The TBM 960 manufactured by Daheris a single engine turboprop aircraft capable of carrying up to 5 passengers and 1 pilot in its pressurized cabin. With a PT6E-66XT producing 850 shp upfront. The TBM 960 has a 4 passenger full fuel NBAA IFR range of 1,730 nm and a max cruise speed of 326 knots. The TBM 960 was debuted in commercially on April 5, 2022, at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, replacing the TBM 940 as the “high-end version of” the airplane.

TBM 960 certified to be equipped with the PT6E-66XT. The new PT6E-66XT turboprop engine – purpose-built by Pratt & Whitney Canada for this aircraft, and Hartzell Propeller’s five-blade composite propeller with the Raptor™ lightweight hub. Both the engine and propeller system are linked to the TBM 960’s dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS).

With EPECS, the PT6E-66XT engine’s startup is fully automated after a single-switch activation. The cockpit’s power lever becomes an e-throttle, using a single forward position from takeoff to landing – with the EPECS optimizing powerplant performance throughout the flight envelope while reducing 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 Hartzell propeller is fully integrated into the aircraft’s propulsion system. It is specifically designed to reduce overall weight and improve the TBM 960’s takeoff distance, climb and cruise speed. Turning at 1,925 rpm during maximum power output, the propeller contributes to limiting noise and vibration. Its sound level during takeoff is just 76.4 decibels, meeting the most stringent international noise standards.

The flight deck has the latest Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck, and retains Daher’s “co-pilot” features, including an icing protection system, flight envelope monitoring through the Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) system, and the Under-Speed Protection (USP) protection during the Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) function, as well as retaining the HomeSafe™ emergency autoland system which automatically activates after 30 minutes if there is no pilot interaction with the aircraft’s systems. HomeSafe™ brings the airplane to a runway touchdown if the pilot becomes incapacitated.

In retaining the performance of Daher’s TBM 900-series aircraft, the TBM 960’s digital control enables the pilot to fly with more precise settings. At Daher’s recommended cruise setting of 308 kts., the fuel consumption is only 57 U.S. gallons per hour – providing a 10% improvement in fuel economy versus maximum cruise speed.

TBM 960 is also equipped with the GWX™ 8000 – an advanced Doppler radar with automatic threat analysis. This all-digital weather radar uses StormOptix™ analysis to automatically adjust antenna sweep patterns to accurately profile weather cells. GWX™ 8000 doppler radar features include lightning and hail prediction, turbulence detection, zero blind range for close-in returns, and ground clutter suppression. The aircraft also is the first to utilize Garmin’s next-generation data transmitter for automatic database upload and interconnection with mobil device.

TBM 960’s exterior is a highly visible new feature: the LED nose gear landing light. This high-intensity LED light, with a maximum of 136,295 candela (candlepower), is 2.5 times brighter than previous-generation taxi lights and is particularly useful when taxiing on a dark airfield. Another new functionality for the TBM 960 is the graphical weight and balance presentation on the cockpit’s multifunction display. Additionally, the aircraft’s taxi phase is improved with 3D SafeTaxi – which provides a three-dimensional depiction of the airport environment to assist the pilot in ground maneuvers and airport identification, along with a runway occupancy awareness function.  

Alert messages aimed at increasing the pilot’s awareness include the “Yaw Damper” engagement and “Check Gear” notification, as well as “Propeller Abort” if the propeller is not in the correct configuration. Also, stabilized approach monitoring is strengthened by visual effects on the primary flight display.

Daher’s use of digital power for the TBM 960 extends into the aircraft’s Prestige cabin, featuring an all-new environmental control system produced by Enviro Systems Inc. Other enhancements include LED ambience strip lighting integrated into both sides of the overhead ceiling panel, and electronically-dimmable windows – all controlled by a Passenger Comfort Display (PCD). Other enhancements in the cabin’s style and comfort are ergonomically enhanced seats, USB-A and USB-C power plugs, along with individual cupholders and headset hangers for each occupant.

TBM 960 can accommodate a maximum of 507 lb. of luggage “in storage areas,” a limitation that is reduced to 330 lb. when equipped with six seats