The Piper M700 Fury, certified in 2024, is the latest addition to the Piper M-Class family. This single-engine turboprop aircraft boasts a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engine, delivering 700 shaft horsepower and achieving a maximum cruise speed of 301 knots. However, when compared to other propeller planes like the twin-turboprop Saab 2000 with a maximum cruise speed of 370 knots, questions arise about its standing as the fastest single-engine propeller plane.
The M700 seats six people, including a crew member, and offers customization options for both exterior paint and cabin interiors. “Piper even offers custom embroidery,” enhancing its appeal to private aviation customers seeking personalized features.
In terms of performance specifications, the M700’s range is advertised at 1,149 nautical miles but can extend up to 1,852 nautical miles at max cruise according to Flying Mag. The aircraft is primarily constructed from aluminum.
Several historical propeller planes have set high benchmarks for speed. The McDonnell XF-88B reached speeds of 600 knots but was an experimental fighter featuring multiple engines. The Tupolev Tu-95, still in use today as a strategic bomber since its first flight in 1952, uses four Kuznetsov NK-12 engines with contra-rotating propellers that reach supersonic tip speeds.
For civilian aircraft comparison, the Pilatus PC-21 holds the title of fastest single-engine civilian propeller aircraft with a max cruise of 370 knots. However, it has limited seating and requires flight gear. Another contender is the Daher-SOCATA TBM 900 with a maximum cruise speed of 330 knots and powered by an engine rated at 850 horsepower. Despite being faster than the M700 in speed, it falls short in range.
Further research highlights the EPIC E1000 GX as another fast option in this category with a max cruise speed of 333 knots but less range than both the TBM 900 and M700.
When comparing these three aircraft—M700, TBM 900, and E1000 GX—the M700 excels in airstrip performance and maneuverability due to its lighter weight. It also features newer avionics and an emergency auto-land system similar to later TBM models but absent in the E1000 GX.
Overall, while the M700 may not be the fastest among its peers in pure speed metrics, it offers advantages such as range and customization options that could appeal to private aviation customers looking for comfort alongside performance.
