Aircraft aren’t usual Ferret-faire but I couldn’t go past the Diamond DA42. It’s a gorgeous mix of the WWII P38 Lighting blended with state-of-the aerodynamics and a brilliant cockpit.
The DA42 is truly an enthusiast’s plane with options for everything from the engines to the pin striping. Choose between turbo-diesel engines or traditional avgas version depending on whether you want range, power or both. Then you can go to town on accessories. No iPod docks or entertainment systems though, you need to concentrate up there in the big skies.
The avgas powered DA42 L360 has a range of 700nm, cruising at 140 knots and can carry a useful load of 540kg. Flat out it can reach a maximum speed of 180 knots. The counter-rotating aluminium props can be feathered and each engine puts out 180 hp. Take-off can be achieved in 1,500 feet, landing in 1,877 feet and it can climb 2,000 feet per minute all the way to 18,000 feet.
Base price for the DA42 L360 is US$599,500 but adding extras like advanced avionics, air con/heater, de-icing gear, oxygen and super adjustable seats is going to see you pay a little bit more. Still it’s a pretty damn fine looking piece of kit. Click through and check out the DA42 gallery.
When you take control of the DA42 you are in command of the most technologically advanced twin today. Representing the latest in airframe design, avionics capability and new engine technology, the DA42 is designed for pilots who truly want to go places – safely and in style.
Tags: aircraft, diamond+da42, light+aircraft
