Credit
Tim Felce (Airwolfhound) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source ↗ · Modified
FORCETALLY
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At a glance
Measured figures
Close-support version · Length
Single source13.23 m (43 ft 5 in)[source]
Configuration
| Specification | Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet | Diamond DA42 Twin Star |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Light attack and advanced trainer aircraft[source] | Light twin-engined utility and trainer aircraft[source] |
| National origin | France / West Germany[source] | Austria[source] |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Aviation / Dornier Flugzeugwerke[source] | Diamond Aircraft Industries[source] |
| Status | In service[source] |
DA42 Twin Star · Length
8.56 m (28 ft 1 in)[source]
Empty; Close-support version · Empty weight
Single sourceGross; Close-support version · Gross weight
Single sourceMaximum take-off; Close-support version · Max takeoff weight
Single source3,515 kg (7,749 lb)[source]
5,000 kg (11,023 lb)[source]
7,500 kg (16,535 lb)[source]
Empty; DA42 Twin Star · Empty weight
Single sourceGross; DA42 Twin Star · Gross weight
Single sourceMaximum; Close-support version · at sea level
Single source1,000 km/h (620 mph, 540 kn) at sea level[source]
Close-support version · lo-lo-lo profile, gun pod, underwing weapons and two drop tanks
Single source610 km (380 mi, 330 nmi) lo-lo-lo profile, gun pod, underwing weapons and two drop tanks[source]
DA42 Twin Star · 2 × Austro Engine E4 turbocharged diesel engine each
Single source2 × Austro Engine E4 turbocharged diesel engine , 125 kW (168 hp) each[source]
Close-support version · 2 × SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac 04-C5 turbofan engines thrust each
Single source2 × SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac 04-C5 turbofan engines, 13.24 kN (2,980 lbf) thrust each[source]
Close-support version · at high altitude
Single sourceClose-support version · internal fuel only at low altitude
Single source(internal fuel only) 2 hours 30 minutes at low altitude; 3 hours 30 minutes at high altitude[source]
Bars compare reported quantities only. A larger figure does not make a system better; configurations and test conditions differ.
In production[source] |
| Primary users | French Air and Space Force Top Aces Egyptian Air Force Royal Thai Air Force[source] | — |
|---|
| Number built | 480[source] | 600+ (2010)[source] |
|---|
| Manufactured | 1973–1991[source] | 2002–present[source] |
|---|
| Introduction date | 4 November 1977[source] | 2004[source] |
|---|
| First flight | 26 October 1973[source] | 9 December 2002[source] |
|---|
| Aspect ratio | 4.8[source] | — |
|---|
| Fuel capacity | 1,520 kg (3,351 lb)[source] | 289 litres (64 imp gal; 76 US gal)[source] |
|---|
| Stall speed | 167 km/h (104 mph, 90 kn) (flaps and undercarriage down)[source] | — |
|---|
| g limits | +12 / -6.4 (ultimate)[source] | — |
|---|
| Time to altitude | 9,145 m (30,000 ft) in less than 7 minutes[source] | — |
|---|
| Landing speed | 170 km/h (110 mph; 92 kn)[source] | — |
|---|
| Take-off run | 410 m (1,350 ft)[source] | — |
|---|
| Landing run | 610 m (2,000 ft)[source] | — |
|---|
| Guns | One 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon in centreline gun pack with 150 rounds or one 30 mm DEFA cannon in centreline pod with 150 rounds[source] | — |
|---|
| Hardpoints | 5 with a capacity of 2,500 kg (5,512 lb), with provisions to carry combinations of:[source] | — |
|---|
| Rockets | Two Matra rocket pods with eighteen SNEB 68 mm rockets each or two CRV7 rocket pods with nineteen 70 mm rockets each[source] | — |
|---|
| Missiles | Two AIM-9 Sidewinders ; two Matra Magic IIs ; two AGM-65 Mavericks[source] | — |
|---|
| Bombs | a variety of bombs (such as the Hunting BL755 cluster bomb )[source] | — |
|---|
| Other | Two 310 L (82 US gal; 68 imp gal) Drop tanks[source] | — |
|---|
| Role | light attack jet and advanced jet trainer co-manufactured[source] | — |
|---|
| Source measurement | Manufacture of Alpha Jet sub-assemblies was divided between France (Dassault), Germany (Dornier) and Belgium ( SABCA ), each country performing final assembly and checkout of the type in separate facilities. Dassault hosted the largest of these three assembly lines, typically producing 13 aircraft per month to meet the needs of French and export customers. It was reportedly capable of a maximum output of 15 Alpha Jets per month. The Dornier final assembly line typically maintained a maximum rate of six aircraft per month. In contrast to the final assembly arrangements, none of the three sources duplicated the manufacture of any component: Dassault-Breguet produced the front and center fuselage, Dornier constructed the wing, tail and rear fuselage, while SABCA manufactured the nose and flaps of the aircraft. A total of 4,500 people were employed in the manufacturing of the Alpha Jet in Germany, an equal number in France also worked on the programme.