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Aircraft Update X-Plane 12 : Diamond DA-62 by Aerobask


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Aircraft Update X-Plane 12 : Diamond DA-62 by Aerobask

 

Released in March 2019, the Diamond DA-62 followed on from a long line of Diamond composite aircraft from Aerobask. The DA-42 Twin Star and the Diamond DA-50RG. The differences were that the DA-42 was a Twin-Engined aircraft and the DA-50RG is a Single-Engined aircraft. Sadly the Twin-Star has been retired, so the replacement Twin-Engined machine has been this more later and larger DA-62.

 

The larger DA-42 was built as the DA-50, but only one prototype was built and the DA-50 was also only a single-engine aircraft as well. The DA-50 soon morphed into the DA-62 which kept the larger fuselage of the DA-50, but added the Twin-Engined design of the DA-42, and comes also with the more powerful Austro Engine E4 (marketed as the AE 300) which is a liquid-cooled, inline, four-cylinder, four-stroke, diesel piston aircraft engine of which the DA-62 has the 180hp AE330 version.

 

There was a large update (v2.0r) to the original DA-62 just under a year ago in late November 2021, so it is very up to date in systems and detail. So here is the transition aircraft of the same to X-Plane 12. It doesn't have any changes from the 2.0r version, but does have all the X-Plane 12 features added, in the Flight Model by X-Aerodynamics, lighting, texture adjustments (Internal/External) and weather effects.

 

The DA-62 looked very good originally in X-Plane 11, but now the refined X-Plane 12 effect gives the Diamond a more serious "WOW" feel.

 

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The aircraft just "OOOOZES" quality, our of every pore and it's skin. The detail is simply of the chart, so get closest inspection that you can.

 

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I have always loved the organic shape of the engine cowlings, incredibly well done, masterful modeling.

 

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Internally it is just as extravagant, nobody does interiors better than Aerobask, it is a feast for your eyes all in the perfect detail and materials.

 

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Since v2 of the Diamond DA-62 the menus have been changed. Now they are more concise and easier to use they cover the standard Weight & Balance of the aircraft, 3d passengers, Fuel and Static Elements of Chocks, Ties, Bollards, Pitot covers, GPU (Ground Power Unit) and non-working pushback trolley. 

 

DA62 - XP12_Menus 1.jpgDA62 - XP12_Menus 6.jpg

 

On the Menu "Options", it covers the (Main) or aircraft options and then the three avionics sets of options for the, G1000 PFD, G1000 MFD and the MD302 backup instrument.

 

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EDDB (Berlin) to EDDP (Liepzig - Halle)

The flight here is quite short, just a few hundered kilometers from Berlin to Liepzig. Starting the DA-62 is simple simon, just switch on the fuel flow (levers centre console), then the main fuel pump, and press the correct dinky button for the engine you want to start, as easy as starting a diesel engine in a car or truck. As this is a very modern GA, and so the engines don't need to be coaxed into life, they will start easily and run up to temperatures very quickly with that odd (in an aircraft) slightly rattly diesel sound.

 

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Although the DA-62 is not newly released. I love the fact that all Aerobask aircraft are so fully resolved when being used, virtually no bugs and issues to contend with, it is all a nice clean operation and flying.

 

Notable as usual that we are still in the X-Plane 12 Beta phase, so (I can't find anything wrong with the DA-62) the external beta issues are still there including the odd wind and weather behavior...  but thankfully also none of the wild wing behaviour I saw on the DA-50RG.

 

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Note the Aerobask "Synthetic Vision" on PFD, that was added in here on the last update. I'm not going to say the DA-62 is easy to track straight because it isn't. Daddy long legs in gear feels like three points on a surface, so you work hard with the rudder in keeping it in line and on track.

 

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100 knts (no flap) and only a small rotate is required, and your flying.

 

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Rate of climb is noted at 6.1 m/s (1,200 ft/min) but I found that 700fpm gave me the best climb to altitude (5,000ft) without putting pressure on the power output...  Ceiling is a massive 6,096 m (20,000 ft) because you have oxygen. I really liked the custom power outputs on the MAP/NAV screen, but they are native different on the pop-up version.

 

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Like most general aviation releases lately the DA-62 comes with the native Laminar Research G1000 twin panel avionics system (both PFD and MFD pop-out), but custom here. It is a very good layout, but not as really detailed as a real G1000 system actually is, but it does cover about 85% of the systems. Mid-Panel is the MD302 SAM® or the "Standby Altitude Module" Basically is a standby instrument which is very authentic to the real instrument.

