Daher announced improvements to the Kodiak 100 on the opening day of Sun ‘n Fun. In addition to the enhancements made to the Kodiak 100, Daher debuted the Kodiak 900 for the first time at Sun ‘n Fun.
Senior VP of Daher’s Aircraft Division Nicholas Chabbert
Five-blade Hartzell prop
A five-blade composite propeller option is now available from Hartzell Propeller for the Kodiak 100, either for a new-production aircraft or a retrofit. The option enhances the turboprop-powered Kodiak and improves sustainability and performance capability. The new propeller configuration will be 6.3 dB quieter and 13 lbs lighter than the current four-blade metal propeller version. The new enhancements will reduce the takeoff roll for the aircraft by six percent at maximum gross weight.
At maximum torque, the propeller turns at 2,000 rpm, which runs 200 rpm slower than the current prop configuration. The new propeller will reduce vibration aboard the aircraft and will lower the Kodiak 100’s flyover noise to 77 dB(A) below the European EASA and German LBA authority’s 78 dB(A) requirement.
“As an already-recognized reference in the STOL and multi-mission categories, the Kodiak 100 will be even more capable and quieter with the Hartzell five-blade composite propeller option,” Senior VP of Daher’s Aircraft Division Nicholas Chabbert said.
Hartzell created the new propeller for use on the Kodiak 100 and it incorporated the company’s lightweight Raptor hub technology. The propeller has a 96-inch diameter and a ground clearance of 19 inches. This new propeller can retain the Kodiak 100’s ability to operate from unprepared strips. It will be available as an option for new-production Kodiak 100 Series III aircraft with deliveries beginning in June. Retrofit options are offered through the Hartzell Top Prop program.
Garmin G1000 retrofit
Daher and Garmin have announced the G1000 NXI integrated flight deck retrofit for earlier-production Kodiak 100s. The upgrade will be available through the Garmin dealer network, Daher-operated maintenance facilities and Kodiak Authorized Service Centers.
Some of the features of the G1000 include SurfaceWatch runway monitoring technology, geographical map overlay with the HIS (horizon situation indicator), wireless cockpit connectivity through the Flight Stream 510 multi-media memory card, and visual approach capability for autopilot-coupled glide paths to pilot-selectable minimums. The GTX 345R Transponder is included in the upgrade package and the G1000 NXi system offers benefits ADS-B “In.”
“Bringing the modern G1000 NXi integrated flight deck to the Kodiak 100 is fully aligned with Daher’s strategy of serving our customers with upgrades and enhancements throughout the life of their aircraft,” Chabbert said.
“We are excited about bringing this modern integrated flight deck to earlier Kodiak 100s,” Garmin’s VP of Aviation Sales and Marketing Carl Wolf said. “The G1000 NXi offers leading-edge capabilities and significant upgrades that will help pilots fly safer and reach their destinations easier.”
The retrofit kit’s recommended price is $62,995 and are expected to begin shipping in Q3 2023.
Kodiak 100 Series III
The Series III has the same interior and seating as the Kodiak 900. It has a larger tire size of 29 inches and an increased landing weight of 7,255 lbs. The turboprop-powered sport and utility aircraft incorporates enhancements and standard features for improved flight safety. It has plug-and-play fitting with aerocet floats. The Series III can be fitted with the Gamin G1000 NXi or retrofitted, including the Garmin 345R transponder.
Kodiak 900 Sun ‘n Fun debut
The Kodiak 900 made its debut at Sun ‘n Fun 2023. The larger and faster version of the Kodiak 100 was featured at the event ahead of the first production-definition deliveries in the spring.
“With its enlarged cabin, enhanced comfort and excellent efficiency at cruise speed, the Kodiak 900 is introducing a new concept: the ultimate getaway vehicle for owners and pilots upgrading from piston-engine airplanes and looking for more passengers or cargo capacity,” Chabbert said.
