Maiden flight of the DA42 Twin Star with Lycoming engines
Diamond Aircraft Industries herewith gladly announces the successful maiden flight of the DA42 Twin Star equipped with two 180 HP Lycoming engines (type IO-360-M1A).

During the maiden flight which lasted for over 50 minutes, it was already possible to test some major configurations. A maximum cruising speed of over 180 kts at full power, 165 kts with a fuel consumption of only 14 USgal and 145 kts with a fuel consumption of only 10.5 USgal (all at 10,000 ft) and a rate of climb of over 2,000 fpm (250 kg below MTOW).

Single engine behaviour and performance were also tested. In single engine configuration at 6,000 ft a rate of climb of 900 fpm was achieved with gear up, and even with gear down the ROC was still 400 fpm. Approach and landing also showed very satisfactory results.