TYPE: Four-seat utility twin.

PROGRAMME: Prototype (then wearing D-GENI but not officially registered as such) shown statically at ILA Berlin, 6 to 12 May 2002. Although long reported, company decision to build was only made in September 2001, and assembly began in March 2002; first flight (as OE-VPS) 9 December 2002; total of 45 hours logged by late April 2003; second prototype was scheduled to join test programme in July 2003; JAR 23 certification anticipated by end of 2003, with FAA FAR Pt 23 approval expected in early 2005; first deliveries scheduled for early 2004.

CURRENT VERSIONS: DA 42 Twin Star: Standard version, as described.
DA 42 MPP: Multipurpose platform version, equipped with a nose-mounted Wescam 40.6 cm (16 in) camera; auxiliary fuel tank taking total capacity to 280 litres (73.9 US gallons; 61.6 Imp gallons) optional, extending endurance to more than 24 hours at 27 per cent power. Launch customer, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, has ordered 12, plus three options. Unmanned UAV version of the DA 42 MPP under study in early 2002, in collaboration with an unnamed defence company.

CUSTOMERS: Total of 137 orders by April 2003, including 40 for Lufthansa pilot training school, 10 for North American launch customer Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for its Aviation & Space Technology Academy (ASTA) graduate first-officer training programme, an unspecified number for PureFlight of the UK for its fractional ownership programme, and one for Atlantic Flight Training of the UK.

COSTS: €359,800 basically equipped (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Twin-engined version of DA 40 Star. Low-mounted wing with winglets; T tail; engine cowlings of large frontal area. Downturned tailplane tips. Enlarged rudder and fin dorsal fillet; underfin faired into rudder.

FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Flight-adjustable tabs on elevator (central) and rudder; ground-adjustable tab on port aileron Slotted flaps outboard of engines; split flaps inboard; both electrically actuated.

STRUCTURE: Composites throughout.

LANDING GEAR: Retractable tricycle type. Nosewheel, with 5.00-5 tyre, retracts rearward and covered by single, starboard-hinged door; mainwheels, with 15x6.00-6 tyres and trailing-link configuration, retract inboard, having single part-door on legs, leaving wheel exposed after retraction. Oleo-pneumatic shock-absorbers on all legs. Hydraulic brakes.

POWER PLANT: Two 101 kW (135 hp) Thielert Centurion 1.7 turbocharged diesel engines, each driving an MT-Propeller MTV-6-A/187-129 three-blade, variable-pitch (hydraulic) propeller. Fuel tanks in wings, usable capacity 195 litres (51.5 US gallons; 42.9 Imp gallons); optional usable capacity 280 litres (74.0 US gallons; 61.6 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: Four persons in two side-by-side pairs. Single-piece canopy lifts up and forwards for access to front seats; rear occupants board through an upward-opening door tp port. Cabin has deluxe leather interior with 26 g composites self-adapting seats with three-point inertia reel safety harnesses, and roll-over bar. Baggage compartment behind seats includes tubular extension into rear fuselage for extra-long items. Rigid baggage compartment extension for long objects such as skis, optional.

SYSTEMS: Optional pulse-controlled oxygen system.

AVIONICS: Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system as standard.
Comms: Dual Garmin GNS 430 com/nav/GPS, single GMA 340 audio selector panel with marker beacon receiver and GTX 327 Mode S transponder with traffic information service. GNS 530 com/nav/GPS (exchange for GNS 430) and Ack E-01 or Artex 406 MHz ELT, optional.
Flight: Dual Garmin GI 106A CDI, Bendix/King KAP 140 single-axis autopilot with optional altitude preselect and Sigma Tek DG with heading bug. Digital air data computer. Further options include Bendix/King KCS 55A slaved compass system/HSI, KR 87 ADF, KN 62A DME and Goodrich WX-500 Stormscope.
Instrumentation: Two 254 mm (10 in) XGA (1,024 x 768 resolution) flat panel, sunlight readable, landscape format colour TFT screens.

EQUIPMENT: Landing light, taxying light, position lights, instrument lighting system, overhead cabin light, power socket for hand-held GPS and heated pilot/static system, all standard. Options include Operational Package comprising gust lock, towbar, tools and pitot cover; fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.