Piper Aircraft introduced the next generation of its M600 single-engine turboprop on Wednesday. The M600 SLS—standing for safety, luxury, and support—will come equipped with Garmin’s newly announced Autoland system, which Piper says will make it “the first general aviation aircraft in the world to be certified with Autoland capability.” It also features Piper’s HALO Safety System, which includes autothrottle, Emergency Descent Mode, Enhanced Stability and Protection, Surface Watch, Safe Taxi and Flight Stream connectivity.
“The M600 SLS and its HALO Safety System with Autoland is the result of an unwavering commitment to safety as well as the desire to evolve our products based on market input,” said President and CEO Simon Caldecott. “The HALO System greatly enhances situational awareness and operational safety through the use of advanced technology and is one the most significant advancements in general aviation history. The team at Piper Aircraft is proud that we will be first to market with Garmin Autoland, which will ultimately help pave the way for others.”
The pressurized, six-seat M600 SLS is equipped with Garmin’s G3000 avionics suite and powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine. It has a top cruise speed of 274 knots, range of 1,658 NM and maximum approved altitude of 30,000 feet. According to Piper, certification of the M600 SLS is “imminent” and the company expects to begin deliveries this quarter. The aircraft is priced at around $2.994 million.