[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Development / Into production; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Alpha Jet is a light twin-engine aircraft equipped with an intentionally simple airframe despite the performance delivered. Both the leading edges and air intakes are fixed; while the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft, which was developed with the aid of computer aided design (CAD), conforms with the area rule . Fully powered controls are used, comprising a dual- hydraulic systems and load-factor limited dynamic feel system arrangement attached to conventional flight control surfaces . The cockpit is pressurised for greater comfort during training. The Alpha Jet is designed to accommodate ten-minute turn around times with minimal ground equipment, using features such as pressurised single-point refueling, ladder-less entry/exit of the cockpit, and a ten-hour endurance of the liquid oxygen system.[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Alpha Jet is powered by a pair of SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac turbofan engines. It is a low bypass-ratio, twin-spool engine that uses modular construction methods. The Larzac was a new engine at the time, having only performed its first run a year prior to being selected to power the Alpha Jet. The need for greater thrust to power the aircraft than the original model of the engine could generate led to the development and adoption of the 2,970 lb Larzac 04 in February 1972. This version of the engine initially powered the Alpha Jet.[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Alpha Jet was more complex than competing second generation trainer aircraft, requiring seven man hours of maintenance for every flight hour. Nearly 5,000lb of munitions and equipment can be carried on five hardpoints, four on the wings and one at the centerline on the lower fuselage. In an armed configuration, a gun pod containing a 30 mm DEFA cannon , as installed on French aircraft, or 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon , as installed on German aircraft, would typically be installed upon the centerline hard point.[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In September 2014, Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) and French Air Force officials were reportedly investigating the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master as a replacement for the Alpha Jet. Alenia Aermacchi claimed that France was interested in procuring 35 M-346s in this capacity. In April 2015, the DGA issued an initial pre-solicitation request for a replacement trainer aircraft. Likely candidates for this requirement reportedly include the M-346 Master, Aero L-39 Albatros , Beechcraft T-6 Texan II and Pilatus PC-21 . The PC-21 was introduced in 2018.[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Operational history / France; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage During the early 1980s, an additional 15 aircraft, designated Alpha Jet MS2 , were ordered. The Alpha Jet MS2 bore high levels of similarity to Dassault's proposed Alpha Jet NGEA , featuring a Sagem -built Uliss 81 nav/attack system, a Thomson-CSF -built laser rangefinder and HUD, along with a digital multiplex databus . The Egyptian Air Force Alpha Jets were based at As Salahiya airbase in 308 (Close Air Support) Tactical Wing with 57 Squadron and 58 Squadron. In 2015 the 308 CAS Tactical Wing moved with both squadrons to El Mansoura airbase for ground attack training. The Egyptian Air Force used the Alpha Jet MS1 fleet to replace the Aero L-29 Delfín and Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 in the trainer role, while the later-built MS2 standard aircraft served to replace the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 in the ground-attack role. In February 2000, Egypt was reportedly seeking to replace their Alpha Jet fleet, and was investigating several options, including the BAE Systems Hawk .[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Operational history / Egypt; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Nigerian Air Force (Alpha Jet E) – 24 acquired. 4 upgraded in 2011, 9 more reactivated. 11 in service.[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Operators; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Length: 13.23 m (43 ft 5 in)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Wingspan: 9.11 m (29 ft 11 in)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Height: 4.19 m (13 ft 9 in)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Wing area: 17.5 m 2 (188 sq ft)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Empty weight: 3,515 kg (7,749 lb)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Gross weight: 5,000 kg (11,023 lb)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Max takeoff weight: 7,500 kg (16,535 lb)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Fuel capacity: 1,520 kg (3,351 lb)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Powerplant: 2 × SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac 04-C5 turbofan engines, 13.24 kN (2,980 lbf) thrust each[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Maximum speed: 1,000 km/h (620 mph, 540 kn) at sea level[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Stall speed: 167 km/h (104 mph, 90 kn) (flaps and undercarriage down)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 216 km/h (134 mph; 117 kn) (flaps and undercarriage up)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Combat range: 610 km (380 mi, 330 nmi) lo-lo-lo profile, gun pod, underwing weapons and two drop tanks[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 