Blackhawk TBM 700 engine upgrade gets FAA approval

The package packs a 150-horsepower increase from the 700-horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-64 engine to the 850-horsepower PT6A-66D. The added power will increase climb performance—climbing to Flight Level 310 in 22 minutes as opposed to 28—and a 25-knot-true-airspeed increase at cruise for a cruise speed up to 303 KTAS, according to a press release.

With the upgrade, the TBM 700 flies more like a TBM 850 (which comes out of the factory with the PT6A-66D). The company also promises the upgrade will reduce operating costs and increase safety margins, namely through greater available power to altitude.

The first XP66D upgrade is being completed at the Blackhawk Group’s headquarters in Waco, Texas. A second installation is already scheduled to be completed at the company’s other facility in Broomfield, Colorado.

The company also announced an STC to bring deice boots to the legacy Piper Meridian fleet, as well as a strategic partnership with Hartzell Propeller “to expand support, streamline service, and deliver world class performance solutions” to all types of aircraft.