Piper PA-46
PA–46 / M–Class | |
---|---|
PA–46–500TP Malibu Meridian | |
Role | Light aircraft |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft |
First flight | 30 November 1979 |
Status | In production |
Produced | 1979—present |
The Piper M–Class (PA–46; formerly called the Malibu, Malibu Mirage, Malibu Meridian, and Matrix) is a family of American light aircraft manufactured by Piper Aircraft of Vero Beach, Florida. The aircraft are powered by single engines and have six seats. Twentieth century production of the class was all piston engined (now M350; formerly Malibu, Malibu Mirage), but turboprop versions called the M500 (formerly Malibu Meridian) and M600 are now also available.[1][2]
The M350 is the only pressurized piston engined airplane in current production, as of 2024, allowing it an extended range (1,343 nmi) versus the majority of its certified light aircraft peers in addition to a more comfortable cabin experience. It is recognized as one of the safest single-engines to fly by the airplane insurance industry.[3]
FAA certification of the PA–46 Malibu came in 1983, and the aircraft family has seen continuous production for more than four decades since. An updated version of the Malibu called the Malibu Mirage (now M350) replaced its Continental engine with a more reliable (and powerful) Lycoming in 1988. Certification of a turboprop version called the Malibu Meridian (now M500) came in 2000. An unpressurized PA–46, the Matrix, was produced from 2008 to 2015. An extended range version of the M500, called the M600, began production in 2016. A high-performance version of the M600, the M700 Fury, was announced in February 2024.[4]
Development
Work on the PA-46 began in the late 1970s,
Variants
PA-46-310P Malibu
The original Malibu was the third pressurized piston airplane in existence, after the
The PA-46-310P is powered by a
The PA-46-310P Malibu has set several world speed records: Seattle to New York set November 23, 1987 at 259.27 mph (417 km/h); Detroit to Washington, DC set January 4, 1989 at 395.96 mph (637 km/h); and Chicago to Toronto set on January 8, 1989, at 439.13 mph (707 km/h). All three records were set by Steve Stout in his 1986 Malibu N9114B.[8]
The Continental TSIO-520-BE powered Malibu was discontinued in 1988 following a series of incidents and accidents attributed to engine failures. One such accident resulted in a settlement in which Teledyne Continental Motors paid $32,125,000 to a pilot injured in the crash of a Malibu.[9]
PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage
Production of the Malibu Mirage commenced in October 1988 for the 1989 model year. New features included a more powerful Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A 350 hp (260 kW) engine and a new wing. Various changes have occurred over the model years. Earlier models had an all-King panel and later this became largely Garmin, the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit is now standard.
In 1995, the pilot's windshield became a glass assembly (earlier it had been
PA-46-500TP Malibu Meridian
In 1997, Piper announced its intention to market a turboprop-powered version of the Malibu, and flew a prototype the following year powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A of 500 shp (370 kW). Certification was achieved in September 2000 and deliveries began in November that year. Changes made to allow for turboprop power include larger wings and tail surfaces. In 2009, Piper began offering the Meridian with a three-screen version of the Garmin G1000 including the Garmin GFC 700 autopilot as a replacement for the Avidyne Entegra system.
Piper added wing root filets to increase wing area and 342 lb (155 kg) of fuel capacity, a larger tailplane and reinforced wing spar and landing gear to raise MTOW to 4,850 lb (2,200 kg) then 5,092 lb (2,310 kg) from 2003. For a 1,000 nmi (1,900 km) trip, block fuel is 985 lb (447 kg) at 233 kn (432 km/h) block speed, while its maximum cruise speed is 260 kn (480 km/h).[10]
Piper M-Class
Piper Aircraft no longer refers to their top-of-the-line aircraft with the names Malibu, Malibu Mirage or Malibu Meridian. The PA-46 line of aircraft, as of 2024, is now referred to as the Piper M-Class. The M350, M500, M600 and the newest M700 make up the M-Class line.
