This week at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, aircraft modification specialist The Blackhawk Group announced it has submitted a request to the FAA for a supplemental type certificate (STC) on its XP66D engine upgrade for the Daher TBM 700 series turboprop singles.
Replacing the original stock 700-horsepower PT6A-64 engine with the 850-horsepower PT6A-66D, the upgrade increases available shaft horsepower by 21%, bringing the TBM 700 performance on par with that of the later TBM 850.
Blackhawk’s testing data reveals that the modification slashes time-to-climb to FL310 by six minutes, and increases maximum cruise by an average of 25 kts to more than 300 kts. Additionally, the new powerplant offers lower operating costs and enhanced safety margins with its increased power.
“The new XP66D engine upgrade exemplifies Blackhawk’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the aviation industry,” said Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk’s proprietary upgrades division. “This upgrade combines our extensive experience in STC development with the deep TBM platform knowledge of [our] AVEX performance center, delivering a transformative performance solution to TBM 700 owners.”
At its booth in Oshkosh, the company’s certification testbed is on display and is available for purchase. It is a 2004 TBM 700C2 which has been fully refurbished and features an upgraded cockpit and cabin, in addition to the engine upgrade.