CETC gears up for DA42 MPP Guardian build

摘要

China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), a state-owned defence equipment firm, will indigenously manufacture a range of special mission aircraft that are based on Austrian light aircraft constructor Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH's DA42 Multipurpose Platform (MPP) Guardian aircraft. The partnership between the two companies, which was formalised in late 2013, was showcased at Airshow China 2014. The multirole DA42 MPP Guardian measures 8.7 m in length 2.49 m in height, and has an overall wingspan of 13.42 m. Up to four personnel can be accommodated in the cockpit, although it is possible to install additional equipment if the rear seats are removed. The aircraft is powered by two turbocharged AE300 four-cylinder piston engines producing 168 hp each, which enables it to achieve a maximum cruising speed of 328 km/h and service ceiling of 18,000 ft (5,486 m). According to CETC, locally built models will feature a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1,995 kg and a payload in excess of 300 kg. They will also featurea24VDCand28 VAC generator that will produce up to 4 kW of on-board power for mission systems.