Story ID: 
Diamond Twin Star adds MPP family
By: Brian Walters
Caption: Derived from the Dimond DA42 Twin Star widely used by flying schools, the DA42 MPP is developing into a family of aircraft that are capable of carrying all
Word Count: 141
Derived from the Dimond DA42 Twin Star widely used by flying schools, the DA42 MPP is developing into a family of aircraft that are capable of carrying all manner of sensors. That accounts for the rather strange shapes on the nose or beneath the fuselage that accommodate devices that tailor the MPP for specific tasks.The example that has a rather unusual radome on the nose is intended to carry out photogrammetry missions carrying a Microsoft UltraCamX large-format digital camera.Data from the camera can be transferred via cable into the CX data system in the rear of the  aircraft’s cockpit.  Close by, another MPP is designed to carry a laser-scanning pod weighing up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds). This can handle a wide range of tasks including covering flood scenarios, providing digital surface and terrain modeling or helping power line maintenance.