The TBM 850: Socata Upgrades, Aims At VLJs

0

Billing it as the “ultimate personal aircraft,” EADS Socata this month announced the newest member of its TBM family: the six-seat TBM 850 pressurized turbine single. Taking square aim at the coming VLJs, the company said its newest model builds on the success of the TBM 700 while offering owners and pilots a maximum cruise speed of 320 KTAS at FL260. Socata said in a press release, “This will give TBM 850 operators the advantage of the cruising speeds typical of light jets.” The TBM 850 is certified in Europe; FAA certification is expected “soon” and deliveries will begin early next year. Base price of the TBM 850 is $2,576,930; an upgraded version, equipped with typical options and equipped for RVSM lists for $2,799,850.

“The TBM 850 is the fruit of our close relationship with TBM customers. We listened to their requests to make the fastest aircraft in its class even faster, and the result is the TBM 850,” said EADS Socata Chairman and CEO Stphane Mayer. When compared to the TBM 700, the 850 has a 55-knot speed advantage at FL310, plus it can climb to FL260 in only 15 minutes, almost 25 percent faster than the TBM 700 C2. When compared to the coming crop of VLJs, Socata says an RVSM-compliant TBM 850 will be able to fly direct from Minneapolis to Miami, while most light jets will require a fuel stop. The TBM 850 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D, delivering a flat-rated 850 shp.

LEAVE A REPLY