Blackhawk Aerospace is developing a supplemental type certificate (STC) to re-engine the Daher TBM 700 series with 150 more shaft horsepower, in partnership with sister company and TBM-authorized sales and service center Avex Aviation. The STC will replace the 700-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-64 on the TBM 700A, 700B, and 700C2 with the 850-shp PT6A-66D.
Performance of the re-engined TBM 700 will be boosted to that of the TBM 850, according to Blackhawk. Time to climb to FL310 for the PT6A-66D-powered TBM 700 drops to 14 minutes from 16 minutes 39 seconds, and maximum cruise speed ranges from 287 to 307 ktas, improving overall efficiency and adding to safety margins.
AirVenture visitors can see N590JL, the TBM 700C2 that Blackhawk is modifying, at the company’s show exhibit. Avex’s Camarillo, California team has already refurbished this TBM with a new interior and LED interior lighting, fresh paint by ArtCraft Paint, and a full panel of Garmin avionics. These include dual 10-inch G600 TXi displays with engine indication system; a GCU 485 keyboard controller; GFC 600 digital autopilot with envelope protection; GI 275 standby indicator; dual transponders; and GWX 75R digital color radar.
“The new XP66D engine upgrade exemplifies The Blackhawk Group's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the aviation industry,” said Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk Aerospace. “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.”
Blackhawk also announced that its service facilities in Columbia, Missouri, and Broomfield, Colorado, have been renamed as Blackhawk Performance Centers. The Avex service facilities in Camarillo and in Broomfield and Loveland, Colorado, have been dubbed Avex Performance Centers. These will all focus on engine, propeller, and avionics upgrades, airframe modifications, maintenance, and support for turbine-powered aircraft.
At Broomfield, Blackhawk has opened a new facility with more than 20,000 sq ft of hangar space and newly hired team members. Beau Hawkins, who formerly worked for Western Aircraft as modifications senior sales manager, is heading up the new Performance Center as director-MRO.
“The change to the ‘Performance Center’ nomenclature better captures the work and attention to detail provided by these facilities, as well as the high degree of the team’s skill at each location,” according to Blackhawk.