French manufacturer DAHER-SOCATA has introduced the TBM 900 single-engine turbo-prop (SETP) to its product range.
The official unveiling occured at the company' plant in Tarbes yesterday.
“Today, we are introducing a new aircraft to business aviation: the TBM 900, which benefits from the resources of DAHER and some USD 30 million of investment,” said Patrick Daher, Chairman and CEO of DAHER.
“DAHER is a true aircraft manufacturer with full capabilities to manage complex programs, from design and development to production, delivery and after-sales support.”
Stéphane Mayer, President and CEO of DAHER-SOCATA – the aerospace and defense arm of DAHER – said “the TBM 900 results from the company’s attention in listening to customers, and builds on the TBM 850’s success. This positions the company for its future in business aviation, as well as underscores the capabilities of the DAHER’s Aerospace & Defense activities."
Developed during a more than three-year program involving 160,000 research and development hours, along with 200 hours of flight testing, the TBM 900 has been certified and will be ready for deliveries beginning this month.
This latest in the TBM line of SETPs contains several improvements over its predecessor, the TBM 850, including:
- Winglets and a vertical tail fin strake
- Five-blade composite prop
- Redesign of engine air flow
- Revised cockpit layout
- Lower noise level and auto-pressurisation in the cabin.
The TBM 900’s top cruise speed is increased to 330 KTAS at FL280, and its maximum range is extended to 1730 nm with five adult passengers as a result of the fuel consumption reduction to 37 US GPH.
By using the available 850 shp engine power from take-off, the aircraft’s ground roll is reduced even in hot-and-high conditions while its improved climb rate enables the FL310 ceiling to be reached in 18 minutes and 45 seconds.