 1,070 lbs
Fuel capacity (standard / long range) 50 US gal / 76 US gal
Fuel grades Jet A1 / Diesel
Rate of climb, sea level MTOW: 1,150 fpm
Rate of climb, 10,000 ft MTOW: 1,020 fpm
Maximum operating altitude: 18,000 ft
Maximum air speed: 192 kts IAS
Cruise speed at 75% in 14,000 ft: 175 kts TAS
Cruise speed @ 60% in 14,000 ft: 152 kts TAS
Range, at 75%, standard / long range tank: 614 nm / 950 nm
Range, at 60%, standard / long rang tank: 707 nm / 1,180 nm

DA42 TDI
Engines: 2 x TAE Centurion 2.0 Turbo Diesel, 132 hp
Propellers: MT 3-blade composite constant speed, full-feathering
Airworthiness category: Normal
Length: 28 ft 1 in
Height: 8 ft 2in
Wing Span: 44 ft
Maximum takeoff weight: 3,935 lbs
Useful load: 1,174 lbs
Fuel capacity, usable standard: 50 US gal
Fuel capacity, usable extended: 72 US gal
Fuel: Jet A-1
Takeoff distance, ground roll: 1,130 ft
Takeoff distance, 50-foot obstacle: 1,730 ft
Landing distance, ground roll: 1,069 ft
Landing distance, 50-foot obstacle: 1,877 ft
Rate of climb, sea level: 1,280 ft/min
Maximum operating altitude: 18,000 ft
Maximum SE ceiling (standard day): 10,000 ft
Cruise speed at 80%: 168 kts/12.5 gal/hr total
Economy at 60%: 151 ktas/8.8 gal/hr total
Stall speed, full flaps gear down: 56 kias
Stall speed, clean: 62 kias
Maximum landing gear operating speed: 194 kts
Maximum demonstrated crosswind: 20 kts
Range, at 80% extended fuel: 917 nm
Range, at 60% extended fuel: 1,129 nm