DAHER-SOCATA rolls out its TBM aircraft SN 600

The very fast turboprop program exceeds its initial goal in total airplanes produced

Tarbes, France, October 20, 2011 – DAHER-SOCATA today rolled out its 600th series production TBM very fast turboprop aircraft – a TBM 850 version – from the company’s Tarbes, France production facility.

A ceremony at the DAHER-SOCATA factory in Tarbes, France gathered TBM-related teams around the milestone aircraft before its upcoming delivery to the aircraft’s owner, a private customer from northwestern U.S.

The TBM 700 was the first production pressurized single-engine aircraft to be certified in 1990, and after several evolutionary steps, the 300th TBM came off the assembly line in June 2004. In 2006, the program experienced a ramp-up in 2006 with TBM 850 — equipped with an 850-hp. engine, which today remains the world fastest single-engine aircraft with a maximum cruise speed of 320 KTAS (593 km./hr.) at 26,000 ft. (7,940 meters).

“With the roll-out of TBM no. 600, we celebrate the success of this program, which initially targeted building just 600,” stated Stéphane Mayer, President and CEO of DAHER-SOCATA. “While this goal has now been achieved, we’re not stopping here, as the TBM represents a key product and an important asset for the DAHER Group.”

Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice-President of DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Division and president of SOCATA North America, added that the global TBM fleet – composed of the TBM 850 and TBM 700 versions – has now accumulated nearly 900,000 flight hours, which is a particularly proud milestone for the company.

The TBM family’s success can be explained by its designed-in cost/performance ratio, as well the commitment and passion of DAHER-SOCATA’s employee teams to providing high-quality aircraft,” Chabbert said.

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 tripled in size over six years and now exceeds one billion-dollar annual turnover. Its backlog represented 3 years turnover as of December 31, 2010.

DAHER-SOCATA, DAHER group’s aerospace activities, 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.

This offer is supported and tier-1 equipment manufacturers, with established expertise in four complementary activities presenting a wealth of synergies: aircraft manufacturing, aerostructures, services and technology specialties.
In 2011, DAHER-SOCATA is celebrating the 100th anniversary of continuous aircraft production, marking a legacy that began in 1911 with its predecessor company – Aeroplanes Morane-Saulnier.

TBM Program Milestones

1988: First flight of the TBM 700 prototype,

1990: Certification and first customer delivery of the TBM 700, world’s first civilian pressurized turboprop certified

1991: TBM 700 ordered by the French Air Force for liaison duties, 20 aircraft are purchased

1992: A TBM 700 is selected as the shuttle for the International Olympics Committee at the Courchevel Mountain airport during Winter Olympics Games

1993: “Around the world in less than 80 hours” by a TBM 700 – With the crew of Jacques Lemaigre du Breuil, Nicolas Gorodiche and Olivier Waisblat

1994: Lindbergh Trophy, New York – Paris direct flight in a TBM 700 in 10 hr 54 min 41 seconds pilot: J. Lemaigre du Breuil

French Army Aviation (ALAT) orders 5 TBM 700

TBM 700 is the first single-engine turboprop approved for Public Transport in Canada