Twin Commander owners who have been taking a look at boosting the climb, cruise, and fuel efficiency of their Honeywell TPE331-5-powered aircraft by upgrading the engines to Dash 10T configuration need look no longer. Twin Commander Aircraft, in collaboration with Twin Commander authorized Dash 10T installation service centers, Standard Aero, and Honeywell, is offering a limited-time discount on the conversion.
The special price for the complete two-engine conversion, including removal of the engines from the aircraft, upgrading the turbine sections with Dash 10T components and other engine modifications inherent in the conversion, upgrading the airframe with new parts to accommodate the reworked engines and, finally, installation of the Dash 10T powerplants, is $530,000 for 690A and B models. (Owners of Dash-5-powered 690C and D models should call for a price quote.) That is a $100,000 discount — about 16% — off the normal price of the Dash 10T conversion for the A/B, according to company officials.
“We are able to offer this special pricing because of the desire of all of the partners involved to help 690-series owners and operators take the step up to Dash 10T power and enjoy all of the benefits the conversion offers,” explained Twin Commander Aircraft President Matt Isley. The discount offer is valid only for a limited number of customers, according to Isley. “We expect strong response, but we can’t extend the program indefinitely. It’s first come, first served,” he said.
The Dash 10T offers greater performance because the upgraded hot section results in a nearly 20% higher thermodynamic rating than the Dash 5 version of the engine. That means the Dash 10T can maintain maximum flat-rated power to about 16,000 feet compared to about 6,000 feet for the Dash 5, and cruise at 300-plus knots compared to about 275, company officials said, adding the Dash 10T has better fuel specifics compared to the Dash 5 for even better fuel efficiency.
Dash 10T components are manufactured by Honeywell, which licenses the conversion of Dash 5 engines to Dash 10T specification to Standard Aero. Twin Commander Aircraft provides the airframe conversion kit, and Twin Commander authorized Dash 10T service centers remove the Dash 5 engines on customer aircraft, install the conversion kits, and reinstall the upgraded Dash 10T powerplants.
For more information: Twin Commander Aircraft.
