I’m not certain how many of you are acquainted with the name Piper Aircraft. It is one of the oldest manufacturers of general aviation planes, established in 1927 in the United States, nearly a century ago. It has produced a wide variety of fixed-wing aircraft throughout the years, and currently offers a lineup of 11 models that cater to the needs of customers in the business, training, and personal sectors.
Until this week, Piper’s business plane lineup consisted of two products, namely the M350 and M500. However, a brand new variation known as the M700 has just been introduced, marking the beginning of a new generation of M-class Piper planes.
The M700 is a plane capable of accommodating up to six passengers, as long as they and their luggage do not exceed the maximum take-off weight of 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg). This feat is made possible by the engines supplied by Pratt & Whitney Canada.
The plane captured our attention when the engine manufacturer announced that the PT6A-52 powerplant would be utilized to propel the aircraft. This is a significant milestone, as it is the first time this particular engine has been employed to drive a single-engine turboprop.
The decision to partner with Pratt & Whitney as an engine supplier is not surprising, considering that more than 2,000 Piper aircraft currently utilize their engines for propulsion.
In the case of the M700 Fury, the PT6A-52 engine generates 700 shaft horsepower, enabling the aircraft to reach altitudes of up to 24,000 feet (7,315 meters). It allows the plane to take off in as little as 1,994 feet (608 meters) and climb at a rate of 2,000 feet (609 meters) per minute, a capability that is not common among aircraft of this type. In fact, it is 25 percent better than what other Piper planes offer.
With its Pratt & Whitney engine, the Fury can achieve a maximum speed of 301 knots (346 mph/557 kph). While not exceptionally fast, it is still sufficient to transport passengers to their destinations in a timely manner. These figures also establish the Fury as the fastest aircraft of its kind in Piper’s lineup.
Piper has already included the plane on its website, although no pricing information is provided. However, there is a hint that the M700 Fury will be priced $1 million lower than its closest competitor.
Furthermore, the plane’s aesthetic is quite impressive. When properly customized, it exudes a World War II fighter aircraft vibe, effectively diverting attention away from the sleek and attractive vertical take-off and landing aircraft that are often featured in the media.