Diamond Aircraft’s DA62 MPP Special Mission Aircraft convinces UK’s airborne services companies

Diamond Aircrafts flagship remote sensing platform, the DA62 MPP is making waves in the airborne surveillance world, proving that a light fixed-wing aircraft is ideal for surveillance missions, thanks to the aircraft’s cost-effectiveness and increased capability. Two industry leading airborne service providers based in the UK are using Diamond’s multipurpose platforms. DEA Group, a world leading technology-led provider of specialised aerial data acquisition services is operating the biggest Diamond Aircraft MPP fleet and aerospace services company 2Excel Aviation has ordered three DA62 MPPs; two configured for maritime reconnaissance and one for aerial survey.

“These DA62 MPPs bolster our fleet of special mission aircraft to service our rapidly growing customer base. They’re equipped to handle many of our mission requirements and our crews have been training on how to use them to best effect, so that we can continue to provide the superb level of service our customers have come to expect from 2Excel Aviation.” Said Arnie Palmer, 2Excel Aviation’s Director of Special Missions. “The aircraft will make our operations even more efficient by reducing operating and maintenance costs. Packed with the latest high-tech sensors and equipment, they will also allow us to generate the required taskings with fewer flying hours, further driving down costs and our carbon footprint and leading to better outcomes for our customers, as well as giving our crews the most up-to-date digital cockpits, enhancing flight safety.”

With ten Diamond Aircraft MPPs in operation, DEA not only reassures their standing as the largest MPP operator in Europe but also was the launch customer for the DA62 MPP.

“DEA continues to go from strength to strength and our relationship with the team at Diamond has a large part to play in our success. Working closely together we have developed a range of pods and sensors that can be fitted to our multi-mission aircraft. Our customers can benefit from a broad range of sensor suites whilst continuing to realise the benefits of this modern, reliable and environmentally friendly aircraft,” says Dicky Patounas, Director Business Development, DEA.

About the DA62 MPP The DA62 MPP is the latest variant of Diamond Aircraft’s successful Special Mission Aircraft portfolio. The all-carbon-fibre, twin-engine aircraft is equipped with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and a fully integrated autopilot. It is powered by two turbo charged AUSTRO jet-fuel engines with superb fuel efficiency. The DA62 MPP at loiter speed can achieve mission flight times of up 10 hours and collects the same data as larger platforms at a fraction of the cost. The carbon fibre material provides for unlimited airframe life and is not subject to corrosion, even when operated in saline and humid environments. Together, fuel efficiency and the unlimited airframe life combine for extremely low direct operating costs, making the DA62 MPP the most cost-efficient Special Mission Aircraft in its class.

Diamond Aircraft is the only provider of a 360° turnkey solution in the special mission aircraft industry. From the fixed-wing wing remote sensing Diamond platform, airborne sensors and data-links to ground stations, spare parts, tooling, transport, global support or corresponding pilot, operator and maintenance training, Diamond’s special mission aircraft division has covered it all.

Diamond Aircraft is showcasing the DA62 MPP for the first time fitted with the Overwatch TK-8 Smart Sensor for wide-area, multi-domain mapping and ISR at Multi-Mission Expo & Conference, Sywell Aerodrome from 8th to 10th of June.