Number 35 of 100 in 100, the Piper PA-46 🛩️
Conceptualization:
Work on the Piper PA-46 began in the late 1970s, in response to a need for high-performance, pressurized single-engine aircraft. At that time, pilots and aviation enthusiasts were seeking a versatile aircraft capable of both long-range travel and high-altitude operations. Consumer demand was shifting towards aircraft that combined the comfort and efficiency of larger planes with the operational advantages of single-engine designs. The need for a reliable, well-equipped aircraft to serve personal and small business aviation led Piper Aircraft to develop the PA-46 series, addressing these evolving demands and setting the stage for a new category of high-performance general aviation aircraft.
Original Design:
The original Piper PA-46-310P Malibu, introduced in 1983, featured a distinctive design aimed at delivering both performance and comfort. It was equipped with a pressurized cabin, which was a standout feature for its time, allowing for high-altitude flight and greater comfort on longer trips. The aircraft was powered by a Continental TSIO-520-BE engine, boasting lower fuel consumption and greater range. These design elements catered specifically to the needs of pilots seeking a high-performance, long-range aircraft for personal use or small business travel.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - David Lednicer
Principal Designer:
The Piper PA-46 series was developed under the guidance of Piper Aircraft's engineering team. Before the PA-46, Piper Aircraft had introduced successful models such as the Piper Navajo and the Piper Cherokee. After the PA-46, the design team's focus shifted to refining the Malibu series and developing newer models like the Piper Meridian and M-Class series, continuing their legacy of innovation in general aviation. In fact, a high performance version of the M600, the M700 Fury was announced in February of this year.
Production Run:
Production of the Piper PA-46 began with the PA-46-310P Malibu in 1983 and continued until 1988 when it was replaced by the PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage. The production of the Mirage spanned from 1989 to 2009, with significant updates throughout its lifecycle. Over this period, Piper produced several variants of the PA-46, including the PA-46-500TP Malibu Meridian and the later M-Class models.
Evolution:
The Piper PA-46 underwent several significant evolutions. The transition from the original PA-46-310P Malibu to the PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage brought improvements such as a more powerful engine, changing from a Continental TSIO-520-BE with 310 horsepower to a TSIO-540-AE2A with 350 horsepower. The introduction of the PA-46-500TP Malibu Meridian in 2000 marked the addition of a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A turboprop engine and further upgrades in avionics. The series evolved into the M-Class models starting in 2015, incorporating advanced features such as the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and enhanced safety systems. These continuous improvements have ensured that the PA-46 remains at the forefront of single-engine aircraft technology.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Tommy Desmet Photography
Specifications:
Piper PA-46 M350 Specifications
General Characteristics
- Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft
- Model: PA-46 M350
- Type: Single-engine, piston-powered, pressurized light aircraft
- Crew: 1 (pilot)
- Passengers: 5
- Length: 28.11 ft (8.56 m)
- Wingspan: 43.0 ft (13.11 m)
- Height: 11.3 ft (3.44 m)
- Wing Area: 178.6 sq ft (16.60 m²)
- Cabin Dimensions:
- Cabin Length: 12.3 ft (3.75 m)
- Cabin Width: 4.1 ft (1.25 m)
- Cabin Height: 3.7 ft (1.14 m)
- Empty Weight: 3,436 lbs (1,559 kg)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 4,340 lbs (1,969 kg)
- Useful Load: 1,170 lbs (531 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: 120 gallons (454 liters) usable
- Baggage Capacity: 100 lbs (45 kg)
Performance
- Engine: Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A
- Power Output: 350 horsepower
- Maximum Cruise Speed: 213 knots (246 mph, 395 km/h) at 25,000 feet
- Economy Cruise Speed: 201 knots (231 mph, 372 km/h) at 17,500 feet
- Range:
- Max Range with 45-min Reserve: 1,343 nautical miles (1,545 miles, 2,488 km) at 55% power
- Typical Range: 1,000 nautical miles (1,150 miles, 1,852 km)
- Service Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 m)
- Rate of Climb: 1,240 feet per minute (6.3 m/s)
- Takeoff Distance:
- Ground Roll: 1,087 ft (331 m)
- Over 50-ft Obstacle: 2,090 ft (637 m)
- Landing Distance:
- Ground Roll: 1,020 ft (311 m)
- Over 50-ft Obstacle: 2,438 ft (743 m)
- Stall Speed: 58 knots (67 mph, 107 km/h)
Avionics
- Avionics Suite: Garmin G1000 NXi
- Standard Equipment:
- Dual AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System)
- Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT)
- GFC 700 Autopilot with Enhanced Autopilot Flight Control System
- Flight Stream 510 Connectivity
- ADS-B In/Out
- Electronic Stability Protection (ESP)
- Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)
- Hypoxia Recognition with Automatic Descent Mode
Comparison with Competitors
Beechcraft Bonanza G36
- Engine: Continental IO-550-B, 300 horsepower
- Maximum Cruise Speed: 176 knots (202 mph, 326 km/h)
- Range: 920 nautical miles (1,060 miles, 1,704 km)
- Service Ceiling: 18,500 feet (5,639 m)
- Useful Load: 1,146 lbs (520 kg)
- Avionics: Garmin G1000 NXi (similar to the M350)
- Notable Differences: The Bonanza G36 offers slightly less power and range compared to the M350 and lacks pressurization, making the PA-46 M350 more suitable for high-altitude flights.
