An altogether different kind of Diamond is getting attention in Malaysia... a special multi-role version of the Diesel-powered DA42 light twin.

High ranking officials, including the Crown Prince of Perlis, former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathur Mohammad, and Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib, visited the HM Aerospace/Diamond Aircraft display at the LIMA 2005 airshow in Langkawi (Malaysia).

Attracting much of the attention was Diamond's new DA42 MPP, a cutting edge airborne surveillance and reconnaissance system based on a highly modified DA42 Twin Star and equipped with imaging sensors, surveillance radar and datalink system.

HM Aerospace, personally represented by founding Director Tan Sri Dato’ Bin Mohammad at LIMA 2005, has been appointed exclusive Diamond distributor for Malaysia. HM Aerospace has already taken delivery of 16 DA40tdi Diamond Stars and three DA42 Twin Stars in 2005.

The diesel powered aircraft are particularly attractive in Malaysia due to the high cost and limited availability of AVGAS.

FMI: www.diamond-air.at, www.hmaerospace.com