 

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View out is sensational, big front curved screen and large side windows give you the sense of space.

 

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Lighting

Internally like everything on this aircraft the lighting is above and beyond the best...  the Instrument panel is fully adjustable with down strip lighting under the glareshield. You can also adjust both the G1000 screens. But I will note with the X-Plane 12 Beta the lighting is still being worked on. I'm not completely happy with it either, so it feels not yet totally refined as it could be...  but the promises are here.

 

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Attention to detail shows with the MD302 SAM being on a different power source and shuts down in its own time and speed, you can also shut it down quicker if you wish.

 

There is twist adjustable lighting for the pilots and switchable lighting for the seats. The lighting switches are on the bottom, but two are hidden at the back of the roof assembly, but can still be switched from the front view. The detail of the switchware and lights is phenomenal.

 

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The external lighting isn't very comprehensive and there are no (red) beacons on the aircraft. There are twin Taxi and Landing light sets central under the cabin. But it is refined for X-Plane 12 (well for now anyway).

 

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And one for each wing Ice lights and that lighting switch is on the de-icing panel and not with the main lighting switches. Position or Navigation lights are on each wing, but none on the tail and wing double flash strobes covers all the external lighting.

 

Sounds are modern FMOD and with Enhanced 3D system sounds, including Doppler and Flanger effects. They do sound a little different from the normal, but the engines are very different as well in being diesels, but at the cruise speed they have this lovely thrumm that passes the flying time nicely. Start up is almost instantaneous with a slight cranking, so they are almost electric in that aspect.

 

The Oxygen system is very active. It is activated by the knob under the panel far left of the pilot. When the juice is flowing all the occupants on board get oxygen masks, but you have to use it sparingly and only for short periods of flight as it soon used up. You can replenish the oxygen from the menu but only on the ground.

 

All Circuit Breakers (Fuses) work, here I have pulled the MFD fuse...

 

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The 3d world of X-Plane 12...  loving it all.

 

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Here I settled into a 150knt cruise, with 325 km/h (202 mph; 175 kn) (TAS) the official cruise speed and a Max speed of 367 km/h (228 mph; 198 kn) and the Range is outstanding at 2,380 km (1,479 mi; 1,285 nmi).

 

Now approaching EDDP EDDP (Liepzig - Halle), it's time to get ready for landing. 1,500 ft is my goal on approach (from 5,000 ft) and 100 knts...

 

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I am still amazed at the quality of X-Plane 12, is this really the same X-Plane Simulator? It shows how much decent lighting can make a difference. There is the EDDP field and Rwy 26L.

 

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78 knts on final at Full flap is very nice. On experience the DA-62 can be a bit niggly on approach in winds, but thankfully today is calm.

 

DA62 - XP12_Flying EDDP 7.jpgDA62 - XP12_Flying EDDP 8.jpgDA62 - XP12_Flying EDDP 9.jpgDA62 - XP12_Flying EDDP 10.jpg

 

Being niggly on approach means a bit of skill in getting the touch down about right, the gear doesn't have a lot of give, but this X-Plane 12 version feels better (more supple) than the earlier versions...  nice. Oddly the speed doesn't change much as you transfer into the flare, it says around the same 78 knts, but you still have full control. The biggest trick here is trying in not dig in your nosewheel, you can't flare to much either, so it is a bit of a balance to get it all right. Note the runway in the "Synthetic Vision".

 

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Transition to taxi can be tricky, but you can get a feel between using the rudder pedals for fine steering, and the yoke yaw for the more tighter turns, like with everything in Simulation Flying you soon adapt.

 

DA62 - XP12_Flying EDDP 14.jpg

 

X-Plane 12 icing and rain effects are also available as well, the original DA-62 did have icing and rain, but here it is far better and built in as default.

 

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Liveries

There are Eight liveries (down from 10 in the earlier version) and one white paint livery. There are a four older designs (but updated for X-Plane 12), and four new ones added. All liveries are 4K extreme high Def quality and picked for their extreme reproduction in X-Plane 12 (in other words very nice). The White is the default. 

