Palm Springs, California, October 10, 2012 – DAHER-SOCATA’s Model Year 2012 TBM 850 Elite very fast turboprop aircraft will participate during this month’s Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Aviation Summit, being held October 11-13 in Palm Springs, California.
As general aviation’s leading trade show, this event will provide attendees an opportunity to learn more about the TBM 850, which offers a unique capability in tailoring the passenger cabin to meet operators’ needs.
Many AOPA members have heard about our latest TBM 850 version, and we are looking forward to showing them the features of this aircraft and responding to their questions,” said Nicolas Chabbert, President of SOCATA North America and Senior Vice President of the DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Division.
In further enhancing the TBM 850’s flexibility, DAHER-SOCATA has designed its middle seats to be oriented in a forward-facing position, while the rear seats are removable. In approximately 30 minutes, the TBM 850 Elite can be reconfigured in a four-seat cabin, increasing the luggage volume capacity by three and doubling the maximum luggage
weight.
The TBM 850 Elite’s primary technical changes are the new intermediate seats, whose base is narrower; along with 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.
The Aviation Summit is an annual activity of the AOPA, which represents the American general aviation community on behalf of more than 415,000 dues-paying pilots and aircraft owners. A growing audience is expected this year, with participation of celebrities such as actor and pilot Harrison Ford – who will be a keynote speaker.
The 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 282 aircraft delivered as of October 1, 2012. The combined TBM 700 and TBM 850 fleet now stands over 600 units worldwide and has exceeded 990,000 flight hours.
About DAHER
DAHER is a European integrated equipment and services supplier. An independent medium-sized 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 held a 2.5 billion euro backlog representing three years of 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 specialties.
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
