Blackhawk announces TBM 700 power boost

The Waco, Texas, company said upgrading the 700 series’ 700-horsepower PT6A-64 turboprop engine with the 850-horsepower PT6A-66D will deliver performance to rival the TBM 850. Blackhawk expects to earn supplemental type certificate approval in mid-2025.

About 345 TBM 700s were built between 1990 and the introduction of the TBM 850 in 2006. The STC will be available for the TBM 700A, 700B, and 700C2 and costs $995,000; Blackhawk is offering an EAA AirVenture Oshkosh show special for $985,000. Blackhawk said the upgrade decreases the time to climb from sea level to 31,000 feet from 16 minutes 39 seconds to 14 minutes, and increases maximum cruise speeds up to 307 knots true airspeed. It also touts lower operational costs and increased safety margins from the excess 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 Aerospace. He said the partnership combines Avex’s TBM experience with Blackhawk’s knowledge of STC development.

The certification testbed for the XP66D Engine+ Upgrade, a 2004 TBM 700C2, is on display at AirVenture. It is fully refurbished, with a full Garmin panel and new interior installed by Avex in Camarillo, California. Upgrades include dual G600 TXi touch-screen displays, GFC 600 digital autopilot, GI 275 standby instrument, GTX 345R remote mount ADS-B In and Out transponder, and GWX 75R digital color radar; avionics upgrades may be performed in conjunction with the engine upgrade.

Blackhawk began in 1999 with Cessna Conquest engine upgrades and now offers upgrades for nine turboprop airframes, including various Beechcraft King Air and Cessna Grand Caravan models.