M350
The M350 is an updated version of the Mirage and is recognized as one of the safest single-engines by the airplane insurance industry.[3]
The M350 is fitted with the same 350 hp (261 kW) turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A engine and
M500
The M500 is an updated version of the Meridian. It also has the updated Garmin G1000 NXi flight system, like the M350. The G1000 NXi system includes an automatic wings-level function and control override to prevent exceeding the plane's flight envelope. Its purpose is to maintain a safe, stable flight condition in the case of pilot disorientation or incapacitation.[14] The safety feature is called Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP). The M500 also has
M600
In 2015, Piper introduced the M600, as an upgrade to the M500. The M600 has 600 hp (447 kW). The new M600 is equipped with the Garmin G3000, a new wing and more fuel capacity. The aircraft is more capable than the M500, as the M600 has greater range and a slightly higher top speed.[16] It has anti-hypoxia tools like in the M350.[17]
It received its FAA certification on June 18, 2016. Its
Between June 2016 and March 2018, 50 have been delivered, mostly in the U.S. and mostly are owner-flown. It offers nearly the range of the
Starting in 2020, Piper offered an
Offered for $170,000 including extra equipment, it provides access to more than 9,000 runways over 4,500 ft (1,400 m).[22] Transport Canada granted approval for the HALO system on August 3, 2023.[23]PA-46R-350T Matrix
In October 2007 Piper announced the Matrix, an unpressurized version of the Mirage. The new model was designated as the PA-46R-350T, indicating retractable landing gear, 350 horsepower (260 kW), and turbocharging.[24]
Piper Aircraft marketed the Matrix as a cabin-class aircraft for
Major options on the Matrix included a de-ice system, an "Enhanced Situational Awareness Package", speed brakes, an
As with the Malibu Mirage, Matrix's powerplant is a turbocharged Lycoming TI0-540-AE2A producing 350 hp (260 kW).[26] The aircraft's performance includes a cruise speed of 215 knots (398 km/h) at 25,000 feet (7,600 m), 215 knots (398 km/h) at 17,500 feet (5,300 m) and 188 knots (348 km/h) at 12,000 feet (3,700 m).[25] Maximum takeoff weight is 4,340 lb (1,969 kg) and an empty weight of 2,937 lb (1,332 kg) giving a standard useful load of 1,421 lb (645 kg)).[26]
Matrix deliveries began in early 2008.[25] Production ended in 2015.
JetPROP
The JetPROP is an aftermarket turbine engine conversion for the PA-46-310P Malibu and PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage offered by Rocket Engineering of
ZeroAvia HyFlyer
Production
Model / Year | 2000[31] | 2001[32] | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016[33] | 2017[34] | 2018 | 2019[35] | 2020[36] | 2021[37] | 2022[38] | Totals |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M600 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 22 | 35 | 38 | 24 | 36 | 39 | 41 | 235 |
M500 (Malibu Meridian) |
18 | 98 | 25 | 24 | 26 | 40 | 49 | 53 | 52 | 29 | 25 | 32 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 27 | 12 | 12 | 18 | 20 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 695 |
M350 (Malibu Mirage) |
63 | 10 | 19 | 7 | 15 | 11 | 31 | 30 | 21 | 7 | 26 | 33 | 49 | 42 | 37 | 34 | 26 | 9 | 20 | 21 | 15 | 19 | 19 | 564 |
Matrix | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 101 | 33 | 23 | 17 | 12 | 16 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | 215 |
All | 81 | 108 | 44 | 31 | 41 | 51 | 80 | 83 | 174 | 69 | 74 | 82 | 93 | 92 | 84 | 63 | 60 | 56 | 76 | 65 | 58 | 65 | 69 | 1699 |
