French manufacturer Daher introduced the TBM 960 during the week, the latest version of its fast single-engined turbo-prop.
Powered by the new Pratt & Whitney PT6E-66XT turbine, the TBM 960 is the fifth version in the evolution of the TBM 900 airframe.
"The TBM 960 is the quintessential TBM, representing the fifth evolution of our very fast turbo-prop aircraft family since the TBM 900-series’ introduction in 2014,” said Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division.
“It takes the maximum advantage of today’s turbo-prop technology to provide digital control of the engine and the propeller.”
The TBM 960 retains the speed of the TBM range but comes with a lower fuel burn than its predecessors. At the recommended cruise setting of 308 KTAS, Daher says the fuel consumption is only 216 lph, which is 10% down on previous models.
At the heart of this latest TBM are the intelligent PT6E-66XT turbine and Hartzell five-blade composite propeller, both of which are linked to a dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS).
With EPECS, the PT6E-66XT’s start-up is fully automated with single-switch activation. The power lever is an e-throttle, using a single forward position from take-off to landing. The EPECS optimises the engine performance throughout the flight envelope.
The TBM 960's avionics are the traditional G3000 with the added feature of a GWX 8000 doppler weather radar.
Daher expects to make the first TBM 960 deliveries in the first half of this year.
More information is on the Daher TBM website.