DA62 MPP vs. Helicopter
The math is changing for law enforcement aviation. See how the Diamond DA62 MPP compares to traditional helicopter programs on cost, endurance, and mission capability.
The Challenge
Helicopter Hours Are Unaffordable for Most Agencies
Law enforcement helicopter programs cost between $800 and $1,200 per flight hour when factoring in fuel, maintenance, insurance, crew, and hangar costs. For agencies outside major metro areas, this makes sustained aerial patrol financially impossible — helicopters get grounded not by weather, but by budget.
The result: agencies operate reactively, launching aircraft only for critical incidents rather than maintaining the persistent aerial presence that deters crime and accelerates response. Many agencies that need an air unit simply cannot afford to start one.
The Diamond DA62 MPP changes this equation. At roughly $300 per flight hour, agencies can fly more hours, more often — shifting from reactive response to proactive, persistent patrol.
Head to Head
Direct Comparison
| Metric | DA62 MPP | Helicopter |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Operating Cost | ~$300/hr | $800–$1,200/hr |
| Fuel Burn (Loiter) | ~7.4 gal/hr JET-A | 30–60 gal/hr |
| Endurance | Up to 10 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Noise at 1,000 ft | ~70 dB | 85–95 dB |
| Max Cruise Speed | 192 kts | 130–150 kts |
| Loiter Speed | 90 kts | 0 kts (hover) |
| Crew Required | 1 pilot + 1 TFO | 1 pilot + 1 TFO |
Fuel Efficiency
The “Prius with Wings”
The DA62 MPP's twin Austro AE330 diesel engines burn approximately 7.4 gallons per hour of JET-A at loiter (90 knots). A typical law enforcement helicopter burns 30–60 gallons per hour. Over a single 8-hour patrol shift, that's ~59 gallons versus 240–480 gallons — a dramatic fuel cost difference per sortie.
The all-composite airframe requires no corrosion treatment and has an unlimited service life. Diamond Aircraft also offers the optional Piston Power engine program for scheduled overhaul coverage.
Long-Term Value
25-Year Total Cost of Ownership
When agencies evaluate total cost of ownership over a 25-year program lifecycle — including acquisition, fuel, maintenance, insurance, crew, hangar, and overhaul costs — the DA62 MPP delivers millions of dollars in savings compared to an equivalent helicopter program.
These savings don't come at the expense of capability. For routine patrol, surveillance, and search operations, the DA62 MPP actually exceeds helicopter performance in endurance, noise signature, and range — the metrics that matter most for persistent airborne law enforcement.
Stealth Advantage
Covert Surveillance Capability
At approximately 70 dB at 1,000 feet AGL, the DA62 MPP is effectively inaudible to subjects on the ground. Helicopters, by contrast, announce their presence at 85–95 dB — alerting suspects and compromising operations before they begin.
Diamond Aircraft's over-engine exhaust design also minimizes the infrared signature, making the DA62 MPP significantly harder to detect with thermal equipment. For agencies conducting covert surveillance, counter-narcotics operations, or sensitive investigations, this stealth advantage is operationally critical.
Fleet Strategy
Complement Your Helicopter Fleet — or Start Without One
For agencies with existing helicopters, the DA62 MPP takes routine patrol and long-duration surveillance off the helicopter's plate. This extends helicopter airframe and engine life, preserving expensive rotary-wing hours for missions that specifically require hover capability — tactical insertions, HEMS/medevac, and rooftop operations.
For agencies with no existing air unit, the DA62 MPP offers a realistic entry point. Its lower acquisition cost, dramatically lower operating costs, and simpler maintenance requirements make it feasible for mid-size and smaller agencies to launch airborne programs that were previously out of reach.
Common Question
What About Pilot Transition?
Helicopter pilots transitioning to fixed-wing operations is a common concern. The DA62 MPP's Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit and GFC700 autopilot provide a modern, intuitive interface that reduces transition time. Single-lever engine management (EECU) simplifies powerplant operation.
AirMax Patrol provides pilot transition training tailored to your crew's experience level, covering aircraft systems, mission profiles, and tactical operations specific to fixed-wing law enforcement flying.
See the Numbers for Your Agency
Contact AirMax Patrol for a customized cost comparison based on your agency's flight hours, mission profile, and budget requirements.