Diamond Aircraft Da42

Twin Piston

The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is an Austrian-built light twin that broke the mold when it entered service in 2004 as the first serially produced twin-engine aircraft with a composite airframe and diesel powerplants. Built by Diamond Aircraft in Wiener Neustadt, the DA42 uses two Austro AE300 turbodiesel engines — derivatives of Mercedes automotive blocks — burning Jet A fuel instead of avgas, a significant advantage in Europe and regions where 100LL is scarce or expensive. The composite construction keeps empty weight low while the high-aspect-ratio wings deliver exceptional fuel efficiency and a glide ratio rivaling many gliders, making it a favorite for multi-engine training and light charter work. The DA42's diesel engines cruise at around 147 knots on roughly 10 gallons per hour combined, giving it a range exceeding 1,100 nautical miles — remarkable endurance for a piston twin. Its docile handling, single-engine service ceiling above 13,000 feet, and modern Garmin glass cockpit made it a popular choice for flight schools transitioning students from singles to twins, as well as for aerial survey and surveillance operators who value the long loiter capability. The type has seen continuous development through the NG (next generation) and later variants, with incremental improvements to avionics, engine management, and cabin comfort. SkyMeter has tracked 9 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with distinct routes observed.