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On Oct. 30, Piper Aircraft announced the next generation M Series aircraft, the M600 SLS.
The newest addition to the Piper family comes standard equipped with the new HALO Safety System – enhancing Safety, Luxury, and Support in the world’s first general aviation aircraft to be certified with Autoland capability.
Safety
The HALO Safety System is a compilation of innovative technologies unique to the M600 SLS and the Garmin G3000 avionics suite.
The system includes auto-throttle, Emergency Descent Mode, Enhanced Stability and Protection, Surface Watch, Safe Taxi, Flight Stream connectivity and more. However, of greatest significance is the addition of Garmin Autoland – digital technology that safely lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport in the event that the pilot is incapacitated.
The HALO system, once engaged either automatically or by a passenger, gains immediate situational awareness and assumes control of all systems necessary to bring you and your passengers safely to the best suited runway. During all phases of flight, it communicates with passengers and appropriate air traffic control facilities regarding the new flight plan route and estimated time until landing.
HALO continually monitors all aircraft system parameters and real-time external inputs as if the pilot were at the controls. It takes into account runway size and orientation, wind, time, fuel range, glide path and considers weather conditions and terrain en route to the nearest suitable runway. Once HALO has landed the aircraft, the braking system will activate and bring the aircraft to a full and complete stop. Finally, the engine will shut down and instructions will be provided on how to exit the aircraft.
At any time, a pilot can easily deactivate an Autoland activation. With a single press of the “AP” autopilot key on the autopilot controller or the autopilot disconnect button on the controls, an Autoland activation can be cancelled. The flight display shows a message that confirms Autoland has been deactivated and in the event of an accidental deactivation, the system shows passengers how to reactivate Autoland if needed.
Luxury
The M600 SLS raises the luxury bar with the addition of the EXP interior package as standard equipment. The interior package was designed with a focus on the personal travel experience and enables the customer to select from sophisticated interior colour palettes with custom materials, stitching patterns and contrasting threads. Veneer and trim finishes further enhance the sense of unmatched refinement. Additionally, thoughtfully designed interior options, like two-toned leather seats and Alcantara fabric have been added to elevate the passenger experience.
Support
Ownership of an M600 SLS is backed by an exclusive service program for the first five years of ownership. The Ultimate Care Program includes all scheduled maintenance, as well as hourly and calendar-based inspections.
“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 Piper 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 they will be first to market with Garmin Autoland, which will ultimately help pave the way for others.”
Added Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and CEO, in a related press release: “Today, aviation is forever changed as we introduce one of the industry’s most significant innovations – the first Autoland system for general aviation aircraft. The unveiling of Autoland demonstrates Garmin’s deep commitment to develop advanced technologies that enhance aviation safety and save lives.”
Federal Aviation Administration certification of the M600 SLS is imminent, with deliveries beginning this quarter through the global Piper Dealer network. The aircraft will be priced at US$2.994 million.
