Intelligence: Smaller Is Better
April 12, 2021: In early 2021 satellite photos of the Russian airbase in Syria revealed the presence of a civilian twin-engine propeller driven aircraft parked next to Russian warplanes. Further examination showed that the twin-prop aircraft with a non-military paint job was in fact a Russian military aircraft; a license-built DA-42, four passenger aircraft that has been around since 2004. Developed by an Austrian firm it is now built in Austria, Canada, Russia and China.
The two-ton aircraft has a lightweight airframe made of composites and uses turbo-diesel engines that can also burn jet fuel. Cruise speed is 326 kilometers an hour, max speed is 12 percent faster. Max range is 2,250 kilometers and endurance varies from six to 12 hours depending on payload. With just the pilot and some sensors you can fly 12-hour missions. Max altitude is 5,500 meters (18,000 feet). Only one pilot is required, leaving seats for passengers or equipment. There is a cargo/luggage compartment in the nose.
https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htintel/articles/20210412.aspx
