The PA-46 Malibu Matrix, now known as the Piper M-Class, was the third best-selling single-engine piston pressurized cabin aircraft, Manufactured by PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC. whose production plant is located in Vero Beach, Florida. This aircraft first flew in November 1979 and was certified by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in 1982 and was in direct competition with Cessna’s P210 Centurion and Mooney Aircraft’s M-22 Mustang. Three variants of the PA-46 were built: Model PA46-310P Malibu with Continental TSIO-520BE engine (404 built). Model PA46-350P Malibu Mirage with the Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A engine and Model PA46-500TP Malibu Meridian with the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A turboprop engine.
Starting in 2015 Piper Aircraft, renamed these aircraft the new M-Class line, and today they are known as the Piper M350 with the Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A engine. and the Piper M500 and Piper M600 Turboprops both powered by Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engines. All these models are pressurized and have a Garmin 1000 glass cockpit and autopilot. Piper Aircraft, INC continues to develop this aircraft to directly compete with the Cirrus Vision Jet SF-50, Epic E1000, and Eclipse 550.
General Specifications: PIPER M-Class ( M350 / M500 / M600 )
- Power M350: 350 hp / M500: 500 hp / M600: 600 hp
- Max. Cruise M350: 213 Kt (395 km/h) / M500: 260 Kt (482 Km/h) / M600: 274 Kt (507 Km/h)
- Max. Operating Altitude M350: 25,000 ft (7,620 m) / M500 and M600: 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
- Max. Range M350: 1,343 nm (2,487 km) / M500: 1,000 nm (1,852 km) / M600: 1,484 nm
- Seating M350, M500 and M600: 6 seats
- Pressurization M350, M500 and M600: 5.6 psi (390 hPa)
Infographics courtesy of piper.com
