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Read the original first flight press release:
The Diamond DA42 TwinStar makes its first flight
On December 9th, 2002 the first diesel powered twin-engine aircraft in the below 4500 lb. category flew for the first time in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The Diamond DA42 TwinStar is equipped with two Thielert Centurion 1.7 jet A fuel powered diesel engines, a first in aviation history. Christian Dries, CEO and owner of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH flew the aircraft as pilot in command. Also on board was a flight engineer.The DA42 TwinStar will come standard with a 55-gallon fuel tank, cruise at 180 KTS, and burn only ten gallons per hour total. The range will be 870 nautical miles plus reserves. With optional 73-gallon tanks the range will be 1,230 nautical miles plus reserves. The useful load will be over 900 lbs after full fuel (900 plus lbs of passengers and baggage). The Twinstar will come standard with an integrated glass cockpit.
Mr. Dries stated that he is proud of everyone in his company for making the DA42 TwinStar a reality in only 55 weeks from the original announcement of the project. He also said 'While today may not have been the proverbial one step for man, it is definitely one giant leap for Diamond Aircraft'.
He added 'I'm not Howard Hughes, I flew the Twinstar for the first time today, but not the last, because I believe in this project and my people. We have a team that is unmatched in general aviation manufacturing. I know that they design and build the safest aircraft in the world. Our extraordinary safety record speaks for itself'. Diamond Aircraft will begin work on its next project in April of 2003.
See also the full technical data in our Gallery!
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Last updated 7 January 2003
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