Cessna TTx
- Engine: Continental TSIO-550-C, 310 horsepower
- Maximum Cruise Speed: 235 knots (270 mph, 435 km/h)
- Range: 1,250 nautical miles (1,438 miles, 2,315 km)
- Service Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 m)
- Useful Load: 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
- Avionics: Garmin G2000 with GFC 700 autopilot
- Notable Differences: The TTx, while faster and with comparable range, was discontinued in 2018. It is also unpressurized, which limits its high-altitude comfort compared to the M350.
Summary of Comparisons
- Performance: The Piper PA-46 M350 offers a blend of high performance and comfort, with a pressurized cabin that sets it apart from many competitors in its class. While the Cessna TTx is faster, it does not offer the same level of high-altitude comfort.
- Range: The M350 has a competitive range, comparable to the Cessna TTx, and better than the Beechcraft Bonanza G36.
- Avionics and Safety: The M350's Garmin G1000 NXi suite, combined with safety features like hypoxia recognition and automatic descent, provides advanced safety and operational capabilities that are highly valued by pilots.
- Overall Utility: The M350 is a well-rounded aircraft, particularly for pilots and owners who prioritize comfort during long flights at high altitudes, making it a top choice in the high-performance piston-engine market.
Performance:
Piper PA-46 M350 Performance Envelope
V-Speeds (Speeds in Knots Indicated Airspeed - KIAS)
- V_NE (Never Exceed Speed): 198 KIAS
- V_NO (Maximum Structural Cruising Speed): 168 KIAS
- V_A (Maneuvering Speed)
- Full Gross Weight: 132 KIAS
- Lighter Weights: Decreases with weight, down to 112 KIAS at minimum weight
- V_FE (Maximum Flap Extended Speed)
- 10° Flaps: 121 KIAS
- Full Flaps (40°): 102 KIAS
- V_LE (Maximum Landing Gear Extended Speed): 168 KIAS
- V_LO (Maximum Landing Gear Operating Speed)
- Extension: 168 KIAS
- Retraction: 129 KIAS
- V_S1 (Stall Speed in Clean Configuration): 67 KIAS
- V_SO (Stall Speed in Landing Configuration): 58 KIAS
- V_X (Best Angle of Climb Speed): 90 KIAS
- V_Y (Best Rate of Climb Speed): 110 KIAS
- V_YSE (Best Single-Engine Rate of Climb Speed): 110 KIAS
G-Load Limitations
- Flaps Up
- Positive G Limit: +3.8g
- Negative G Limit: -1.52g
- Flaps Down
- Positive G Limit: +2.0g
- Negative G Limit: 0g
Approved Maneuvers
- Normal Category: The PA-46 M350 is approved for the following maneuvers under normal category operations:
- Steep Turns: Up to 60° bank angle.
- Lazy Eights: Gentle, coordinated maneuver involving a series of 180° turns with climbing and descending arcs.
- Chandelles: Maximum performance 180° climbing turn to gain altitude at the expense of airspeed.
- Stalls: Power-on and power-off stalls for training purposes.
- Spins: Intentional spins are not approved. The aircraft is designed to resist spinning, and pilots are trained to recover from an inadvertent spin promptly.
- Unusual Attitude Recoveries: Approved as part of emergency training but within the normal category’s operational limits.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Bill Shull Photography
Safety Record:
The Piper PA-46 has a solid safety record, though it has faced some challenges over the years. Early models experienced issues with engine reliability, which were addressed in later iterations with more robust engines and improved systems. Pressurization system failures have been noted in some incidents, leading to the introduction of enhanced safety features in newer models. Pilot proficiency remains crucial, as the PA-46's high-performance nature demands skilled operation. Comparatively, the PA-46’s safety record is strong within its category, particularly with the ongoing improvements in newer models.
Acquisition Cost:
Originally, the Piper PA-46-310P Malibu was priced around $275,000 in the early 1980s, with the cost often exceeding $320,000 with options. Adjusted for inflation, that would be between approximately $800,000 to $900,000 in today’s dollars. Currently, used PA-46 models vary widely in price: earlier models range from $300,000 to $400,000, while newer Malibu Mirage and M350 models can fetch between $500,000 and $1.4 million. This reflects the aircraft’s sustained value and the advancements made in its newer variants.
Conclusion:
The Piper PA-46 stands as a testament to Piper Aircraft's ability to adapt and innovate in the competitive landscape of general aviation. From its initial introduction in the early 1980s, the PA-46 has evolved through several iterations, each incorporating significant advancements in engine performance, avionics, and safety features. Whether in its original Malibu form or the modern M350 and M600 models, the PA-46 has consistently offered pilots a versatile, high-performance aircraft capable of long-range travel, high-altitude operations, and luxurious comfort. The Piper PA-46 continues to be a top choice for pilots looking for a sophisticated, capable, and comfortable aircraft for both personal and business use.
Photo Credit: airliners.net - Tamas Kolos-Lakatos
Bibliography:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
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