Blackhawk develops new engine upgrade programme for the TBM 700 series
Aftermarket engine upgrades provider for turboprop aircraft, Blackhawk Aerospace, has announced the release of the PT6A-66D Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) programme for the Daher TBM model 700 series aircraft.
The STC effort will encompass the TBM 700A, 700B, and 700C2 models and will elevate their performance to that of the TBM 850 model aircraft.
Blackhawk Aerospace is partnering with AVEX Aviation, a TBM sales and performance centre, to develop an upgrade that it says will offer significant enhancements in horsepower and overall performance, setting a new benchmark for the TBM series.
Dubbed as Blackhawk’s XP66D Engine+ Upgrade, the engine upgrade programme installs a factory-new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D engine to replace the incumbent PT6A-64 engine.
With a mechanical horsepower increase from 700 HP to 850 HP, the TBM 700 series will experience a remarkable boost in both climb and cruise performance. Specifically, the time to climb from sea level to 31,000 feet will be reduced from 16 minutes and 39 seconds to just 14 minutes, while maximum cruise speeds at various altitudes will now range from a 287 KTAS to 307 KTAS.
Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk Aerospace, said: “The new XP66D engine upgrade exemplifies the Blackhawk Group’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the aviation industry.
“By partnering with our sister-company, AVEX, we are able to combine their vast expertise in all things TBM with Blackhawk’s extensive knowledge of STC development to offer an unparalleled upgrade for our mutual customers.”