The intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) application of the TBM very fast turboprop is now ready to be marketed by DAHER-SOCATA.
- TBM Multi-Mission Aircraft
Tarbes, France, 30 August 2010 – DAHER-SOCATA today announced that the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) version of its multi-mission TBM very fast turboprop aircraft has received a Major Change
Approval (MCA) from the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA).
This MCA is applicable to all TBM 700 and 850 models, and will enable DAHER-SOCATA to present the ISR version of its TBM-MMA demonstrator to potential customers – which include governmental organizations, military services, civilian agencies and contract operators.
DAHER-SOCATA’s TBM-MMA demonstrator is a TBM 700B that has been outfitted for its multi-mission aircraft (MMA) role with the Thales AGILE 2 gyro-stabilized multi-sensor turret. Located under the aircraft’s aft fuselage, this electrically-driven turret is fully-retractable, and accommodates up to four latest-generation sensors – including infrared and electro-optical systems, along with a laser rangefinder and a laser designator to mark targets.
"The EASA’s Major Change Approval is the result of a multi-year development program, which has evolved a highly affordable airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform for both security and governmental operators,” said Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice-President of the DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Division. “It brings together the proven Thales Agile 2 multi-sensor system – which already is in operation on several airborne and naval platforms worldwide, with the TBM very fast turboprop – a proven aircraft which has logged more than 780,000 flight hours in a global fleet of some 523 TBM 850s and TBM 700s. In addition to the TBM’s demonstrated performance, it has an excellence maintenance record, especially in service with the French armed forces.”
Control of the TBM MMA’s retractable turret is performed from a “plug-and-play” operator’s console inside the cabin. A joystick is provided for the operator, and the console is configured to display imagery from the turret, as well as handle signal processing. A long-duration digital recording function also is available.
The console is designed for installation on all TBM models, enabling both the TBM 700 and TBM 850 to perform observation, detection and data-gathering missions. Easily installed on existing cabin floor hard points, this console
replaces the TBM’s existing right intermediate seat. The installation weight is approximately 290 lbs. (131 kg.), enabling an equipped TBM 850 MMA to carry a full fuel payload of 730 lbs. (330 kg.). With a removal time of 30 minutes, the TBM MMA can be quickly reconfigured to a passenger transport configuration.
DAHER-SOCATA TBM aircraft are available through the company’s existing direct sales and distribution network, and are supported by its extensive worldwide network of service centers. The latest TBM 850 version, launched in 2005, has become an international success – with more than 220 aircraft sold, and 199 delivered to date to customers around the world.
As the world’s fastest single engine turboprop, the TBM 850 has a maximum cruise speed of 320 KTAS at 26,000 ft. (in ISA conditions). The TBM 850 is an 850-shp version of SOCATA’s proven six-seat TBM 700 turboprop business aircraft, and it combines the cruising speed and travel times typical of light jets with economical direct operating costs, while offering the range and excellent payload capacity of turboprop aircraft.
About DAHER - www.daher.com
DAHER is a European integrated equipment and services supplier.
DAHER specialises in the aerospace, nuclear, defence and industry sectors, concentrating on three core activities: manufacturing, services and transport, which it builds into a global offer.
Founded in 1863, DAHER is an independent, international group with installations in 12 countries. DAHER has tripled in size over six years to reach an annual turnover of 740 million Euros in 2009.
DAHER-SOCATA, DAHER group’s aeronautics division, boasts a global and original offering to serve airframe manufacturers and tier-1 equipment manufacturers, with established expertise in four complementary activities presenting a wealth of synergies: aircraft manufacture, aerostructures, technology services and specialties.
