The DA 42 NG is a twin-engine aircraft and an enhanced version of the Diamond DA42 Twin Star. The “NG” (New Generation) designation signifies its upgrade to the Austro Engine AE 300, providing improved power and efficiency. The DA42 family represents a significant achievement, being the first new European twin-engine aircraft in its class developed in over 25 years. The DA42 was also the first diesel-powered fixed-wing aircraft to achieve a non-stop North Atlantic crossing in 2004.
The aircraft’s manufacturer, Diamond Aircraft Industries, began in Austria in 1981 as Hoffmann Flugzeugbau, founded by Wolf Hoffmann. The company evolved through several names before becoming Diamond Aircraft in 1996. The foundational commitment to innovation led to the DA42’s initial type certification in 2004, with the DA 42 NG receiving EASA certification in 2009. Production of the DA42 series has taken place across facilities in Austria, Canada, China, and Russia.
To address maintenance and access needs around this aircraft, a variety of platforms and access solutions are utilized. For instance, cantilever platforms are used for wing and engine pylon access, specifically for maintenance on the engine body, inlet, and exhaust. Modular stepover platforms provide access to the forward fuselage sections, including the cargo area and forward wheel well. For the tail section, solutions are available to access the vertical and horizontal stabilizers. Various stands and platforms support thorough maintenance across the aircraft’s critical sections, from the nose avionics to the main landing gear.
