Blackhawk Aerospace has released the highly anticipated PT6A-66D supplemental type certificate programme for the Daher TBM 700 series aircraft. The STC effort will encompass the TBM 700A, 700B and 700C2 models and will elevate their performance to that of the TBM 850 model. Blackhawk is partnering with AVEX Aviation, an elite TBM sales and performance centre, to develop an upgrade that offers significant enhancements in horsepower and overall performance.

The engine upgrade programme, dubbed Blackhawk's XP66D Engine+ Upgrade, installs a factory new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D engine to replace the incumbent PT6A-64 engine. With a mechanical horsepower increase from 700hp to 850hp, the TBM 700 series will experience a remarkable boost in both climb and cruise performance. Specifically, the time to climb from sea level to 31,000ft is reduced from 16 minutes and 39 seconds to just 14 minutes, while maximum cruise speeds at various altitudes will now range from an impressive 287ktas to 307ktas.

“The new XP66D engine upgrade exemplifies The Blackhawk Group's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the aviation industry,” says Edwin Black, president of Blackhawk Aerospace. “By partnering with our sister company, AVEX, we are able to combine its vast expertise in all things TBM with Blackhawk's extensive knowledge of STC development to offer an unparalleled upgrade for our mutual customers.”

Key benefits of the XP66D Engine+ Upgrade include;

- Improved climb rate: Faster time to reach optimal cruising altitudes, enhancing operational efficiency.

- Higher cruise speeds: Introducing 850 mode will generate higher true airspeeds at various altitudes, improving overall flight performance.

- Lower operating costs: Significant reductions in annual operating costs, adding value to the investment.

- Enhanced safety margins: Increased power translates to better safety margins across the entire flight envelope.

- Operational flexibility: Greater horsepower provides more options for varied missions and conditions.

The testbed aircraft for Blackhawk's certification programme is a 2004 TBM 700C2 (N590JL). It features a full Garmin panel, a brand-new interior and a new LED interior lighting system, all of which were installed by AVEX at its Camarillo airport location in California.

The aircraft's updated Garmin panel includes:

- Dual G600TXis with engine indication on 10 inch GDU displays and a GCU 485 GDU controller

- GFC 600 digital autopilot with envelope protection and auto rudder trim

- GI-275 electric standby indicator

- GTX 345R remote mount ADS-B In & Out transponder

- GTX 335R remote mount ADS-B transponder

- GWX 75R digital colour radar, upgrade compatible to a GWX 8000.

The work done at Camarillo, overseen by AVEX avionics manager Erik Miller, includes design, wiring, fabrication and installation, and features enhanced redundancy, user-centric design and envelope protection to meet the highest standards of safety and reliability. N590JL also features a fresh custom paint scheme designed by AVEX and applied by ArtCraft Paint at Capt G Allan Hancock Field in Santa Maria, California.

Meanwhile the Blackhawk Group, comprising of Blackhawk Aerospace, AVEX Aviation and Finnoff Aviation Products, has opened its newest Blackhawk Performance Center at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan airport in Broomfield, Colorado. Service facilities located in Columbia, Missouri; and Broomfield, Colorado are now dubbed Blackhawk Performance Centers, while those in Camarillo, California; Loveland, Colorado; and Broomfield, Colorado are AVEX Performance Centers. The change to the Performance Center nomenclature better captures the work and attention to detail provided by these facilities, as well as the high degree of skill at each location, in the areas of engine, propeller and avionics upgrades as well as airframe modifications and aircraft maintenance and support.

The newly opened Broomfield centre supports turbine-powered aircraft, including the King Air and Citation models. The facility is strategically located next to the AVEX Performance Center which supports all facets of Daher TBM ownership. Several new employees have been taken on and a newly overhauled facility formerly occupied by Wheels Up has been opened that boasts over 20,000sq ft of hangar space and supports a trained workforce of skilled mechanics and technicians.

The facility will be led by sales director Beau Hawkins who, before joining Blackhawk, gained valuable experience with Western Aircraft as an avionics lead and as modifications senior sales manager.

“We are extremely excited, not only about opening the second Blackhawk Performance Center, but also the second Performance Center at Rocky Mountain to further enhance mission capabilities and performance for light turbine aircraft operators,” says Hawkins. “We have a proven track record with the Blackhawk Performance Center in Columbia, Missouri and we are excited to expand those capabilities to another location to reach even more customers.”

Todd Friend will support Hawkins in bolstering sales in the role of sales manager. He most recently served as manager for Teton Aviation Center in Driggs, Idaho.

“I'm thrilled to join the team at Blackhawk and continue to help drive innovation in the aviation industry,” says Friend. “I look forward to working with our experienced and engaged team to provide comprehensive solutions to our current and future customers.”