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DA42 Twin Star vs M-346 Master

Diamond DA42 Twin Star military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇦🇹 DA42 Twin Star
Aermacchi M-346 Master military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇮🇹 M-346 Master
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Specifications
DA42 Twin Star M-346 Master
Origin country 🇦🇹 Austria 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Diamond Aermacchi
First flight 9 December 2002 15 July 2004
Year introduced 2004 2015
Number produced 600 units 92 units
Average unit price $1.3 million $40 million
Wing area 16.3 m² 23.5 m²
Wingspan 13.4 m 9.7 m
Height 2.5 m 4.8 m
Length 8.0 m 11.5 m
Maximum speed 354 km/h 1092 km/h
Operational range 2,250 km 1,925 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m 13,716 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,000 kg 9,500 kg
Empty weight 1,200 kg 4,610 kg
Total thrust 2 x 50 kW 2 x 1,418 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The DA42 Twin Star and the M-346 Master are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Diamond and Aermacchi respectively.

The M-346 Master reaches 1,092 km/h — 3.1x the DA42 Twin Star's 354 km/h. The DA42 Twin Star has an operational range of 2,250 km vs 1,925 km for the M-346 Master. The M-346 Master operates at altitudes up to 13,716 m compared to 9,000 m for the DA42 Twin Star. At 9,500 kg MTOW, the M-346 Master is 4.8x the DA42 Twin Star's 2,000 kg.

The DA42 Twin Star has been produced in 600 units vs 92 for the M-346 Master. Unit cost is $1.3M for the DA42 Twin Star vs $40M for the M-346 Master. The DA42 Twin Star first flew 2 years before the M-346 Master (2002 vs 2004).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DA42 Twin Star or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master is faster with a maximum speed of 1,092 km/h compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 354 km/h, a difference of 738 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DA42 Twin Star or M-346 Master?
The DA42 Twin Star has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the M-346 Master's 1,925 km.
Which can fly higher, the DA42 Twin Star or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the DA42 Twin Star or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 9,500 kg compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 2,000 kg.
Which is larger, the DA42 Twin Star or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master is longer at 11.5 meters compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DA42 Twin Star or M-346 Master?
The M-346 Master is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the DA42 Twin Star at $1.3 million.
Which entered service first, the DA42 Twin Star or M-346 Master?
The DA42 Twin Star entered service first in 2004, 11 years before the M-346 Master which entered service in 2015.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DA42 Twin Star or M-346 Master?
The DA42 Twin Star has been produced in greater numbers with 600 units compared to 92 units of the M-346 Master.