Accidents and incidents
As of January 2019[update], 225 accidents had been reported in the
On 21 January 2019, a 1984 PA-46-310P travelling from
Specifications
Model | Matrix[43] | M350[44] | M500[45] | M600[46] | M700[47] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seating | 6 | ||||
Cabin Volume | 201 cu ft (5.7 m3) | ||||
Pressurization | 0 | 5.6 psi (0.39 bar) | 5.5 psi (0.38 bar) | ||
Wingspan | 43.0 ft / 13.11 m | 43.2 ft / 13.2 m | |||
Length | 28.11 ft / 8.6 m | 29.6 ft / 9.02 m | 29.7 ft / 9.1 m | ||
Height | 11.3 ft / 3.44 m | 11.5 ft / 3.5 m | |||
MTOW | 4,340 lb / 1,969 kg | 5,092 lb / 2,310 kg | 6,000 lb / 2,721 kg | ||
OEW | 3,003 lb / 1,362 kg | 3,050 lb / 1,383 kg | 3,436 lb / 1,559 kg | 3,650 lb / 1,656 kg | 3,730 lb / 1,692 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 120 USgal / 454 L | 170 USgal / 644 L | 260 USgal / 984 L | ||
Constant-speed propeller
|
3 blade | 4 blade feathering, reversible | 5 blade, reversible | ||
Engine | Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A | Pratt & Whitney PT6A -42A
|
PT6A-52 | ||
Power | 350 hp (260 kW) | 500 hp (370 kW) | 600 hp (450 kW) | 700 hp (520 kW) | |
Maximum cruise | 213 kt / 395 km/h | 260 ktas / 482 km/h | 274 ktas / 507 km/h | 301 ktas / 557 km/h | |
Ceiling | 25,000 ft / 7,620 m | 30,000 ft / 9,144 m | |||
Range (45 minute reserve) | 1,343 nm / 2,487 km | 1,000 nm / 1,852 km | 1,484 nm / 2,668 km | 1,424 nmi (2,637 km)[48] | |
Takeoff (50 ft obstacle) | 2,090 ft / 637 m | 2,438 ft / 743 m | 2,635 ft / 803 m | 1,994 ft / 607 m | |
Landing (50 ft obstacle) | 1968 ft / 600 m | 2,110 ft / 643 m | 2,659 ft / 810 m | 1,950 ft / 594 m |
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
- Cessna 210
- Extra EA-400
- Extra EA-500
- Mooney Rocket 305
- SOCATA TBM
References
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration (October 2010). "Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A25SO" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 21, 2011. Retrieved March 14, 2011.
- ^ "Piper Launches New M600 and M350 Models". April 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
- ^ a b Peterson, Benjamin. "Piper M350 Airplane Insurance". Accessed February 1, 2024.
- ^ Julie Boatman. "Piper Lifts the Veil on the M700 Fury, Its Fastest Single Yet". Flying magazine, February 6, 2024. Accessed February 8, 2024.
- ^ Goyer, Robert (August 4, 2011). "Piper Malibu: A New Airplane for a New Day". Flying. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
- ^ "Piper PA-46 Light Sport Aircraft". Aerospace technology. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
- ^ "Aircraft Information: Piper PA-46 Malibu/Malibu Mirage". Airliners.net.
- ^ "Magazine" (PDF). Malibu/Mirage Owners & Pilots Association. May 1992. pp. 10–11.
- ^ "$32,125,000 Settlement - O'Reilly Collins - Nationwide Personal Injury Lawyers". September 27, 2010. Archived from the original on September 27, 2010. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
- ^ Fred George (April 22, 2019). "Piper Meridian: Cheapest High-Performance Single-Engine Turboprop" (PDF). Business & Commercial Aviation. p. 66. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 27, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
- ^ "Piper Launches Three New M-Class Models, Including a New Turboprop". avweb.com. Aviation Publishing Group. April 13, 2015. Retrieved April 15, 2015.
- ^ "Specs & Performance – Piper". Piper.com. Retrieved September 20, 2015.
- ^ "Piper Launches M600 and M350". Flyingmag.com. April 14, 2015. Retrieved September 20, 2015.
- ^ "New Meridian: Piper updates pressurized turbine single". AOPA. January 27, 2015.
