On February 24th, delivery of two DA62 MPPs to North Sea Aviation Services (NSAS) from Belgium has been completed. The aircraft are configured in a maritime surveillance fit and feature the latest technology of electro-optical and infrared cameras (EO/IR), maritime radar as well as an AIS (Automatic Identification System for ships).
” Maritime surveillance is often still conducted by large and expensive aircraft, sometimes even with less advanced sensors or vintage equipment such as binoculars. Where the data collected by larger and smaller aircraft are the same, when equipped with equivalent role equipment, there is one factor getting more and more fundamental, environment-friendliness. With the modern piston engines, utilizing up-to-date automotive technology, burning as less as 10 US gal of Jet Fuel per hour (in loiter) it is needless to say that the DA62 MPP is by far the greenest surveillance aircraft on the market.”
Mario Spiegel, Sales Manager, Special Mission Aircraft Division at Diamond Aircraft Austria
NSAS already operates the DA42 MPP and identified the benefits of the larger DA62 MPP as key motives to upgrade their fleet with the DA62 MPP. Specially the increased cabin size, which significantly improves crew comfort during long mission, was key in the decision-making process.
“After so many years in our business it is still inspiring to see our new developments deploying in real operation, in specific to new friends and business partner like NSAS. NSAS has great plans and we will do our best to support them wherever it is necessary and looking forward for their feedback to push the MPP to an even more capable airborne asset.”
Markus Fischer, Director, Special Mission Aircraft Division at Diamond Aircraft Austria,
Equipped with the Multi-Purpose Nose which carries the EO/IR turret, the BR700 belly radome that houses the maritime radar and the single seats including a center console with integrated radio and control devices for the operators in the rear make the aircraft the most advanced and versatile surveillance platform in its class.
“Due to its great fuel efficiency, flexible platform, advanced aircraft design and many other features, NSAS quickly preferred the DA62 MPP. The low operating cost combined with the high mission standard delivers extraordinary results, leaving competition behind and creating a class of its own. Diamond Aircraft Industries therefor has excelled thanks to their constant innovation.”
Jef de Kinder, Founder and CEO of NSAS, Founder and CEO of NSAS
