The Blackhawk Group Achieves FAA Approval for XP66D Engine+ Upgrade On Daher TBM 700; First Installation Being Completed in Waco, TX

Waco, TX – October 13, 2025 – The Blackhawk Group (TBG) is proud to announce Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of its highly anticipated XP66D Engine+ Upgrade for the Daher TBM 700 series aircraft. The certification marks a major milestone in expanding Blackhawk’s portfolio of transformative turboprop performance upgrades.

With the aircraft now flying and demonstrating its remarkable performance enhancements, the first XP66D installation is being completed at Blackhawk’s headquarters in Waco, Texas. A second installation is already scheduled to begin at TBG’s AVEX Performance Center in Broomfield, Colorado, highlighting strong early demand for this groundbreaking solution.

The XP66D replaces the original 700-horsepower PT6A-64 engine with the more powerful 850-horsepower PT6A-66D, elevating TBM 700 performance with a 21% increase in shaft horsepower (SHP). Flight testing has shown dramatic results: climb to FL310 is reduced from 28 minutes to just 22 minutes, while maximum cruise speed increases by an average of 25 KTAS, reaching up to 303 KTAS.

“The approval and first installation of the XP66D engine upgrade represents a landmark achievement for Blackhawk and for TBM 700 operators worldwide,” said Edwin Black, President of TBG’s Proprietary Upgrades Division. “By combining our proven expertise in STC development with the unmatched TBM knowledge of our AVEX Performance Centers, we’re delivering a truly transformative upgrade that maximizes the capability and value of the TBM 700.”

In addition to faster climbs and higher speeds, the XP66D upgrade reduces operating costs and increases safety margins through greater available power to altitude. The certification aircraft—a fully refurbished 2004 TBM 700C2—showcases the upgrade along with a modernized Garmin avionics suite, custom paint, and new interior.

For more information about the XP66D Engine+ Upgrade for the TBM 700 series, visit The Blackhawk Group this week at NBAA-BACE, booth #2430, or online at blackhawkgroup.aero.