- The latest version of DAHER-SOCATA’s fastest certified single-engine turboprop is now ready for delivery and upgrades
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA, July 24, 2012 – During a news briefing at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh today, DAHER-SOCATA announced certification of the new seating and cabin configuration on its latest fast turboprop aircraft version, the TBM 850 Elite.
The Model Year 2012 TBM 850 Elite offers a unique capability in tailoring the passenger cabin to meet operators’ needs. Its middle seats can be oriented in a forward-facing position, while the rear seats are removable. In approximately 30 minutes, the TBM 850 can be reconfigured in a four-seat cabin, increasing the luggage volume capacity by three and doubling the maximum luggage weight.
“AirVenture is the world’s largest aviation gathering, which certainly is the best place to make our TBM 850 certification announcement, which highlights the dynamism of our Airplane Division,” commented Stephane Mayer, President and CEO of DAHER-SOCATA. “This certification together with other 2012 improvements is a good illustration of the DAHER group’s commitment to innovation in serving its customers with the best in class, and state-of-the-art technology available.”
The TBM 850 Elite’s primary technical changes are the new intermediate seats, whose base is narrower; and a forward shift in positioning of the passenger oxygen system, which enables passengers to be assisted in both the cabin’s six- and four-seat configurations.
Customer delivery of DAHER-SOCATA’s initial TBM 850 Elite equipped with the new seats will start immediately, and this cabin enhancement is being applied to all previously-delivered Model Year 2012 TBM 850s.
Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Division, said the TBM 850 Elite’s certification results from months of hard work by the company’s engineering and airworthiness teams.
“This certification is the reward of many months of hard work for our engineering and airworthiness teams. It was a good preparation for our future challenges.” explained Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Division. “The additional good news for the 17 customers of the TBM 850 Model Year 2012 already delivered: they will soon receive a pair of new seats to upgrade their plane to the Elite standard – a unique feature that will allow the use of cargo space as needed to our very fast turboprop aircraft’s unique cost/performance ratio”.
In addition to the Elite configuration certification announced at EAA AirVenture, DAHER-SOCATA also announced at this world’s largest aviation gathering the introduction of the new carbon fiber edging for the TBM 850, along with the Garmin GSR 56 Iridium satellite transceiver – providing worldwide access to quality on-demand weather information and text/voice communications.
Moreover, in partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada, DAHER-SOCATA is offering a seven-year extended warranty for the TBM 850’s PT6A-66D turboprop engine to new customers, valid until the end of October. This offer comes with the TBM Exclusive Maintenance Program, which covers scheduled maintenance costs for the original retail customer through the aircraft’s fifth annual inspection, or up to 1,000 total flight hours – whichever comes first.
DAHER-SOCATA’s TBM 850 is the world’s fastest certified single-engine turboprop, with a maximum cruise speed of 320 KTAS at 26,000 ft. (in ISA conditions). As an 850-shp version of DAHER-SOCATA’s proven six-seat TBM 700 turboprop business aircraft, the TBM 850 combines cruise speeds and travel times typical of light jets with the economical direct operating costs of a turboprop, along with superior range and payload capacity.
Since its 2005 launch, the TBM 850 has become an international success – with more than 277 aircraft delivered as of July 15, 2012. The combined TBM 700 and TBM 850 fleet now stands over 600 units worldwide and has exceeded this spring 960,000 flight hours.
About DAHER
DAHER is a European integrated equipment and services supplier. Independent medium-size company DAHER develops its “industry & services” model in the aerospace, nuclear, defense and industry sectors, concentrating on three core activities: manufacturing, services and transport, which it builds into a global offer.
With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers.
Founded in 1863, DAHER is international with 7,500 men and women in 14 countries over the world. DAHER has a 1.1 billion-dollar annual turnover. As of December 31, 2011, it holds a 2.5 billion euros backlog representing 3 years turnover.
DAHER-SOCATA – which is the DAHER group’s aerospace activity – boasts a global and original offering which brings together its expertise as aircraft manufacturer, airframe supplier, industrial and logistics service provider. All are backed by advanced technological specialities.
DAHER-SOCATA’s expertise in these fields and the organization of their synergies enable them to provide manufacturers with specific offers in each segment of the aerospace market: commercial and military aircraft, regional aircraft, helicopters and business aircraft.
DAHER-SOCATA last year celebrated the 100th anniversary of continuous aircraft production, marking a legacy that began in 1911 with its predecessor company – Aeroplanes Morane-Saulnier.
For more information, visit www.daher.com