- ^ Robert Goyer (April 6, 2015). "We Fly: Piper Meridian M500". Flying.
- ^ Whitfield, Bethany (April 14, 2015). "Piper Launches M600 and M350". Flying.
- ^ "Video: Piper's New M600 Shows at Sun 'n Fun". avweb. April 21, 2015.
- ^ Matt Thurber (June 20, 2016). "Piper M600 Receives FAA Certification". Aviation International News.
- ^ Fred George (March 23, 2018). "Piper M600: Sweet Spot On The Price Vs. Performance Curve". Business & Commercial Aviation.
- ^ Anglisano, Larry (October 30, 2019). "Garmin's New Emergency Autoland". AVweb.
- ^ "Piper Announces New M600 SLS". Piper. October 30, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
- ^ Fred George (October 30, 2019). "Flying Garmin's New Emergency Autoland". Business & Commercial Aviation.
- ^ Phelps, Mark (August 8, 2023). "Piper M600/SLS HALO Autoland Now Approved In Canada". AVweb. Archived from the original on August 9, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
- ^ a b Robert Goyer: "Piper Matrix" Flying March 2008, page 56. Hachette Filipacchi Media USA Inc.
- ^ a b c d e Flying Editors: "Matrix: Cabin-Class Comfort for Less" Flying. January 2008, page 19. Hachette Filipacchi Media USA Inc.
- ^ a b Piper Aircraft (n.d.). "Matrix Price & Standard Equipment". Archived from the original on December 13, 2007. Retrieved December 13, 2007.
- ^ JetPROP, LLC (2008). "About JetPROP". Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
- ^ Tony Osborne (September 30, 2019). "The Week In Technology, Sept. 30-Oct. 4, 2019". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
- ISSN 0306-5634.
- ^ "General aviation statistical databook & 2016 industry outlook" (PDF). General aviation manufacturers association. 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 7, 2016.
- ^ "General Aviation Shipment Report 2000" (PDF). GAMA. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ "Revised General Aviation Shipment Report 2001" (PDF). GAMA. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ "General Aviation Shipment Report 2016" (PDF). GAMA. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
- ^ "General Aviation Shipment Report 2017" (PDF). GAMA. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
- ^ "General Aviation Shipment Report 2019" (PDF). GAMA. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
- ^ "General Aviation Shipment Report 2020" (PDF). GAMA. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
- ^ "General Aviation Shipment Report 2021" (PDF). GAMA. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
- ^ "General Aviation Shipment Report 2022" (PDF). GAMA. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- Aviation Safety Network. January 22, 2019.
- ^ "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 220997". Aviation Safety Network. January 21, 2019.
- ^ "Emiliano Sala: Missing Premier League footballer's plane found". MSN. February 4, 2019. Archived from the original on February 4, 2019. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
- ^ "Emiliano Sala: Body identified as footballer". BBC News. February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
- ^ "Matrix Specifications & performance". Piper.
- ^ "M350 Specifications & performance". Piper.
- ^ "M500 Specifications & performance". Piper.
- ^ "M600 Specifications & performance". Piper.
- ^ "M700 Brochure" (PDF). Piper. 2024.
- ^ "Piper Announces the M700 FURY" (Press release). Piper. February 6, 2024.
External links
- Matrix
- M350
- M500
- M600
- "The Piper Meridian". Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. July 2012.
- James Wynbrandt (October 17, 2015). "Pilot Report: Piper PA-46 M500". Aviation International News.
- "Flight Test: Why top-of-the-range M600 is in tune with market demand". Flight Global. September 5, 2016.
- Fred George (August 25, 2016). "Flying Piper's New M600 Turboprop". Business & Commercial Aviation. Aviation Week.
- Matt Thurber (October 4, 2016). "Pilot Report: M600, Piper's Best Performer" (PDF). Aviation International News.
- "Piper PA-46T (M350 / M500 / M600 / Malibu / Matrix /Meridian)". Aviation Week Intelligence Network : Programs.