The Blackhawk Group has submitted its full supplemental type certificate data package to the FAA for its XP66D Engine+ upgrade for the Daher TBM 700 series. The modification replaces the aircraft’s original 700 horsepower PT6A-64 engine with the 850 horsepower PT6A-66D, increasing available shaft horsepower by 21 per cent.

Preliminary tests showed that time-to-climb to FL310 dropped from 28 to 22 minutes. Maximum cruise speeds improved by an average of 25 ktas to reach 303 ktas. Operating costs have also been lowered and safety margins increased due to the additional power reserves.

“The new XP66D engine upgrade exemplifies Blackhawk's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the aviation industry,” says Edwin Black, president of TBG's proprietary upgrades division. “This upgrade combines our extensive experience in STC development with the deep TBM platform knowledge of TBG's AVEX Performance Center, delivering a transformative performance solution to TBM 700 owners.”

The certification testbed, a refurbished 2004 TBM 700C2, is on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. It is currently for sale and features a custom interior, fresh paint scheme and optional Garmin avionics package, including dual G600 TXi displays, GFC 600 autopilot and GI 275 standby instrument.