The very fast turboprop aircraft made its first public appearance in Morocco
Marrakech, Morocco, February 1, 2010 – DAHER-SOCATA has brought the TBM 850 Very Fast Turboprop business aircraft for its public debut in Morocco with the company’s participation at Aeroexpo Marrakech, held last week at Marrakech-Menara Airport.
The trade event showcased Morocco’s role as a dynamic country in North Africa, where economic development and a growing tourism base has created the need for small, fast and highly efficient business aircraft.
DAHER-SOCATA’s TBM 850 responds to these air transport requirements, offering a range of 1,410 naut. mi. at maximum cruising speed with six persons on board, linking Marrakech to such cities such as Paris, Geneva or Tunis without the need for a stopover.
As a highly versatile aircraft, the TBM 850 also serves as a multi-mission platform, with its capability to be easily adapted for air ambulance service and outfitted for surveillance duties in government operations.
Approximately 10 DAHER-SOCATA aircraft currently are in service in Morocco. This includes the TB 20 Trinidad fleet operated by flag carrier Royal Air Maroc for ab-initio pilot training, and the Moroccan Royal Military Police’s TB 21 Trinidad GT, which is flown for surveillance tasks.
“In Northern Africa, the TBM 850 is an ideal aircraft for companies that require direct liaison flights for their executives or technicians to sites in remote areas, as well as to European countries,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Division. “The TBM 850’s excellent quality-price ratio and low operating costs, along with the support of a comprehensive global service center network, are key points for Northern African customers.”
Chabbert said another operational plus for the TBM 850 is its ability to operate from airports with minimal infrastructure.
The TBM 850 is the world’s fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the current model – and the ability to land at small airports are some of its customers’ favorite features.