1,095 km (680 mi; 591 nmi) hi-lo-hi profile, gun pod, underwing weapons and two drop tanks[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Ferry range: 2,940 km (1,830 mi, 1,590 nmi) with 2x 310 L (82 US gal; 68 imp gal) droptanks[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Endurance: (internal fuel only) 2 hours 30 minutes at low altitude; 3 hours 30 minutes at high altitude[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Service ceiling: 14,630 m (48,000 ft)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Rate of climb: 57 m/s (11,200 ft/min) max[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Time to altitude: 9,145 m (30,000 ft) in less than 7 minutes[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Landing speed: 170 km/h (110 mph; 92 kn)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Take-off run: 410 m (1,350 ft)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Landing run: 610 m (2,000 ft)[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Guns: One 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon in centreline gun pack with 150 rounds or one 30 mm DEFA cannon in centreline pod with 150 rounds[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Hardpoints: 5 with a capacity of 2,500 kg (5,512 lb), with provisions to carry combinations of: Rockets: Two Matra rocket pods with eighteen SNEB 68 mm rockets each or two CRV7 rocket pods with nineteen 70 mm rockets each Missiles: Two AIM-9 Sidewinders ; two Matra Magic IIs ; two AGM-65 Mavericks Bombs: a variety of bombs (such as the Hunting BL755 cluster bomb ) Other: Two 310 L (82 US gal; 68 imp gal) Drop tanks[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Specifications (Close-support version); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage | During August 2004, the DA42 Twin Star piloted by Gérard Guillaumaud became the first diesel-powered fixed-wing aircraft to perform a non-stop crossing of the North Atlantic, taking 12.5 hours while operating with an average fuel consumption of 21.73 litres (4.78 imp gal; 5.74 US gal) per hour (10.86 litres (2.39 imp gal; 2.87 US gal) per hour per engine). In June 2010, a DA42 powered by Austro AE300 engines became the first aircraft to be publicly flown on algae -derived jet fuel.[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Development / Origins; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The DA42 typically accommodates four people in two rows of seating. All of the seats have been designed for crashworthiness and are complete with automotive-style three-point seat belts; while the seats themselves are fixed in position, the position of the rudder-pedals is adjustable. The front pair of seats are accessed via a front-hinged canopy while a top-hinged door located on the left side provides access to the rear seats. The pilots are housed under a sizable canopy which provides generous external visibility, save for the use of a large fixed sunscreen. Additionally, separate baggage compartments, which are accessible via external hatches, are contained within internal space in the aircraft's nose.[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Design / Overview; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The stall characteristics are also relatively benign, being described by Flight International as "probably the most docile of any aircraft I can remember". On the DA42, stall conditions are forewarned by the sounding of a warning horn at 5 to 7 kn (9 to 13 km/h) above stall, as well as by elevating levels of airframe buffeting and a 5–10° drop of the nose. The aircraft is relatively difficult to stall outside of substantial mishandling or deliberate intention. Both longitudinal and lateral stability can be maintained with a relatively low level of effort, not necessitating continuous trimming while the aircraft is accelerating. Active use of the rudder is necessary for effective turns and counteracting sideslip tendencies.[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Design / Performance; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage |
|---|
| Variant | — | Aeronautics Defense Dominator[source] |
|---|
| Capacity | — | 3 passengers[source] |
|---|
| Origin reported by inventory | — | Germany United States[source]Inventory Origin column; table 1, row 20, cell 4; revision 1374084968; retrieved 2026-10-01 |
|---|
While the DA42 is a twin-engined aircraft, this is predominantly a measure for safety. It is readily capable of sustained flight using only a single engine. DA42 NG climbs at up to 270 ft/min at sea level in standard conditions on a single engine, with performance degrading with higher altitudes and temperatures. The DA42 possesses considerable endurance, being capable of performing 13 hour-long flights without carrying additional fuel tanks; this is partially due to its high fuel efficiency of its Austro engines, which consume 13.6 US gallons per hour when operated at 75 per cent power, lower than some of its single-engined rivals. The digital FADEC (full authority digital engine controls) serves to lower operational difficulty, constantly performing tasks such as managing rpm and fault-checking. The propellers are clockwise-rotating as viewed by the pilot, so the left engine is the critical engine .[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Design / Performance; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
