The Blackhawk Group Submit STC Data Package to FAA for Approval Integrating the XP66D Engine+ Upgrade on TBM 700 Series

The Blackhawk Group (TBG) announces that the company has completed and submitted a supplemental type certificate (STC) data package to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for imminent approval of its highly anticipated XP66D Engine+ upgrade for the Daher TBM 700 series aircraft. The upgrade replaces the original 700-horsepower PT6A-64 engine with the more powerful 850-horsepower PT6A-66D, bringing TBM 700 performance on par with the TBM 850 by providing a 21% increase in available shaft horsepower (SHP).

"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.”

Preliminary flight testing shows that the XP66D upgrade delivers a powerful combination of performance and efficiency, cutting time to climb to 31,000 feet (FL310) from 28 minutes to just 22 minutes. It also increases maximum cruise speed by an average of 25 knots, reaching up to 303 knots. In addition to faster climbs and higher speeds, the XP66D offers lower operating costs and enhanced safety margins through increased available power.

The certification testbed aircraft that is currently for sale — a 2004 TBM 700C2 — will be on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, July 21-27, at Blackhawk Group Booth #322. The aircraft has been fully refurbished, including a sleek custom paint design, a new interior, and state-of-the-art Garmin avionics suite installed byTBG’s AVEX Performance Center in Camarillo, CA. Featured avionics upgrades include dual G600 TXi touch-screen displays, GFC 600 digital autopilot, GI 275 standby instrument, GTX 345R ADS-B In/Out transponder, a GWX 75R digital color weather radar, and a custom-milled control panel. These avionics upgrades can also be performed in conjunction with the engine upgrade.

Originally launched in 1999 with Cessna Conquest upgrades, Blackhawk now offers performance-enhancing engine solutions for nine different turboprop airframes, including the Beechcraft King Air and Cessna Caravan families.

For more information about the XP66D Engine+ upgrade for the TBM 700 series, visit The Blackhawk Group at Booth #322 during EAA AirVenture or online at www.blackhawk.aero.