The Kodiak 900 inherits many qualities from the Kodiak 100, like its backcountry STOL capabilities. The multi-role airplane takes a further step with its fuselage length extension of 3.9 feet, providing passengers more room and more cargo space. The cruise speed increase to 210 KTAS is no false advertisement, offering a faster and bigger alternative to the already proven Kodiak 100. The plane offers a useful load with a range of 1,129 nm.
The engineering department at Daher added numerous updates to the aircraft to reduce the aerodynamic drag, like redesigned ducts, inlets and air intakes. The cargo pod is also an option on the Kodiak 100 but has been aerodynamically redesigned for the Kodiak 900. The pilot’s entry step also includes a foldable ladder as standard equipment. Flap wings have been covered and wheel fairings have been added to the landing gear.
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Because of the many enhancements, the operating economics for the Kodiak 900 have been improved. There was a five percent reduction in specific fuel consumption from the Kodiak 100, almost double digits when compared to competitors. The cost-per-seat-mile and the direct operating costs have been lowered for commercial operators as well.
“This is an aircraft capable of more with the same amount of fuel,” Chabbert said.
Production is underway in Sandpoint, Idaho. It has received FAA certification and EASA certification is expected soon.
Turboprop-powered TBM 960
One year after unveiling the TBM 960 at the 2022 Sun ‘n Fun, Daher returned to the airshow with an order book exceeding two years of production for the single-engine turboprop aircraft.
The model displayed at Sun n’ Fun 2023 features a “Sirocco” paint scheme and includes black mask highlighting around the cockpit windows and a bold blue color.
“The TBM 960 has surpassed all previous sales records, confirming the capabilities of digital power for this latest high-end member of our TBM 900-series aircraft family,” Chabbert said. “The owners and operators give high marks for its superior piloting experience, high level of safety and increased cabin comfort, as well as the enhanced efficiency and sustainability.”
To date, it has sold nearly 60 worldwide, with the majority delivered to North American customers. The Model Year 2023 TBM 960’s Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck is enhanced with updated software. Daher has continued to focus on ergonomics for operational safety and situational awareness, including a control yoke activation button for the Garmin Electronic Checklists and the repositioning of the altimeter setting button.
Important features include the new PT6E-66XT turboprop engine, purpose-built by Pratt & Whitney Canada for the TBM 960. The Hartzell five-blade composite propeller with the Raptor lightweight hub is another notable feature. Both the engine and the propeller system are linked to the TBM 960’s dual-channel digital engine and propeller electronic control system (EPECS). With the EPECS, the PT6E-66XT’s startup is fully automated after a single-switch activation. The cockpit’s power lever cn become an e-throttle., only using a single forward position from takeoff to landing.
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The EPECS can optimize the powerplant performance throughout the flight envelope while still reducing pilot workload and integrating functions while protecting the engine life. The Hartzell propeller can be fully integrated into the aircraft propulsion system. It is designed to reduce overall weight and improve takeoff distance, climb and cruise speed. The new propeller can contribute to reducing noise for the aircraft during takeoff to just 76.4 decibels.
Daher has delivered 1,132 TBMs in the 12 different versions, with 80 percent delivered to owners based in the United States. Daher’s Aircraft Division coordinates a presence in the North American market and through its support facilities located across the U.S.
Sustainability
The EcoPulse hybrid distributed propulsion demonstrator was developed by DEaher, Safron and Airbus under France’s CORAC program. It is fully integrated with six electric motors. Daher is committed to adding a product line by 2027 and will debut the demonstrator at the Paris Air Show this year. Daher’s new North American headquarters is located in Fort Lauderdale and is currently up and running after the acquisition of the Stuart Aerostructures facility last year.
Daher proudly announced the new enhancements to the Kodiak 100 as well as showed off the Kodiak 900 for the first time at Sun ‘n Fun.
GlobalAir.com complete coverage of Sun ‘N Fun:
Kodiak 100 new prop and updates, Kodiak 900 makes debut at Sun ‘N Fun
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Sun ‘N Fun hosting fly-out to Bahamas after the show ends
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