 

DA62 - XP12_Livery White.jpgDA62 - XP12_Livery N968DT.jpgDA62 - XP12_Livery OE-FBD.jpgDA62 - XP12_Livery OE-FSC.jpgDA62 - XP12_Livery HB-LUC.jpgDA62 - XP12_Livery N412QL.jpgDA62 - XP12_Livery N709PL.jpgDA62 - XP12_Livery N969DT.jpgDA62 - XP12_Livery OE-FBK.jpg

 

Summary

Released in March 2019, the Diamond DA-62 followed on from a long line of Diamond composite aircraft from Aerobask. Here is the X-Plane 12 version, not a full X-Plane 12 release, but a compatible aircraft as we are still in the Beta (11) phase of X-Plane 12.

 

There are no actual new features or changes since the last DA-62 v2.0r (November 25th 2021) release. But you do get the full package of X-Plane 12 Flight Model, lighting, texture adjustments (Internal/External) and weather effects. Liveries have dropped to eight (from ten), but overall better quality.

 

Notable as usual that we are still in the X-Plane 12 Beta phase, so (I can't find anything wrong with the DA-62) the external beta issues are still there including the odd wind and weather behavior...  but thankfully also none of the wild wing behaviour I saw on the DA-50RG.

 

All the huge feature list are still there, including; "Synthetic Vision", active Circuit Breaker Panel, Icing and rain systems, Oxygen System, MD302 SAM Backup instrument, power rudder adjustment and top level FMOD sound. G1000 system is still native X-Plane, but customised and well intergrated and excellent to use.

 

Aerobask would be on anyone's "Must Buy list", on just their name alone, that is the solid reputation the developers already have, and I have absolutely no reason to discount that aspect.

Aerobask make brilliant modern composite aircraft, excellent modeling and extraordinary interior design...  they fly pretty good as well, and are very good value with excellent back up service...  now all available in X-Plane 12, basically how much more do you want? Highly Recommended of course. 

______________________

 

 

X-Plane Store logo sm.jpg

 

Yes! the Diamond DA-62 X-Plane 12 by Aerobask is NOW! available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :


Diamond DA62

Price is US$39.95

 

Features

Now supports X-Plane 12
  • Both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11 versions included
Advanced Flight model
  • Flight model by X-Aerodynamics, very closely matching real performance (based on public data).
Aerobask Systems Suite
  • Fully Integrated Laminar Garmin G1000 with custom EIS and annunciations (In 3D only)
  • Customized FADEC/ECU with test procedures
    • allows engines and propellers to deliver their documented performance with unprecedented accuracy, including in fuel usage
    • Auto-feathering is also accurately managed, for a total immersion
  • Simulated oxygen system
  • Simulated ice protection system
  • MD302: custom coded Standby Attitude Module
  • Fully functional breakers (configurable reliability)
High Resolution Model
  • High quality 3D model with high resolution PBR textures (4K textures)
  • Fully functional virtual 3D cockpit, with smooth and VR-friendly manipulators
  • Windshield effects: reflections, rain and frost
  • Many parameters saved between flights
  • Configurable pilots, passengers and luggage
  • Optimized to save FPS
Custom Sounds
  • FMOD High Quality Enhanced 3D system sounds, including Doppler and Flanger effects
Auto-Updater
  • Keep your aircraft up-to-date with a convenient auto-updater

 

Requirements:

X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11

Windows, Mac (using Rosetta) or Linux
4 GB VRAM Minimum. 8 GB+ VRAM recommended
Current version:  12r2  (October 27th 2022)

 

Installation
Download of the Diamond DA-62 is 376mb and it is installed in your General Aviation Folder as a 933mb folder.

 

Documents
Documentation is excellent. Great manual with feature details, checklists/Performance tables and MD302 manual.
  • Quicklook views.pdf
  • DA62 Flight Manual.pdf
  • DA62 Checklist Normal Operations.pdf
  • Airspeed Normal Operation.pdf
  • DA62 Checklist Emergency Procedures.pdf
  • DA62 Performance Tables.pdf
  • Install_Settings.pdf
  • Quick-Doc MD302.pdf
______________________

 

Review by Stephen Dutton
4th Nov 2022
Copyright©2022: X-PlaneReviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)
 

Review System Specifications: 

Computer System: Windows  - S1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU / 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo M2 2TB SSD - Sound : Yamaha Speakers YST-M200SP

Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.00B11 (This is a beta review).

Plugins: JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00 : RK Apps XPRealistic v2 - US$34.99

Scenery or Aircraft

- EDDB - Berlin-Brandenburg V2 XP by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$29.99

- EDDP - Leipzig/Halle International Airport by JustSim/Digital Design (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$20.00

 

(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved

 

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