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DAHER-SOCATA showcases its TBM 900
10/17/2014
| by Daher Socata
© Daher Socata |
DAHER-SOCATA will showcase its TBM 900 – the world’s newest and fastest certified singleengine turboprop aircraft – at next week’s National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention and Exhibition held from October 21 to 24, in Orlando, Florida.
Based on the airframe and engine of DAHER-SOCATA’s TBM 850, the TBM 900 is enhanced with aerodynamic optimizations, including the addition of winglets and Hartzell’s new five-blade composite propeller; as well as a complete nose-to-firewall redesign for improved engine airflow circulation; and an enhanced human-machine interface in the cockpit.
The TBM 900’s top cruise speed is 330 KTAS at 28,000 ft., and its maximum range is extended to 1,730 naut. mi. – the result of a fuel consumption reduction to 37 U.S. gallons per hour at economy cruise. Takeoff and climb performance of the TBM 900 enables its 31,000-ft. ceiling to be reached in 18 minutes, 45 seconds in ISA conditions.
Since its official unveiling seven months ago, the TBM 900 has attracted significant attention among pilots, owners and operators. As of October 15, 35 aircraft have been delivered to their customers out of 50 ordered for delivery this year. Purchase intentions already have been registered for 2015.
“Bringing our TBM 900 to an NBAA exhibition for the first time will demonstrate to pilots and heads of corporate flight operations that the aircraft is the right solution for their domestic transportation needs,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of DAHER-SOCATA’s Airplane Business Unit. “The TBM 900’s improvements in terms of performance, eco-efficiency and comfort respond to the expectations of business aircraft operators who are looking for a flexible, cost efficient transportation solution.”
Summary of improvements for the TBM 900
• Aerodynamic optimization through the addition of winglets and a vertical tailfin strake, as well as a new tail cone;
• Hartzell’s new five-blade composite propeller;
• A complete nose-to-firewall redesign for improved engine airflow circulation – featuring a banana-shaped air intake, carbon-fiber cowlings and new exhaust stacks;
• Enhanced human-machine interface features, ranging from an ergonomic control yoke with new functions to the restyled cockpit panel for increased visibility and interaction with secondary system controls;
• A revised cockpit center pedestal that incorporates a single-control throttle operation, associated with a new torque limiter that enables the use of 850 hp. engine power at takeoff;
• A completely revamped electrical system with 300-amp starter generator that allows new avionics and electronic devices to be incorporated on the aircraft. Its new electric core enables a semiautomatic start-up, while the next-generation 100-amp stand-by alternator provides electrical input in case of power supply loss;
• Increased passenger comfort, benefitting from lower cabin noise levels, an automated pressurization system and new-design seats.
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Daher Socata
