Diamond Airborne Sensing takes the first GUARDIAN

16 November 2009, 9:08pm

On November 9th, 2009, the first fully certified new generation of DA42M – named GUARDIAN – went into operations at Diamond Airborne Sensing

The GUARDIAN is a further major milestone in the history of Airborne Sensing. The new DA42MPP (Multi Purpose Platform) is perfectly suited for surveillance and reconnaissance missions as well as all kind of search and rescue operations.

A standard installed new Austro Engine (a Diamond’s subsidiary) diesel engine, AE300, and a fully integrated Garmin GFC700 autopilot are the main differences of the new generation MPPs to the previous version. The Austro Engine’s manufactured 170hp diesel engine has its unique features with the EECU controlled actuator, a conventional constant speed propeller governor, a high mounted turbocharger, a torsional vibration absorber and a heavy duty reduction gearbox. The main benefit of the GFC700 is the complete integration in the G1000 glass cockpit which reduces pilot’s workload dramatically - essential when the aircraft is operated in difficult environmental conditions. Flight director, yaw damper and flight level change modus set a new standard in air safety.

The universal nose, designed to carry different EO/IR gimbals up to a weight of 65kg (144lbs) as well as the belly pod, able to carry payload up to 80kg (177lbs), are already certified for the GUARDIAN. Especially for military purposes the GUARDIAN can be provided with a passive surveillance painting and the revolutionary Diamond Airborne Sensing on-top IR & Noise Reduction Kit. These special features reduce the aircraft heat and noise signature down to a level that is less noisy than a passing car and are therefore very popular with our customers.

For further improvement, Diamond Airborne Sensing’s R&D department is working on a facility to equip the GUARDIAN with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) option for maritime purposes. Diamond Airborne Sensing is using the GUARDIAN for law enforcement live demonstrations and as a show model at aviation fairs. The new platform is also used for commissioned flight operations.

Aurora Flight Sciences, headquartered in Manassas, VA USA, has placed a fleet sales order for several fully equipped DA42 New Generation “Guardians” to support a new business initiative for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) “power-by-the-hour” flight services in support of military customers and civil/commercial mapping services the USA. Furthermore the sales department is finalizing fleet sales with interested parties from the United Kingdom.

Diamond Airborne Sensing

Geo: International