QinetiQ and Diamond Aircraft complete surveillance upgrade on DA62 special mission aircraft

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

QinetiQ has completed the integration of advanced surveillance capabilities on the Diamond Aircraft DA62 Multi-Purpose Platform, marking a significant upgrade in airborne intelligence systems. The work was carried out in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, and focused on enhancing the aircraft’s operational flexibility and real-time situational awareness.
Image: QinetiQ.

QinetiQ has completed the integration of advanced surveillance capabilities on the Diamond Aircraft DA62 Multi-Purpose Platform, marking a significant upgrade in airborne intelligence systems. The work was carried out in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, and focused on enhancing the aircraft’s operational flexibility and real-time situational awareness.

 

The upgrade included the installation of advanced communications equipment, a high-resolution electro-optical sensor and a secure real-time data link to support a wide range of missions. A newly fitted ShotOver camera and mission system now enable live video streaming to ground stations for operations including border security, intelligence gathering, environmental monitoring, search and rescue and maritime patrol.

Engineering teams from QinetiQ GmbH and Diamond Aircraft collaborated on installation, calibration and testing to ensure full compatibility between the sensor payload, avionics and communications systems. The successful outcome highlights the DA62MPP’s modular design, allowing rapid mission adaptation without affecting safety or performance.

“This is a significant achievement, which underscores the platform’s role as one of the most capable and flexible surveillance aircraft in its class and our fleet,” said Mathias Mensing, Head of Programme Management at QinetiQ GmbH. “Combining the DA62MPP’s efficiency and range with modern sensors and data links gives operators a powerful tool for real-time intelligence gathering.”

 

 

Julian Prikril, Team Leader Project Management at Diamond Aircraft Industries, said the programme demonstrated close industrial cooperation while maintaining strict airworthiness standards. “By modernizing an already operational MPP platform, we not only enhanced its capabilities but also preserved full airworthiness, safety, and configuration integrity,” he said.

Following completion of the integration, the aircraft is now fully mission-ready and available for ISR operations. QinetiQ said the upgraded platform will provide strong tactical advantages for both military and commercial customers.

 

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