Diamond Unveils DA62 Special Missions Upgrade Plans

Diamond Aircraft’s special mission aircraft division is planning to improve the performance of its DA62 MPP (multi-purpose platform) piston twin. The Austrian company recently issued its “development roadmap” for 2026, explaining that it intends to boost aerodynamic efficiency, crew situational awareness, and sensor versatility to position the aircraft for more diverse civil and military roles.

According to Diamond, a new beyond-line-of-sight radome will reduce drag and improve the sensor’s performance. The company is also adding a tail-mounted camera integrated with the DA62’s Garmin G1000 multi-function display to improve situational awareness in complex mission environments.

The 2026 roadmap also covers an application for a supplemental type certificate to integrate non-eye-safe lasers to support advanced mapping systems. Other planned add-ons include a universal mounting frame in the aircraft belly for items such as Riegl VQX-2 lidar sensors and life rafts, as well as a new BR800 surveillance radar pod for maritime and border patrol missions.

Last year, Diamond conducted flight trials to validate the Starlink Mini connectivity system on the DA62 MPP. The manufacturer certified a 132-pound increase in maximum takeoff weight to 5,192 pounds to allow for more mission equipment or fuel. The aircraft is also now cleared for flight into known icing conditions and to use an improved transponder for ground- and space-based ADS-B receivers to enhance tracking in remote areas and during low-altitude flights.