French manufacturer Daher has shown its new TBM 960, the latest version of the TBM single-engine turboprop. The 960 is also the launch aircraft for Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new PT6E-66XT engine which has a fully digital e-throttle.
“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 of Daher’s TBM family 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 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 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.
TBM 960 Fast Facts
Engine P&W Canada PT6E-66XT turboprop, nominal power 850 shp
Usable fuel capacity 292 US gal. 1,106 litres
Performance (ISA conditions, MTOW, no wind,)
Maximum cruise speed at long-range settings 252 KTAS 467 km/h
Maximum cruise speed at 28,000 ft. 330 KTAS 611 km/h
Time-to climb to 31,000 ft. 18 min. 45 sec
Certified ceiling 31,000 ft. 9,449 m
Takeoff dist 2,535 ft. 773 m
Landing dist 2,430 ft. 741 m
Range (Max. range with max. fuel (ISA, MTOW, no wind, one pilot, 45 min fuel reserve) @ 31,000 ft
252 KTAS cruise speed 1,730 NM 3,204 km
308 KTAS cruise speed 1,585 NM 2,935 km
326 KTAS cruise speed 1,440 NM 2,666 km
Dimensions
Maximum cabin width 3 ft. 11.64 in. 1.21 m
Maximum cabin length 13 ft. 3.45 in. 4.05 m
Maximum cabin height 4 ft. 1.22 m
Maximum volume in cabin 123 cu. ft. 3.5 cu. m
Loading
Basic empty weight with Prestige package 4,806 lb. 2,180 kg
Maximum ramp weight (MRW) 7,650 lb. 3,470 kg
Maximum takeoff weight 7,615 lb. 3,454 kg
Maximum zero fuel weight 6,252 lb. 2,836 kg
Maximum payload 1,446 lb. 656 kg
Maximum payload with full fuel: 888 lb. 403 kg
Maximum luggage in storage areas (4 seats) 507 lb. 230 kg
Maximum luggage in storage areas (6 seats) 330 lb. 150 kg.
Suggested prices for a TBM 960 delivered in 2022
TBM 960 standard equipped price $4,565,789
TBM 960 with Prestige package $4,778,964