Autoland

[flymu2]

Has there been any talk about putting Autoland in the DA62. It would make a big difference to my wife.

[CFIDave]

IMHO Autoland on a DA62 is a long ways off, despite the computerized (FADEC) engine controls.

It's complicated by having 2 engines. Existing Garmin Autoland is only for single-engine turbines: Cirrus SF50 jet, Piper M600 turboprop, and the single-engine TBM 940 turboprop.

Furthermore, the DA62 Type Certificate is held by Diamond Canada, which has to deal with Transport Canada (rather than the FAA or EASA) as its principal regulatory authority for initial certification of a feature like autoland. For that reason, Diamond is behind other aircraft manufacturers in getting new G1000 software features certified.

[flymu2]

Understood Dave.

The impetus for my question was seeing that there are already autonomous DA62's operating in military missions. I was thinking (hoping ) that the technology could be migrated to civilian applications.

[CFIDave]

There's an Optionally Piloted Vehicle version of the DA42 MPP, using technology developed by Aurora Flight Sciences (in Manassas, VA) -- where they install a removable "mechanical co-pilot" in the right seat that can fly the plane autonomously. Separately, Diamond Austria built a one-off prototype autonomous flight DA42 years ago as a research project.

But nothing related to autoland or autonomous operation of which I'm aware for the DA62.

[MackAttack]

Also, Garmin has not shown any interest (AFAIK) in developing the auto land system for the G1000. All the other aircraft with the system use the G3000. So you're likely to see it first (with auto-throttles) in the Phenoms and HondaJet, for example, probably before you see it in the Diamonds. Those biz jets can likely absorb the incremental cost increases associated with such a project more easily than the DA62, which is already priced at the top end of the piston market. Diamond did demonstrate a form of auto land with a DA42 a few years back, but it was kind of a kludge and I don't think they ever seriously considered pursuing certification.

And remember, Diamond can certify this kind of thing first with EASA, which would make both the FAA's and Transport Canada's job a little easier...

[CFIDave]

Also, Garmin has not shown any interest (AFAIK) in developing the auto land system for the G1000.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Garmin Autoland emerge soon for the Cirrus SR22(T), since there have been many rumors of that. The Cirrus SR22 uses G1000 NXi (marketed as Perspective+), which shares much of its hardware and software with the G3000.

[MackAttack]

The two platforms do share technology, but the 22/22T engines would require some intervention to develop an electronic throttle interface/FADEC emulator. That’s the missing piece for the traditional pistons in this space. That technology does exist for the PT6, for example, which is how IS&S has developed auto throttle for the legacy PC12s and the King Airs… it would be great if they could do it but it will be expensive so I’m not holding my breath.