Having ideas how to make aircraft quieter and more efficient, MT-Propeller has taken the Piper M500 Meridian as a new programme, replacing the original PT6A-42A engine with a PT6A-135A engine. Initial flight test data show more or less the same performance, reduced noise with a maximum propeller rpm of 1,900 and an increased range of:

(Maximum range with maximum fuel (ISA, MTOW, no wind, one pilot, 45 minute fuel reserve): 203 kts cruise speed: 1,340 nm (2,479 km) at 30,000 ft; 203 kts cruise speed: 1,290 nm (2,387 km) at 28,000 ft; 240 kts cruise speed: 1,160 nm (2,146 km) at 28,000 ft; and 258 kts cruise speed: 960 nm (1,776 km) at 25,000 ft.

The flight tests were performed with a five-bladed MTV-27 Quiet Fan Jet propeller, which is already certified on the original Piper Meridian and can be used also, if already installed, on this conversion.

Maintenance costs will be reduced by installing the new engine.

Changing the engine family from the mid-size category to the small-size makes an impressive difference to operating costs. Direct costs per mileage will be similar to the PA46- 350P Lycoming piston engine-powered Piper Mirage, but with a top speed of up to 260 kts at 30,000 ft.

EASA certification is planned for second quarter of 2024 with the FAA STC following.

MT-Propeller is a leading natural composite propeller manufacturer with 30 propeller models from two-blade to seven-blade hydraulically controlled variable pitch propellers for engines producing up to 5,000hp, and two-blade to four-blade electrically controlled variable pitch propellers for engines producing up to 350hp as well as two blade fixed pitch propellers.

The high performance, light weight and durable MT-Propellers can be used on aircraft with piston engines and propeller turbines, as well as on airships, wind tunnels or hovercraft. MT-Propellers can be developed for nearly every aircraft type from motor gliders to regional airliners.

Fulfilling the highest certifications requirements, they are also supplemental type certified on Part 25 aircraft.

MT-Propeller is the holder of over 220 STCs worldwide and the OEM supplier for more than 90 per cent of the European aircraft industry as well as 30 per cent of the US aircraft industry. More than 28,000 propeller systems with over 100,000 blades are in service, and 180 million fleet hours have been performed on MT-Propellers. With the longest industry TBO of 4,500 hours or six years for the five-bladed turbo prop MT-Propeller has proven the reliability of its products over the years.

A factory certified network of 62 service centres provides best service and maintenance all over the world.