The original model of the DA42 was powered by a pair of Thielert Aircraft Engines-built TAE 125-01 Centurion 1.7 engines. However, Thielert ended its production of the 1.7 litre Centurion engines in favour of a new 2.0 litre engine, marketed as the TAE 125-02-99; as a result of the engine production change, Diamond began installing the TAE 125-02-99 engine during early 2007. Although engine displacement had increased, it was deliberately de-rated in order to produce the same power 101 kW (135 hp) and torque 409 N⋅m (302 lbf⋅ft) as the earlier 1.7 L. engine.[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Design / Powerplants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
The DA42NG "New Generation" is powered by Diamond's third generation Austro AE 300 turbo diesel engine. The Lycoming IO-360 engine is also available as an option. The 125 kW (168 hp) AE 300 engine replaces the earlier Thielert Centurion 1.7 and 2.0 engines and is known for its good fuel efficiency, using 12.1 litres (2.7 imp gal; 3.2 US gal) per hour while loitering at maximum endurance or 30 litres (7 imp gal; 8 US gal) per hour at maximum continuous power (92%). It is also available with optional "on top" exhaust mufflers that reduce noise levels to below 59 decibels at a height of 500 feet (150 m). The Austro engine produces 20% more power than the previous Thielert engines and also results in a higher gross weight and increased performance. Diamond has claimed that the Austro engine is about 46% more fuel efficient than its gasoline rivals. It runs on diesel fuel or jet fuel , both of which are typically cheaper than aviation gasoline .[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Design / Powerplants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
The DA42, particularly its use in the surveillance sector, became Diamond's most important business. A dedicated surveillance model of the aircraft, designated as the DA 42 MPP , was developed; during 2008, Diamond delivered 17 DA 42 MPPs and anticipated a demand for between 50 and 60 such aircraft per year. During the latter part of 2008 and early 2009, a pair of Royal Air Force DA42 MPPs were deployed for eight months to provide combat support to coalition forces operating in Iraq ; during the deployment, these aircraft flew a combined 2,000h in the surveillance role, for which it had been outfitted with Cineflex high-definition cameras, Riegl laser scanners and Scotty satellite communications kit.[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Operational history / DA42 MPP; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Lycoming IO-360 134 kW (180 hp) equipped version using 100LL fuel instead of Jet-A1 . This model is intended for the North American flight training market.[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Austro Engine AE 300 127 kW (170 hp) equipped version. EASA certified March 2009; FAA certified April 2010; Transport Canada certified 16 April 2012. Production aircraft have been built in Austria, Canada, China and Russia.[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Aurora Flight Sciences developed an Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA) as an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform and can be operated as either unmanned or with pilots on board. One in service with the Swiss military procurement agency Armasuisse .[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd developed an UAV version of the DA42, designated as the Aeronautics Defense Dominator and first flown in July 2009. Has an endurance of 28 hours with a 408 kg (899 lb) payload and speed of 140–354 km/h (75–190 knots) to a maximum altitude of 9,144 m (30,000 ft).[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Royal Air Force – 2 x DA42MPP operated in 2008 and 2009 in surveillance role.[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Operators / Military operators; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Capacity: 3 passengers[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Length: 8.56 m (28 ft 1 in)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Wingspan: 13.55 m (44 ft 5 in)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Height: 2.49 m (8 ft 2 in)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Wing area: 16.29 m 2 (175.3 sq ft)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Empty weight: 1,420 kg (3,131 lb)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Gross weight: 1,999 kg (4,407 lb)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Fuel capacity: 289 litres (64 imp gal; 76 US gal)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Powerplant: 2 × Austro Engine E4 turbocharged diesel engine , 125 kW (168 hp) each[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Maximum speed: 365 km/h (227 mph, 197 kn)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Cruise speed: 326 km/h (203 mph, 176 kn)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Range: 2,250 km (1,400 mi, 1,210 nmi)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Service ceiling: 5,486 m (18,000 ft)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage
Rate of climb: 7.9 m/s (1,280 ft/min)[source]Diamond DA42 Twin Star · Specifications (DA42 Twin Star); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage