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DA42 Twin Star vs L-159 ALCA

Diamond DA42 Twin Star military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇦🇹 DA42 Twin Star
Aero L-159 ALCA military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-159 ALCA
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Specifications
DA42 Twin Star L-159 ALCA
Origin country 🇦🇹 Austria 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Diamond Aero
First flight 9 December 2002 2 August 1997
Year introduced 2004 2000
Number produced 600 units 72 units
Average unit price $1.3 million $9 million
Wing area 16.3 m² 18.8 m²
Wingspan 13.4 m 9.5 m
Height 2.5 m 4.9 m
Length 8.0 m 12.7 m
Maximum speed 354 km/h 936 km/h
Operational range 2,250 km 1,570 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m 13,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,000 kg 8,000 kg
Empty weight 1,200 kg 4,350 kg
Total thrust 2 x 100 kW 1 x 2,871 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The DA42 Twin Star and the L-159 ALCA are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Diamond and Aero respectively.

The L-159 ALCA reaches 936 km/h — 2.6:1 the DA42 Twin Star's 354 km/h. The DA42 Twin Star has an operational range of 2,250 km vs 1,570 km for the L-159 ALCA. The L-159 ALCA operates at altitudes up to 13,200 m compared to 9,000 m for the DA42 Twin Star. At 8,000 kg MTOW, the L-159 ALCA is 4.0:1 the DA42 Twin Star's 2,000 kg.

The DA42 Twin Star has been produced in 600 units vs 72 for the L-159 ALCA. Unit cost is $1.3M for the DA42 Twin Star vs $9M for the L-159 ALCA. The L-159 ALCA first flew 5 years before the DA42 Twin Star (1997 vs 2002).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DA42 Twin Star or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is faster with a maximum speed of 936 km/h compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 354 km/h, a difference of 582 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DA42 Twin Star or L-159 ALCA?
The DA42 Twin Star has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the L-159 ALCA's 1,570 km.
Which can fly higher, the DA42 Twin Star or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA has a higher service ceiling at 13,200 meters (43,307 ft) compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the DA42 Twin Star or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,000 kg compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 2,000 kg.
Which is larger, the DA42 Twin Star or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is longer at 12.7 meters compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DA42 Twin Star or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is more expensive at approximately $9.0 million per unit compared to the DA42 Twin Star at $1.3 million.
Which entered service first, the DA42 Twin Star or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA entered service first in 2000, 4 years before the DA42 Twin Star which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DA42 Twin Star or L-159 ALCA?
The DA42 Twin Star has been produced in greater numbers with 600 units compared to 72 units of the L-159 ALCA.