On March 12, DAHER-SOCATA revealed its new TBM 900 single-engine turboprop at a ceremony in Tarbes, France. (PDF) Including what was described as 26 modifications to its predecessor, the TBM 850, the recently certified TBM 900 has an announced max cruise speed of 330 knots at 28,000 feet. At a reduced power setting, it has a 1730 nm range with five adults in the cabin while burning 37 GPH-a reduction in fuel consumption from the TBM 850. Deliveries are to begin this month. The TBM 900 retains primary airframe commonality with the TBM 850, including the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D engine.
According to DAHER-SOCATA, the modifications and upgrades that resulted in the TBM 900 include the addition of winglets and a vertical tailfin strake, as well as a new tail cone; a five-blade composite propeller and redesigned spinner; a complete nose-to-firewall redesign for improved engine airflow circulation – including 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 and a completely revamped electrical system with 300-amp starter. DAHER-SOCATA reports that more than 660 TBM aircraft have been produced and delivered to date. Operated in 35 countries, the TBM fleet has logged a combined 1.1 million flight hours.
