FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014
World’s fastest certified turboprop single is at AirVenture By James Wynbrandt
T
he TBM 900, the updated edition of Daher-Socata’s series of single-engine turboprops, is making its debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014, with two of the new aircraft on display here during the fly-in (Main Aircraft Display 387-392). “We want to share our passion for aviation with the AirVenture crowds in Oshkosh,” said Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher-Socata’s Airplane Business Unit. Introduced four months ago, the TBM 900 is the world’s fastest certified single-engine turboprop. The company says it already has almost 50 orders. Retaining the predecessor TBM 850’s airframe, engine (Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D), and avionics (Garmin G1000), the TBM 900’s enhancements include winglets, Hartzell’s new five-blade composite propeller, and a complete noseto-firewall redesign for improved engine airflow circulation. Inside, the interior is updated with newly designed seats, styling evoking an auto-racing ethos, and increased cockpit comfort. Capable of reaching its 31,000-foot ceiling within 19 minutes in standard conditions, the TBM 900’s top cruise speed is 330 KTAS at 28,000 feet/FL280. Fuel consumption has been reduced to 37 gph at economy cruise, extending its range to 1,730 nm. Standard price is just over $3.5 million; the Elite version is just north of $3.7 million. As of July 15, a total of 26 of the 48 TBM 900s ordered for this year have been
delivered, with uncommitted orders taking production into 2015. The majority of TBM 900 purchasers thus far have been current owners eager to upgrade to the new model, and TBM customer loyalty is also on display here at AirVenture. The company announced 50 privately owned TBMs are attending the fly-in, a record turnout at the event, drawn by what the company calls “the TBM 900 effect.” A campground called “TBM Town” has been set aside so owners can enjoy AirVenture camping camaraderie with fellow TBMers. Stephane Mayer, president and CEO of Daher-Socata, said the company’s presence here “comes at a time we want to further develop our presence in North America,” and that it is looking to purchase a U.S. aerospace company that would facilitate expansion of its aerospace supply business. A company spokesman said later no price range for such an acquisition has been set, but the target would likely have good supply contracts already in place. The company also introduced the recipients of its International Scholarship program, now in its eighth year. Winners Grace Huseth of Tucker, Georgia, and Michael Keck, from here in Oshkosh, served a six-week internship at the company’s facility in Tarbes, France. Attendees can see the TBM 900 in flight during the fly-by flight demonstrations here at the show.
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