Aircraft manufacturer and industrial equipment supplier Daher unveiled the latest high-end version of its TBM turboprop series: the TBM 960. The aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new PT6E-66XT engine. It is the fifth model of the family, which was introduced to the market in 2014.
The first production unit was unveiled at the Sun ‘N Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, US. In addition to the innovative powerplant, it has a fully digital electronic throttle, LED ambient lighting and electrically adjustable windows. Daher claims a fuel consumption of 57 gallons per hour at the recommended cruising speed of 308 knots. This represents a 10% fuel saving over previous models.
This increased efficiency is facilitated by the Hartzell’s five-bladed, composite propeller Raptor, and the new engine. «We are delighted that Daher has selected the PT6E-66XT engine to power its new TBM 960», said Nicholas Kanellias, Vice President of General Aviation at Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Propeller and engine are linked to the aircraft’s Electronic Propeller and Engine Control System (EPECS). Thanks to this technology, start-up is automatic and through the activation of a single switch. EPECS optimises performance during each phase of flight and reduces the pilot-in-command’s workload. More than a hundred intelligent data inputs feed the analysis of engine parameters.
The propeller was specifically designed to reduce the aircraft’s overall weight and improve performance on short runways, as well as to contribute to fuel economy. It reaches 1,925 revolutions per minute with reduced noise impact and in accordance with international noise standards.
In addition, the engine’s scheduled maintenance intervals have been optimised. The electronic control system eliminates engine hardware, resulting in a combined 40% reduction in scheduled maintenance. Pratt & Whitney sets a period of 5,000 flight hours between overhauls.
Another important new feature of the new model is its doppler weather radar, the Garmin GWX 8000, which offers advanced detection of electrical activity, hail and atmospheric turbulence. The TBM 960 will also be the premiere aircraft for the GDL 60 application, which transmits and stores data automatically and interconnected with mobile devices.
The cabin lighting control is fully digital and uses LED technology. The seats have an ergonomic design, USB-A and USB-C ports, individual cup holders and headphone hangers for each passenger.
The TBM 960 has already been certified by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). Certification by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently being processed. If all goes according to plan, deliveries will begin in the first half of 2022.
