Take a Piper Malibu Mirage, remove the piston engine, bolt on a turbine engine, and what do you get? A whole lot of awesome. Enter the JetPROP DLX a high-performance conversion that transforms your Mirage into a turboprop beast. It’s basically the aviation equivalent of turning a mild-mannered family sedan into a jet-powered race car.
What Is the JetPROP DLX?
The JetPROP DLX is a popular aftermarket conversion developed by JetPROP LLC, which replaces the Mirage’s Lycoming piston engine with a Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine.
There are different variants (DL, DLX), but DLX is the most powerful and popular.
Powerplant:
-
PT6A-35 or PT6A-21 engine
-
Horsepower: Up to 560 SHP (compared to the Mirage’s 350 HP piston engine)
-
Cruise Speed: Around 260 KTAS
-
Climb Rate: About 2,500 fpm
-
Range: Up to 1,500 NM, depending on payload and altitude
Turboprop Performance with Mirage DNA
The JetPROP DLX keeps the Malibu Mirage’s slick aerodynamics and pressurized luxury cabin—but replaces the maintenance-heavy piston engine with a turbine known for durability, efficiency, and, well, raw power.
-
Faster cruise speeds
-
Better climb performance
-
Jet-like reliability
-
Still flyable by a well-trained owner-pilot
Avionics: Customized Cockpit Candy
Most JetPROP conversions are equipped with upgraded avionics, usually centered around the Garmin G1000 or G500/GTN750 suite, depending on the owner’s taste (and wallet).
Features May Include:
-
Synthetic vision
-
Traffic and weather awareness
-
Autopilot with flight director
-
Engine instrumentation tailored for the turbine
Cabin Comfort: The Mirage Luxury Lives On
The cabin remains that of the Mirage spacious, pressurized, and designed for comfort.
-
Seating for 6 in a leather-clad, club configuration
-
Quiet and pressurized to 25,000 feet
-
Same beautiful windows, cabinetry, and cupholders (still essential!)
It’s a turbine on the outside, but still has that comfy Mirage soul on the inside.
Why Pilots Love the JetPROP DLX
-
Affordable entry into turboprop territory
-
High-performance alternative to buying a brand-new M600
-
Proven PT6 engine reliability
-
Customization flexibility
Fun Fact: It’s Not Factory, But It’s FAA-Approved
The JetPROP DLX is an STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) conversion, meaning it’s fully FAA-certified even if it’s not a Piper factory product.
The Piper Malibu Mirage JetPROP DLX is the plane you get when you want Mirage style with turboprop bite. It's a brilliant blend of speed, efficiency, and luxury that delivers jet-like performance without needing to rob a bank.
Whether you're a private pilot looking for serious range and power, or just want to show up at small airports and make Cessnas jealous, the JetPROP DLX is one unforgettable ride.