Diamond Aircraft has handed over a new DA62 MPP to the Technical University of Dresden, marking a significant advancement in research toward climate-friendly aviation. The twin-engine special mission aircraft will serve as a flying laboratory for the development and validation of fossil-free propulsion technologies.

The aircraft will be operated jointly by the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) and the Institute of Aerospace Engineering (ILR) at TU Dresden. Central to the research programme is the replacement of one of the DA62’s conventional powerplants with a hydrogen-based propulsion system, enabling real-world testing of zero-emission flight concepts.

“With the DA62 MPP, we are bridging the crucial gap between numerical simulation and real-world application,” said Prof. Johannes Markmiller, Chair of Aircraft Engineering at the ILR. “This flying testbed allows us to validate our aerodynamic models and propulsion concepts directly in flight, gathering data that is essential for the certification of future zero-emission aircraft.”

Prof. Maik Gude, Chair of Lightweight Systems Engineering and Multi Material Design at the ILK, emphasised the broader design implications: “Sustainable aviation is not just about the engine; it is about the holistic integration of energy systems into the aircraft system. This aircraft provides us with the unique opportunity to demonstrate how lightweight hydrogen tank systems and complex structural components perform under the dynamic loads of actual flight operations.”

Robert Rauert, Sales Manager for Special Mission platforms at Diamond Aircraft, highlighted the significance of the delivery. “The DA62 MPP demonstrates its full potential as a versatile multi-purpose platform. It enables the integration of advanced sensor systems and the testing of innovative propulsion concepts under real conditions, representing a true milestone for sustainable aviation.”

TU Dresden selected the DA62 MPP for its modern composite structure, efficient twin-engine design and long-endurance capability — all key factors in flight-test research. The aircraft arrives equipped with multiple mounting hardpoints, a dedicated mission equipment bay, and the capacity to host several experimental systems simultaneously.

Key features of the DA62 MPP research platform:
• Multiple external sensor hardpoints on nose and fuselage
• Dedicated mission equipment compartment for instruments and computing systems
• Capability to support and test multiple emerging technologies in flight operations

Diamond Aircraft has expressed its support for TU Dresden’s ambitious research, noting the importance of the platform in shaping future hydrogen-powered aviation solutions.