6 April 2022
Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo has opened at Lakeland, Florida, and one of the first big announcents was the latest version of the TBM single-engine turboprop – the TBM 960.
The 960 is the showcase for Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new PT6E-66XT engine which has a fully digital e-throttle, along with a digitally-controlled cabin.
“The TBM 960 is the quintessential TBM, representing the fifth evolution of our very fast turboprop aircraft family,” said Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher’s Aircraft Division.
“It takes the maximum advantage of today’s turboprop technology to provide digital control of the engine and the propeller.”
The TBM 960 retains the speed while giving lower fuel consumption, said Daher. At the TBM 960’s recommended cruise setting of 308kt, fuel consumption is 57 U.S. gallons per hour.
Pratt & Whitney’s revised engine, the PT6E-66XT
Pratt & Whitney’s new PT6E-66XT engine is said to be ‘intelligent’ working with Hartzell’s five-blade Raptor composite propeller, both of which are linked to the dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS).
With the EPECS, the PT6E-66XT’s startup is fully automated after a single-switch activation. The cockpit’s power lever is an e-throttle, using a single forward position from takeoff to landing – with the EPECS optimising engine performance. It also reduces pilot workload by integrating all functions and protecting the engine’s life. Analysis of engine parameters is driven by 100-plus smart data inputs.
The Raptor propeller is fully integrated into the propulsion system. It is specifically designed to reduce overall weight and improve the TBM 960’s takeoff distance, climb and cruise speed. Turning at 1,925rpm during maximum power output, the Raptor contributes to limiting noise and vibration. Sound level during takeoff is 76.4 decibels, meeting international noise standards.
Cockpit of the TBM 960
Cockpit of the TBM 960 has Garmin’s G3000 integrated flight deck with what’s called an ‘electronic copilot’. This includes an icing protection system, flight envelope monitoring through the Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) and the Under-speed Protection (USP) systems, the Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) function, as well as the HomeSafe emergency autoland system.
New to the TBM 960 is the Garmin GWX 8000 doppler weather radar with advanced surveillance features such as lightning and hail prediction, turbulence detection, zero blind range for close-in returns, and ground clutter suppression. The TBM 960 also is the first application of Garmin’s GDL 60 next-generation data transmitter for automatic database upload and interconnection with mobile devices.
The TBM 960’s Prestige model cabin has an all-new environmental control system, LED ambience strip lighting and electronically-dimmable windows.
EASA has already certified the TBM 960 with certification by the U.S. FAA currently underway. Deliveries will begin in the first half of 2022. Price of the TBM starts at $4,565,789 for the standard package, with the Prestige model at $4,778,964.
The TBM 910 will continue as the 960’s partner in the TBM range.
