The Diamond DA42 sets a new standard for light twin engine aircraft with its balance of speed, efficiency, and advanced technology. The DA42 is a modern 4-seat aircraft built for efficiency, safety, and travel. Powered by two Austro jet fuel engines, it cruises at over 180 knots while burning just 9 to 10 gallons per hour total. The carbon composite airframe, Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, and FADEC controlled power plants deliver smooth, predictable performance. The fully integrated Garmin G1000 NXi is complemented by a long list of avionics options to perfectly suit your mission, like an integrated weather radar and Synthetic Vision.
The DA42 offers the ultimate in handling, stability and control, ease of operation and structural redundancies, all coupled with a high degree of crashworthiness. The interior was designed with the pilot and passengers in mind, with comfortable access through the forward swinging canopy and large rear door. The panoramic wrap around canopy floods the cockpit with light and visibility.
The DA42 is an excellent platform for training and a versatile multi-purpose aircraft. The DA42 MPP can add substantial capability at a fraction of the operating costs of traditional platforms. With one of the strongest safety records in general aviation, the DA42 is the perfect combination of performance, economy, and confidence. Because of its reliability and efficiency, the DA42 has become a favorite among pilots and operators everywhere.
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Expert behind this article
Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.
What is the Diamond DA42?
The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is a versatile and reliable light twin-engine aircraft. It was introduced in 2004 as a successor to the Diamond DA40. The DA42 is manufactured by Diamond Aircraft Industries, an Austrian-based manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. The aircraft is made primarily of composite materials, specifically carbon composite, which makes it both light and strong. Due to its all composite airframe, the DA42-VI has earned a reputation for reliability, exceptional performance, and durability. The all carbon composite airframe incorporates advanced aerodynamics with the latest in passive safety technology for high performance, great efficiency and superior occupant protection.
The DA42 is powered by two Austro Engine AE300 diesel engines, each producing 168 hp. These jet fuel engines run on Jet-A fuel, providing smooth, reliable power. The DA42 cruises at over 180 knots (333 km/h) while burning just 9 to 10 gallons per hour (34 to 38 liters per hour) total, making it one of the most efficient twins in its class. The engines are highly efficient and burn less fuel than traditional gasoline engines. The DA42-VI is easy to fly and burns fuel like a single, but with the added safety of a second engine. With its unique combination of performance and utility, the jet fuel powered aircraft is designed to make transitioning from a single engine to a twin easier.
The DA42 comes with luxury features including premium leather interiors. It has spacious seating for four, high visibility due to its panoramic wrap around canopy and rear windows. The Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck with GFC 700 autopilot is standard, delivering smooth, predictable performance. The DA42 has automated safeguards; its electronic controls keep the plane safe within its limits, and an automatic control system stops pilots from overstressing parts that steer the plane. The DA42 does not have an emergency parachute, but it does have a safety chute that stops you from flying too fast or too slow and keeps the plane safe.
A special variant is the Guardian. The Guardian is a multi-use platform for reconnaissance. It is made by Diamond Aircraft, has two motors (Austro AE300 engines), and can fly about half a day. The Guardian has cameras, thermal, watcher detectors, and a way to share information. It also has radio watching tools, a cargo area in the belly, and a storage compartment in the spine.
What are the specifications of the Diamond DA42 Guardian?
The specifications of the Diamond DA42 Guardian are given in the table below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 28 ft (8.53 m) |
| Wingspan | 13.55 m (44.46 ft) |
| Height | 8 ft (2.44 m) |
| Wing Area | 175.3 sq ft (16.3 sq m) |
| MTOW | 4,407 lbs (1999.0 kg) |
| Engine Power | 168 hp |
| Max Speed | 171 kts |
| Climb Rate | 1,040 ft/min (317.0 m/min) |
| One Engine Climb | 170 ft/min (51.816 m/min) |
The DA42 Guardian has two Austro Engine AE 300 turbocharged common-rail injected 2.0 liter (122 cubic inches) diesel engines. Each engine has 168 HP and an EECU single lever control system. The diesel uses Jet A-1, Jet A, TS-1, RT, No. 3 Jet Fuel, or JP-8. The Guardian's empty weight is 1,365 kg (3,008 lbs). Its useful load is 634 kg (1,398 lbs). The max take off mass is 1,999 kg (4,407 lbs). The Guardian’s capacity is 1,995 kg (4398.2 lbs) and a cruise speed of 317 km/h TAS (197 mph TAS). The propeller is a 2-MT propeller MTV-6-R-C-F/CF 190-69 3-blade constant speed propeller. The max take off mass is 1,999 kg (4,407 lbs).
What is the performance of the Diamond DA42?
The performance of the Diamond DA42 is given in the table below.
| Aspect | Value |
|---|---|
| Max speed | 197 kts |
| Cruise speed | 180 kts |
| Stall speed | 62 kts |
| Max range | 1,225 nm |
| Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486.4 m) |
| Climb rate (both engines) | 1,200 ft/min (365.76 m/min) |
| Useful load | 1,250 lb (567 kg) |
| Fuel burn (95% power) | 8 gph |
| Single ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486.4 m) |
The Diamond DA42 is a twin-engine aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology. Top speed approaches 197 KTAS (364 km/h) with a climb rate near 1,200 feet per minute (366 meters per minute), and max cruising speed is 190 KTAS (352 km/h) at 16,000 ft (4,877 m). At 75% power, cruise speed is 175 KTAS (324 km/h). Max operating altitude is 18,000 ft (5,486 m). The DA42-VI is easy to fly and burns fuel like a single, but with the added safety of a second engine.
Powered by two Austro AE300 turbo-diesels running on Jet-A fuel, the DA42 cruises at over 180 knots (207 miles per hour) while burning 9 to 10 gallons per hour (34 to 38 liters per hour) total. It burns 60.57 liters per hour (16 gallons per hour) at maximum power and 37.85 liters per hour (10 gallons per hour) at normal cruise, making it more efficient than many high-performance single-engine aircraft. The Austro engines burn about 30.28 L/hr (8 gal/hr) at 95% power and 18.93-22.71 L/hr (5-6 gal/hr) at 65% power, and in a typical flight training setting, overall burn is less than 39.37 L/hr (10.4 gph). Due to this efficiency, the DA42 is one of the most efficient twins in its class. Range at 60% power with auxiliary tank is 1,100 nm and max range at 50% power and FL 180 is 1,225 nm. Range reaches about 1,200 nautical miles with reserves depending on power and payload. A typical useful load is around 1,250 pounds (567 kilograms). The DA42 is 30 KTAS faster than the DA-40.
What is the price for the Diamond DA42?
The price for a used Diamond DA42 Twin Star is approximately $360,000-$980,000 (USD) depending on factors like age and condition. Its price range begins at $360,000 and goes up to $1,121,463. The price for a new Diamond DA42 is $1,300,000. DA42 has a base starting price of $840,000. The DA42VI has a starting price of $694,900.
